Getting Married The Big List

Below is a list of everything you need to be thinking about when planning your wedding. It's easy to forget some things so we have ordered the list in such a way that you can start from then top and plan as you go along.

Getting Engaged


Congratulations, you're now engaged!! The big day plans start right here. The next step is setting the date.

Setting the Date

This may not be as easy as it sounds. Things you must consider include: Unpredictable weather, Venue availablity and Guest availability.

Insurance?!?

Although we all hope our wedding goes off without a hitch, it's better to be prepared in case somthing does go wrong. Wedding insurence will cover almost all eventualitys however, it will usually only cover those things booked AFTER the policy is taken out! So if you are getting insurence it's better to do it sooner than later.

Wedding Theme

This may sound like a minor decision, but a lot of other decisions will be based on your theme. You and your partner may have had certain traditional backgrounds. The theme shoud reflect you both personally.

Colour Scheme

Your colour scheme for your wedding day, from bridesmaids to flowers, balloons etc. will be based on your theme. It may reflect the time of year your wedding is set, i.e. bright colours for spring/summer and deeper colours for autum/winter. You may have a favourite coulour you would like to encorparate.

The Service

Do you wish to have a religous ceremony or not? This will be a key decision. Next is where the service will be held and what readings, music or hymns you would like depending or the type of wedding you have chosen. These may include church, registry office, synagogue, temples, mosque or any other venues which are licenced to hold marrage ceremonys, and there are plenty in Northern Ireland.

The Reception

This applies to your venue, the meal, cake cutting, speaches and evening party! So, you need to consider your menu, the seating plan, accommodation for your guests, last orders! and will have to be co-ordiated with things such as your music and entertainment.

Entertainment

Ypur entertainment may include musicians, live music or a disco/DJ for the reception and even fireworks displays. There are huge possibilitys in this area, it just comes down to what you want.

Flowers & Decorations

You may like to add flowers to enhance the theme and colour scheme. These may be flowers for the service and the reception venues. This may include displays, buttonholes and don't forget the bouquet! Balloons, ice scupltures, banners etc. could be used to enhance your wedding venue.

The Dress

To most brides this is the key to there wedding, the BIG one! You will have to consider design, colour, materials and accessories. The dress should reflect you and set the tone for your big day. A decision NOT to be taken lightly!

Hair and Beauty

You will want to decide how your makeup should be done and your chosen hair style should reflect your gown. You may want to organise a trial for your hair and makeup to help you decide. The groom and the best man will also need to consider their styles for the day.

Bridesmaids Outfits

The bridesmaids dresses will need to be fitted to accomodate variations in size and age. Most will complement your theme but should never out-shine the bride!

Groom & Groomsmen's Outfits

The Groom, best man, flatterers of the bride and groom, ushers & pageboys will have to be suited. They are most likely to hire their formal outfits which should complement the bride and bridesmaids.

Photography & Video

The memories of the day. May it be moving pictures or beautifull stills, you must consider these carefully. Styles, packages, price and image will vary.

Transport

These may be streatch limousines, executive chauffer driven cars, classic cars, or horse drawn carridges. There is a wide variety to choose from.

Stationery

Invitations, order of service, place cards, menus, thank you cards etc. will have to be ordered and proofed. Consistant styles and themes are usually placed accross all of your stationary.

The Cake

Your wedding cake design, is only limited by your imagination. Most proffesional cake makers, have highly modern equipment an should be able to bring you the cake of your dream, May that be an elaborate design, or the traditional three tier cake.

Guests

With a lot of couples now choosing to have engagement parties, there are three different guest plans you may need to consider.

1. Engagement Party guest list.

2. Service and reception guest list

3. Evening reception guest list.

These will all affect your wedding budget, (and the amount of presents you may recieve).

Gifts

You will have to sort gifts for the yourselves. then there are the gifts for the wedding party, as a thankyou for their help, and possibly the bride and groom's parents.

Stag and Hen Nights

For the stag and hen parties, there are loads of ideas and specialist companies, who will help you plan your event, and not just a drinkng match.

This is normally left to the Best man and Chief brides maid, but remember to put in your input, as it is after all, you party.

The Honeymoon

With a world of holiday brochure to brouse through, you can choose form a night in a local hotel, to a cruise around the world.

Remember to leave plenty of time to get there, especially, if you intend to travel by plane or boat.

Weddings Abroad

If the venue you choose has a wedding co-ordinator, we suggest you use them to your advantage, as they will have a wealth of local knowedge, and will know where to source the things that you will nedd for your big day.

Lots to Consider

As you can see, there are lots that you will have to consider for your big day. And there is lots of suppliers, and specialists listed here, for your help!

There is also our forum, where you can discuss and exchange ideas with suppliers and like minded brides and grooms.

We hope you enjoy our site...