Wedding Planner Countdown
T-2 MONTHS
G: Send out wedding invitations. A Facebook event invite will not suffice. Remember to include maps, directions, chosen local hotels/B+Bs to the ceremony and reception.
BM: Sort out the Stag-do t-shirts. Book them early to get the best price. Make any final arrangements for the stag-do.
T-1 MONTH
G: Buy presents for the best man and ushers, bridesmaids and parents. DO NOT FORGET TO BUY THE BRIDE A GIFT. It sounds crazy but it’s tradition and you’ll get skinned if you forget. Make it something saucy for the honeymoon and it works for both of you.
BM: If you haven’t had the stag-do yet, now’s the time. The next fortnight is going to be manic. Be extra smooth and book the groom something to help him recover. Even if it’s just a pack of Rennie wrapped in a bow. Use the stag-do as a chance to get stories about the groom off all the people who know him.
BM: Follow up the stag-do by circulating any good pictures through the email list or Facebook group. The aim is to keep people in touch so they remember each other again by the wedding.
FoB, BM, G: Write wedding speeches.
G: Chase any late RSVPs and think about the seating plan. Once done, advise caterers or the reception venue of final numbers.
T-2 WEEKS
BM: Distribute order of service sheets to the minister and ushers.
BM: Organise a contact list for the wedding with all the numbers you’ll need (ushers, reception, vicar and so on). That way you can sort out any issues on the day.
G: Finalise seating plan and write placecards.
T-1 WEEKS
G, BM, FOTB: Get yourselves shipshape. Have haircuts, get a back, sack and crack wax and attack the mono-brow with tweezers. WARNING: Don’t do anything drastic without letting her know you’re going for a Mr T.
G: Pack for your honeymoon if you’re setting off straight after the wedding.
BM: Pick up any hired outfits.
FoB, BM, G: Wear in your wedding shoes so you don’t end the day with corns. Some dress shoes have polished soles, which do not go well with stone church floors. Get a cobbler to set a strip of rubber on the sole if you’re worried about it affecting your dance moves.
T-1 DAY
BM: Check all is in order with the suits. Offer to return them for the groom and ushers – he’s going to have enough on his mind and it’s another thing off his to do list.
G: Give the best man a list of duties for the day, plus cash to pay suppliers and the rings.
BM: DON’T lose the rings. DON’T even pretend to lose the rings.
G, BM, FOTD: Get a good night’s sleep. Or at least intend to.
WEDDING DAY
BM: Check the reception venue as early as possible to make sure there are no disasters.
BM, G, FOTB: Eat breakfast, and beware early boozing.
G: Say ‘I do’ and ‘I will’ in all the right places.
G, BM, FOTB: Stand up. Give Speeches. Enjoy applause.
G, BM, FOTB: Relax. You’ve earned it.
Any problems? Things we’ve missed? Let us know all about it on the forum.
