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Roses
and Garters Check List and Top Tips....
For your special day you’ve always dreamed of, we
are here to assist you every step of the way. To help you find the perfect suppliers and make your day run smoothly.
With so much to do
you don't want to get in a wedding daze.
Don’t
leave it to someone else, tick your to do list!!
Choose
a date...
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If you are booking a date
in the summer, make sure you send out a "save the date" card. For a
few pounds, you can make sure that all the important guests will be
available. |
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Set your budget - make
sure that this is YOUR budget, what you can afford to make your day special.
Make sure that you stick to it and if you see that you are overspending on
one part, try and cut back somewhere else - don't keep spending! |
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Set your number of guests
- each guest could cost up to £30 per head with arrival drinks, wedding
breakfast, favour, etc. So when your mum wants to add another couple,
make sure that you budget properly for them. |
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Book a wedding planner to assist
you with sourcing suppliers - some, like Roses and Garters, offer a free
service to help you find suppliers that can meet your budget. |
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Book your venue - it is always better to set your budget before you do this
as you can prepare a shortlist of places you can afford and which can meet
all your requirements.
Have a viewing of the venue and make sure you know what is included in the
package price, what is extra and how your day will run - make sure you know
about the service charge and the VAT! Ask your venue about the
flowers, as some only include the top table display and that is with their
hotel florist. If you are choosing a florist of your own, make sure
you request an allowance against the package price for the displays you will
not be having. Also ask whether the hotel arranges evening entertainment, or
if there is a charge if you book someone yourself - some venues will make a
service charge. |
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Decide on your ceremony, meet
the celebrant and book
your date with them - this is your day so you
should choose your venue, hymns and readings very carefully.
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Book your photographer /
videographer. It is important to have an "engagement"
shoot so that you are aware of the way the photographer works. Have a
look at their work and make sure that you LIKE them! They are very
important to your day. Wedding photographers get booked up early, make sure
they can do the date you need.
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Choose bridesmaids /
bestman
/ any other attendants. Make them aware of the date and anything you
would like
assistance with.
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Arrange wedding insurance - this is vital to safeguard
your deposits / final payments. We can recommend insurance companies to
you.
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Six months
to go...
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Order Bridal
gown and any Bridesmaids outfits and accessories.
Make sure you have a material swatch of the wedding colour to match
stationery, flowers, accessories, etc.
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Arrange hairdresser / make up artist. Most will offer
you a trial, to see how you would like to look on your day. If you are
having fresh flowers in your hair, please make sure you ask the hairdresser
how long she needs the stem, as she will have to entwine it into your hair.
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Book your flowers. The florist
will also guide you on designs for your bouquet dependent on your dress
design. You do not want to hide your fairytale dress behind a large
display! The florist will also work closely with your venue to make your
day complete and don't forget how heavy your bouquet will be, make sure there
is someone around to take it off you when necessary
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Order invitations / Stationery. Stationery should match from invitations, to place cards,
order of service and thank you cards. Your stationery says a lot about
you and your day, so make sure you choose wisely. You can obtain samples
from suppliers, so you have the chance to decide without being rushed.
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Book the honeymoon - or let your
partner do it as a surprise!! Make sure you are aware of any jabs you
need and/or visas. Talk to your travel agent about your change of name
and take their advice regarding your passport and/or visa.
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Choose your music
and hymns. You need to discuss your
requirements for entry and exit music with the celebrant. Don't
forget to think about your first dance of the evening!!
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Order your wedding cake. It
is traditional to have three tiers, keeping the top for the christening cake
of your first child. Most brides are opting to have a mixture of fruit,
sponge and/or chocolate cakes for their day. You can also choose sugar
flowers for the top which can be kept forever as a memento of your big day.
Alternatively, your florist can do an arrangement or you can purchase a cake
top.
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Arrange your transport. There are lots of different
ways to get you there, including cars, horse drawn carriages or even a fire
engine! Make sure you know what the price includes, is there any extra
charge for photographs, waiting time or a return trip.
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Three
months to go...
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Send wedding / evening invitations
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Order Grooms / Bestmans / Ushers outfits
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Arrange gift list
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Buy your rings
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Finalise menus and wine selections
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Organise Hen / Stag Parties
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One month
to go...
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Choose thank you gifts for family and attendants
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Dress rehearsal for ceremony
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Dress and Outfits fittings
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Arrange seating plans
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Dress rehearsal for hair and make-up
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Check travel documents and arrangements
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Prepare speeches
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Have
a final meeting with the venue to go through your big day
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Finalise arrangements with florist
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A few days to go...
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Collect your wedding cake and deliver it to your venue
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Collect your wedding outfits and arrange for them top be taken back (if hired)
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Deliver your table plans, favours and place cards to the venue
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Finally
relax and enjoy your big day !!
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