1. The
Wedding
Story
Your guide to the
perfect fairy tale
wedding locally.
S
uccess or otherwise on
your special day is largely
dependant upon the
time,planning and preparation
you do. You will find out for
yourself after you have read
this month’s eight page wedding
guide that preparation needs
to start early, in most cases
eighteen months before the big
day.
We have included some useful
hints and tips to help and guide
you through the things you need
think about and help ensure
your special day is a joyous
celebration.
We have brought together local
specialists to help and advise
you whether it be jewellery,
photo’s or wedding cake.
We hope you enjoy reading
our wedding guide and find it
helpful in preparation for your
big day.
Page 1 Local
Answer
3. Wedding Budget Checklist
Use the below checklist to help to keep you wedding on budget.
Item/Supplier Done Budget Actual Spend
Amount (£) (£)
Wedding Venue
Reception Venue
First nights accommodation
Photography & Videographer
Wedding dress
Accessories
Stationery
Flowers
Cake
Catering
Drinks
Hair and Beauty
Bridesmaid outfits
Groom & Groomsmen’s outfits
Car Hire
Rings
Honeymoon
Find
Table decorations
Lingerie
Entertainment
Thank You presents
TOTAL YOUr cOlOUrocal
L Answer
ExplOrE OUr wEalth Of charms
51 - 53 High Street, Yarm, Yorkshire, TS15 9BH, 01642 788088
24 High Street, Stokesley, Yorkshire, TS9 5AB, 01642 713730
Page 3 Local Answer
4. Tips On Ordering Your Wedding Stationery
When to order
As a guide, we would recommend that orders for Invitations & RSVP cards are
placed at least five to six months before your wedding date for sending out three to
four months before your wedding. Save-The-Date cards can be ordered as
early as you want.
Once your guests have replied to your
invitations, you can then work out your seating
plan. Your Reception venue will tell you how
many tables you will have and where they will
be placed. We can then start working on your
table plan.
If you require a full set of wedding stationery we
recommend that you order all of your stationery
at once, (with an estimated numbers if exact
quantities are not known at that stage) to ensure
continuity of your design.
How many to order
Allow one Invitation per family/couple (and you may wish to order a few extra for any
changes made when writing them out or any extra guests you may decide to ask at a
later date).
Allow one Order of Service per couple (and you may wish to order a few extra for
evening guests who may also wish to attend the ceremony). The details within your
Order of Service will need to be agreed with your Church/Venue before
you submit them to your stationer.
How to word invitations
& what to include
Invitations always go out from the hosts,
which is normally the brides’ parents. They
are generally written in the third person (i.e.
Mr & Mrs Jones). The time and date should
be written first, the venue last. Use the titles
of your guest’s names (i.e. Mrs, Dr etc). The
wording “request the honour of your presence”
is the most normal for religious ceremonies,
and “request the pleasure of your company” is
the most normal for non-religious ceremonies/
location. The brides name should appear before
the groom.
You may also wish to consider including maps/
travel information, accommodation details,
wedding gift list/wishing well poem, any dress
requirements (i.e. black tie), and/or reception
finish times within your invitations.
Local Answer Page 4
6. Wedding Planning Countdown
12 to 18 Months before
•Announce your engagement to family and friends!
•Discuss the kind of day and ceremony you would like (Church or Civil)
•Set your budget
•Arrange meeting with minister/priest OR book registrar to set your date
•Visit reception venues and book
•Choose your bridesmaids and groomsmen
•Draft your guest list
•Book a photographer
•Start looking for the dress, make appointments with bridal boutiques
9 Months before
•Order your fabulous wedding dress
•Find your wedding stationer and discuss your requirements
•Finalise the guest list and send out Save The Date cards
•Book your florist
•Order your cake
•Book your caterer, hire tables and chairs, DJ/band (if not provided by venue)
6 Months before
•Order your wedding invitations and other wedding stationery
•Meet with hairdresser and make-up artist
•Go shopping for bridesmaids dresses
•Organise grooms and groomsmen’s suits
•Book wedding cars
•Go for wedding dress fitting
•Order wedding rings
•Book your honeymoon (ensure your passports are valid & have inoculations)
•Order your table decorations
•Discuss and agree menu options with caterer/venue
3 to 4 Months before
•Send out wedding invitations, including gift list and directions to church/venue
•Buy wedding lingerie
•Discuss the service and bands with minister/priest/registrar (hymns & readings)
•Choose the music for your ceremony and reception
2 Months before
•Reconfirm bookings with all suppliers
•Buy ‘thank you’ presents for bridal party
•Visit hairdresser and make-up artist for hair and veil, and make-up trials
•Prepare official documents for changing your name
1 Month before
•Confirm the order of service with minister/priest & pass to your wedding stationer
•Arrange your seating plan and place setting cards with your wedding stationer
•Have final dress fitting with whole outfit
•Write speeches
•Confirm that groom and groomsmen’s suits are ready
•Enjoy hen and stag nights!
Local Answer Page 6
7. Innovative and inspirational florists
As a leading orist in the north east, Sandra
listens, understands, then crafts the most
beautiful arrangements to re ect your designs
and colours and personality,to ensure perfection
in owers for your wedding day.
'share love.....share flowers'
27 High Street, Yarm.
Tel 01642 786100 www.sandrarose.co.uk
Page 7 Local Answer
8. Wedding Planning Countdown
2 Weeks before
•Break in your wedding shoes
•Collect wedding rings
•Buy honeymoon currency
•Agree ‘must take’ shots with your photographer
1 Week before
•Bring your wedding dress home
•Pack for your honeymoon and confirm travel arrangements
•Confirm final guest count and meal requirements with caterer/venue
•Reconfirm details with all suppliers and venue
•Speak with bridal party to make sure everyone knows what they are doing
•Have a spray tan
•Attend wedding rehearsal
The day before
•Send a note/gift to be delivered to your bride tomorrow
•Help to decorate venue (if necessary)
•Have someone take your luggage to the hotel
•Have a manicure and pedicure
•Have a relaxing evening and early night
On the big day
•Enjoy and have a fantastic day!
Simon White Photography
Wedding & Special Occasion Photography
Your special day goes by so fast you need someone to capture every laugh, tear and moment of joy.
A picture speaks a thousand words and you will have a lifetime of memories to remember your day.
W F
I can shoot any style you wish from traditional pictures to candid shots and contemporary styles.
ed ro
di m
Please don't hesitate to contact me and I can help tailor a package to suit your needs.
ng £
Pa 495
Mobile: 07896 416122 Land line: 01642 308416
ck
www.simonwhitephotography.co.uk
ag
es
Local Answer Page 8
