All weddings, formal or informal, big or small, need some planning and the more effort you put into organising the more likely you are to be free from worry, strain and pressure on this, the most special of days. We have put together a basic guide to help you remember the essential things that have to be done.Follow it and you're sure to look back on your wedding with total ple

All weddings, formal or informal, big or small, need some planning and the more effort you put into organising the more likely you are to be free from worry, strain and pressure on this, the most special of days. We have put together a basic guide to help you remember the essential things that have to be done.Follow it and you're sure to look back on your wedding with total pleasure.

Six months to a Year before

Choose the date, place and time. See the priest to confirm date.

Discuss the wedding budget and type of wedding, number of guests and kind of reception.

Decide on the place for the reception.

Order your wedding cake or organise making your own.

Order the wedding cars or make firm arrangements to borrow cars from family or friends.

Choose and book a photographer/videographer.

Choose and book a florist.

Choose your wedding dress

Choose and order the dresses, costumes or fabrics and accessories for the bridesmaids

Discuss your wedding music-together first and then with the priest and make an appointment to see the organist.

Decide where to go for your honeymoon and make reservations.

Order your wedding invitations

Book a marriage preparation course .

Three to six months Before

Discuss the Order of Service with the priest and order the printed service sheets, one for each guest

Order wedding stationery-place cards, cake boxes and table napkins.

Order special favours such as wedding crackers not included in the wedding stationery order.

Discuss and arrange any signs or extra parking facilities at the church or reception. Inform the policy if necessary.

Choose your wedding-ring or rings if you are both going to wear them.

Find out about inoculations that you both might need if you are going on honeymoon abroad and arrange to have them. Arrange visas also if necessary.

Organise new passport in married name; you can obtain the relevant forms from your nearest main Post Office, or check that both your existing passports are in order.

If necessary, shop for honeymoon or going away clothes. Buy, or decide upon, the shoes you will wear with your wedding dress,

Six weeks beforehand

Finalise your guest list and send out the invitations. As replies come in make sure you tick off acceptances and refusals on your guest check list.

As soon as you receive wedding presents write thank-you letters. Keep a record of who gives you what. You can keep the gift cards which accompany the presents, both as a momento of the occasion and as a useful reference file of gifts received with the givers.

Supply the florist with details of the colour scheme of the wedding, and agree the choice of flowers. Order buttonholes for the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom, after checking to see what they will be wearing.

Choose and order the presents for the bridesmaids, other attendants and the best man.

Check that all certificates, etc. are in order for the ceremony.

One Month Before

Have final fitting for wedding dress (wearing the shoes you will wear on the day), and check bridesmaids clothes.

Check that the groom and best man have organised their clothes, the ring, honeymoon clothes, passport.

Arrange seating details at the reception.

Visit hairdresser with veil and/or headdress and discuss ideas for hair for the day. Try the style at least once beforehand. Book an appointment for the wedding day or arrange for the hairdresser to come to you.

Go for a make-up lesson, it will give you extra confidence.

See the priest and agree a date for the wedding rehearsal.

Two Weeks before

Confirm the numbers to the caterer as soon as you can.

Make a final check on photographs, the catering, cars, flowers, confirming with the florist where to deliver the flowers on the day.

Try on your wedding dress with all the accessories, headdress, veil, shoes and underwear, that you will wear on the day.

Organise your honeymoon clothes and put them aside ready to pack. Remember cameras, film, sun oils etc.

Obtain travellers' cheques and cash.

See that the place cards and all other table setting including correct linen, are in order.

One Week before

Give the final numbers to your caterer.

Wrap all the gifts for attendants.

Pack honeymoon luggage and check honeymoon arrangements, such as tickets. Give them to the best man.

Have wedding rehearsal.

Ensure that the bride's mother or some appropriate person is responsible for taking home the bride's dress and accessories after the wedding. The best man should take charge of the groom's clothes and, if they are hired, return them.

The Day Before

Assemble cake.

Pack going away clothes and have suitcase delivered to the hotel

Have manicure, have an early night.

On The Day

Sleep late, have a leisurely bath and a good breakfast.

Have hair and make-up done.

Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed and arrange your veil and headdress.