Brides-to--be who say ‘yes’ on Valentine’s Day can be married before the year is out – that’s according to wedding planners at James’ Places, the leading North West hospitality group.
Chief dream maker Jen Wilkinson blew away the myth that weddings have to take at least a year to plan.
Said Jen: “Given careful organisation, there’s no reason why a dream wedding can’t be planned in eight months.”
Here’s Jen’s timeplan and tips for preparing a perfect day in eight months.
Now
Book the venue. This is the most important thing and the deal breaker which will dictate the date of the big day. Consider a mid-week wedding and look at off-peak weekends for bargains.
Each of our venues has its own dedicated dream maker who will work with couples to help them plan. They will sit down with them as early as possible to talk through options and requirements.
The next step is to book the registrar or church service and choose your wedding party – that’s the maid or honour, bridesmaids, best man and groomsmen.
Six to eight months out
Book other services such as the photographer, florist and cake maker. This is also the time to reserve suits if you are hiring and to start shopping for the dress (if you haven’t already!) and bridesmaid dresses. 
Begin compiling a guest list and hotel details for out of town guests.
Now is the time to think about your stationery and book transport, if it is required.
Four to five months out
Touch base with your dream maker and send out invitations. Book hair and makeup if required.
Book a honeymoon, or if you want to wait and save up for a big holiday why not reserve a few nights in a suite such as the Rafters Room at Settle’s Falcon Manor Hotel for a mini-moon to remember?
Three to four months out
Sort out bridal favours and any further decorations you wish to have. If you’re going abroad straight after the ceremony, check your passports and any other documents required are all in order.
If you want a DJ and/or a band for the evening reception, book it now.
Two to three months to go
By now the dress should be well on its way and it’s time to confirm and double check your arrangements.
Prepare a play/do not play list for the DJ/band.
One to two months left
Time for another big meeting with your dream maker. Confirm menu choices, numbers and arrangements for the day. Think about the seating plan and buy presents for bridesmaids and best man.
Start breaking in your wedding shoes!
Finalise wedding favours and make sure you’ve bought the rings!
One week left
Everything is getting very exciting now, and this is when the dream maker comes into their own, checking that everything is covered. Delegate wedding day duties, arrange for the gift table and guest book.
By now speeches should be written, or at least, well on their way. Dresses should be fitted and ready for the big day.
The week before the wedding is ideal to spend some time with friends or relatives ahead of the day, especially if they have travelled some distance to be with you and arrive early.
Hold run throughs so you’re sure the main players all know what they’re doing. Many couples also organise a so-called ‘rehearsal dinner’ with close family and friends.
On the day
Enjoy the day knowing everything is taken care of! Congratulations!
Check out www.falconmanor.co.uk and www.shireburnarmshotel.co.uk for more information.
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