We know, we know – planning a wedding is both fun and stressful. Which is exactly why you need a bridal diary to help get things organised.
Es+Elle’s customisable Bridal Bible has everything you need, including checklists, a 12-month timeline, bridal emergency kit, and gift registry. It also includes inspirational quotes, supplier pages, décor ideas, and even marriage advice, including steps on how to change your last name.
So stop stressing and get planning!
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Ladies and Gentlemen, it is time to get organised! There’s no time to waste, especially because things get booked out quickly. Prepare a list of hair stylists, makeup artists, transport and dressmakers and rank them based on preference. Despite being a year way, many of the more popular suppliers tend to be fully booked, so prepare yourself for some heartbreak. Make your way through your list if your first option is unavailable, but also be sure to put your name down just in case a spot opens up for you.
While you’re excited about finding the perfect ring and dress, remember your budget. Weddings can be expensive and you might not be prepared for the hidden costs. Set out a budget for each aspect and gather as many quotes as you can before making a final decision.
Wedding invitations set the tone for your wedding, so work with your stationer (and even a calligraphy artist) to create something which fits. Decide with your bridesmaids whether you’ll be selecting the colour and style of their dresses or if they’re free to find something on their own in order to avoid any awkward moments. Find a wedding stylist that understands your vision; be realistic about your cake choice, and meet with a travel agent to organise your honeymoon – you’ll need to unwind after all of this.
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Get started on your gift registry but take into account your guests and their budgets – they may not be able to afford everything on your dream list, so try to be realistic. Now is the time to get your alterations sorted. If you’re trying to lose weight before the wedding, be sure not to go too drastic as this will affect the way your dress can be altered. Make sure your annual leave is approved at least four months before your wedding and honeymoon to avoid any disappointments. Focus on your venue by booking your tasting menu and begin sorting your seating plan – you don’t want any dramas on your big day.
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Send out your invites now and remember that not everyone will reply as quickly as you’d like. Confirm your flowers with your florist to make sure everything is on track, and provide your photographer with a timeline of your wedding day so that photoshoots all run to a prepared schedule.
You’ll need to trial out your hair and makeup to make sure you don’t hate the end look (there’s nothing like asking for a subtle look and getting a smokey eye). Follow up anyone who hasn’t RSVP’d yet and remind them (nicely) that they’ll need to do that asap. This will also help you when you finalise the food at the reception as you’ll know of everyone’s dietary requirements. You’ll also need to organise your marriage certificate and whether you’ll be changing your name, so visit the appropriate office to complete your notice of intended marriage. Don’t forget to sort out your wedding music as well!
It’s time for the little things! You’ll have your final dress fitting, so make sure you’ve made no drastic changes. Prepare your vows if you’ll be saying them – you’ll need the words there on the day in case you get nervous or emotional. Walk around the house in your heels so that you’ll be comfortable on the day. If you’ve dyed your hair or just want a touch up, visit your hairdresser now so that it looks fresh on the day. Check in with your partner to ensure they haven’t forgotten anything (you trust them, but it doesn’t hurt to check…) And of course, enjoy your bridal shower and hens night!
Just seven days left. You’ll need to be in contact with all of your wedding suppliers to ensure that nothing has been forgotten and everything is running smoothly. Take a deep breath and check the weather, but prepare yourself just in case it rains (always have wet weather options available). Prepare a bridal emergency kit because it will be your lifesaver (just check page 113 of Es+Elle’s Bridal Bible).
3 days to go! Make sure you pick up your dress and treat yourself to a manicure/pedicure if you haven’t already. Give your rings to your partner (and humour them when they inevitably pretend they lost them). Speak to your maid of honour about the timeline for the day and what you’ll need from her.
It’s the day! Can you hear the wedding bells ringing? Remember to look after yourself; it’s a day of love and happiness so don’t let the little things stress you out. You’ve worked hard to make this happen so enjoy it.
“Every once in a while, in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.”
