Planning A Wedding: 10-Month Guide To Your Big Day

Planning a wedding in 10 months is a very achievable task. Experienced wedding planners make it happen regularly, and you can too. This guide will take you through the process with ease, covering everything from booking entertainment and outfits to writing vows and breaking in your wedding shoes. You'll be sharing your vows and throwing that bouquet in no time at all!

Bookings and trials

It is recommended that you ensure everything is booked by the six-month mark. This includes entertainment, food and drink, outfits, and accessories. You should also book any hair and makeup trials at this point, as well as cake and menu tastings. You can research and order wedding decorations to suit your theme, including place cards, bonbonnieres, signage, and seat covers.

Book your hotel room for the night of the wedding and the night before, if you are staying elsewhere. You should also arrange your rehearsal dinner.

Confirm your seating plan and buy gifts for your wedding party. Pick up your wedding bands and write your vows, if you are doing so.

Design, print, and send your wedding invitations. The more notice you give, the more likely your guests will be able to attend. Research and book your celebrant, and think about the kind of attire you would like for yourself and your bridal party.

Cake and menu tasting

First, you'll want to decide on a cake design. This could be a traditional tiered wedding cake, or something more unique and personal to you as a couple. Perhaps you'd like a cake that reflects your wedding theme, or maybe you'd prefer a selection of your favourite desserts instead. Whatever you choose, make sure you book a consultation with a cake designer to discuss your ideas and taste some samples.

Next, it's time to think about the menu. Consider the time of year and the type of food you'd like to serve. A good caterer will be able to create a bespoke menu for you, taking into account any dietary requirements and personal preferences. Book a tasting session so you can sample the dishes and decide on your final menu.

It's a good idea to involve your wedding party in the cake and menu tasting. Not only will it be a fun experience for everyone, but it will also give you a chance to get their feedback and ensure that the food and cake are to everyone's taste.

Finally, don't forget to confirm any alterations with your cake designer and caterer. This is your opportunity to make sure that everything is exactly as you want it for your special day.

Wedding decorations

When it comes to decorations, you should consider the style of your wedding. Are you going for a relaxed, laid-back vibe or something more formal? The decorations you choose should reflect this. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, you might want to incorporate natural elements like shells and driftwood into your decor. Or, if you're having a winter wedding, you might want to use lots of fairy lights and candles to create a cosy atmosphere.

Think about the colours you want to use. Your wedding colour palette can be used throughout your decorations, from the table settings to the flowers and even the bridesmaid dresses. This will help to create a cohesive look that ties everything together.

Some popular wedding decorations include table place cards, bonbonnieres, signage, and seat covers. You can also use things like flowers, candles, lanterns, and balloons to add a touch of romance and elegance to your venue. If you're having an outdoor wedding, don't forget to decorate the ceremony space as well as the reception area.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. Your wedding decorations should reflect your personality and style as a couple. You can also ask your wedding planner or venue coordinator for suggestions and ideas if you're not sure where to start.

Beauty appointments

Planning a wedding in 10 months is a very achievable task. Here is a timeline to guide you through the process with ease.

• Hair and makeup trials: It's a great idea to book a trial for your hair and makeup to ensure you're happy with the style and it complements your outfit.
• Manicure and pedicure: Don't forget to take care of your nails! A manicure and pedicure will ensure your hands and feet look neat and polished.
• Facial and skin care: If you want to achieve a glowing complexion for your wedding day, consider booking a facial or consulting a dermatologist for a skin care routine.
• Eyebrow shaping: Well-groomed eyebrows can enhance your features, so consider booking an appointment with a brow specialist.
• Teeth whitening: A bright smile will look great in your wedding photos, so you may want to consider teeth whitening treatments.

Remember to allow enough time for multiple appointments if needed and to book with reputable professionals to ensure a stress-free experience.

Wedding rings and vows

First, let's talk about wedding rings. It's essential to pick out your wedding bands and have them ready before the big day. Any reputable jeweller will be able to help you with this, and you can usually pick them up several days in advance. When choosing your rings, consider the style and material that best reflect your personalities and tastes. Do you want something simple and classic, or are you looking for a more unique design? You might also want to think about any engraving you'd like to add, such as your wedding date or a meaningful quote.

Now, for your wedding vows. Writing your own vows can be a beautiful and personal way to express your love and commitment to each other. Start by discussing whether you'd like to write your own vows or use traditional ones. If you decide to write them yourself, give yourself plenty of time to craft something meaningful. Think about what marriage means to you, the promises you want to make to your partner, and the unique qualities you love about them. You might also want to include a story about how you met or a memorable moment in your relationship.

If you're not sure where to start, there are plenty of online resources and vow templates to inspire you. You can also ask your celebrant for guidance, as they will have plenty of experience with wedding vows and can offer suggestions tailored to your ceremony. Remember, your vows don't have to be perfect; they just need to come from the heart.

Finally, don't forget to practice reading your vows aloud and breaking in your wedding shoes! This will help you feel more comfortable and confident on the day, ensuring that your vows are delivered with ease and your feet are blister-free for all those photos and first dances.

Frequently asked questions