Timeline.
So, you are planning a wedding (or helping a friend to plan one).
The sequence that things need to be done in will vary, depending on the needs of the couple.
The first step may well be to suggest to the prospective spouse that they should be married!
To allow for the various settings I have just about every possibility and noted next to the
item if it an essential one. I have assumed that the couple are in agreement on the fact of
being married.
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Choose an engagement ring.
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Arrange a public announcement in an appropriate media/publication.
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Plan an Engagement party.
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Investigate living arrangements as a married couple.
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Investigate Reception Centres, costing and availablity.
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Estimate the number of guests & prepare a budget.
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Decide on a location for the wedding ceremony and check availability. Absolutely essential
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If an outdoor wedding is planned, decide on a wet weather alternative. Strongly encouraged
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Check availability of significant guests/participants.
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Based on the above, decide on a date for the wedding. Absolutely essential
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Choose a Marriage Celebrant (or minister of religion) and confirm availability. Absolutely essential
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Book caterers.
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Book musicians.
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Ask Bridesmaids, Best Man etc. The essential minimum is 2 witnesses over the age of 18
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Decide on clothing style (formal, casual etc).
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Decide on a colour scheme for the wedding.
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Arrange purchase, rental or making of dress or dresses.
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Arrange hire of men's suits if necessary.
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Book a Bridal Suite for the Wedding Night.
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Plan the honeymoon.
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Finalise the guest list.
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Choose/design the invitation.
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Choose the wedding ring/s.
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Ensure the documents needed for the Marriage Celebrant are available. Essential