Thinking about getting married and don’t know how to organise the special day and how much time in advance you need? Don’t worry, we’ll let you know step by step for a year beforehand to plan a big day that’s 10 out of 10.
You’re finally taking the plunge! When a couple make a decision to marry, there are lots of things to organise. The important thing is to think about all the effort invested bearing fruit so that the most important day of your lives is special and has your own personal style.
Here at Nice by Nina, we’ll show you a definitive calendar with all the tasks to be done over the course of the countdown to the big day. But remember you’re not alone, if you don’t know where to start, contact us and we’ll talk you through the process.
12 months before
DECIDE THE TYPE OF WEDDING YOU WANT
There are infinite ways to celebrate a wedding but that’s an intimate decision for the bride and groom that defines what kind or wedding you’re going to have. Firstly, you have to choose whether you want a civil or religious ceremony. Then confirm the date and time of the wedding. You also have to decide whether it’s going to be a formal or informal affair. Next up, one of the first things to do is draw up the invites list as it is crucial when it comes to selecting or ruling out certain spaces for your reception.
DEFINE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE
The most authentic weddings are those that reflect the essence of the bride and groom in all the details. Figuring out the aesthetic of the wedding is one of the things the couple has to decide, as all the services and details will run along the lines of the chosen theme.
BUDGET
This is also a very private matter for the couple, to avoid any last-minute surprises it is important to define the budget.
RESERVE THE VENUE FOR THE CEREMONY AND THE RECEPTION
Choosing the right venue for the celebration is so important. It's the place where your guests are going to spend most of the day, so you have to look for a pleasant environment and one that will match-up with the theme of the wedding. The bride and groom also have to decide what type of meal they want. You can opt for a standing cocktail reception or a seated banquet, which is more common.
WEBSITE AND WEDDING LISTS
In the internet era, using technology has become key to saving time and money in you communication with invites. It allows us to create a personalised space that's perfect for contacting family and friends, so you can share all the details of the wedding.
9 months before
DECORATION AND FLOWERS
Many couples aren’t aware of it but flowers play a fundamental role in their big day. Thanks to these small details you can recreate a magic with the theme that best represents them. For the flowers on the big day, choose flowers that are in season because they last longer and are better value. For the table centrepieces the flowers will also be the star of the show.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO
This is one of the parts of the wedding it’s really worth investing in. Choosing the right photographer and videographer is key because they’ll be responsible for capturing the best moments from your wedding so you can remember them forever. Every professional has their own personality. That’s why the best option is the one that best suits your style.
THE MUSIC
Music is one of the most special elements of a wedding, not only because it’s there at lots of moments of the day but because it represents our own personal taste.
6 months before
GET STARTED ON THE PAPERWORK
For a marriage to be legally valid, it has to be registered on the Civil Register.
CHOOSE THE WEDDING DRESS AND GROOM'S SUIT
It's that time! Finally the search starts for the wedding dress you’ve dreamed of for so long. To choose it it's important to take into account some important criteria: your personality, the shape of your body and your skin tone. There's a great selection of materials and it's crucial to make the right choice. Decide whether you prefer to buy it in a store or have it made to measure by a dressmaker. Try it, walk in it, move in it and choose one you're comfortable in.
BROWSE HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS
You might never have another experience together like it and it’s important to choose the destination and the type of holiday you want to have. Take into account the season your wedding is taking place in, your travel experience, personal preferences, the time you have, your tolerance for heat and mosquitoes.
STATIONERY
Increasingly, more graphic design professionals are looking to express the identity of the bride and groom in all the details of wedding day stationery, especially invites. Even if they are commissioned six month in advance, they are usually delivered to guests three months before the wedding.
5-4 months before
TRANSPORT
The first thing to decide is the transport to arrive separately at the ceremony. You also have to plan the transport for guests.
3-2 months before
ENGAGEMENT PARTY
The engagement party or pedida de mano in Spanish is a very special night for the bride and groom. It is a simple and intimate celebration that brings together the two families and a relaxed, informal affair.
ORGANISING THE STAG AND HEN PARTY
Normally, family or friends look after organising the hen party and stag party for the bride and groom.
PURCHASE OF RINGS AND CEREMONIAL ITEMS
Such an important commitment is sealed at the wedding with the eternal “I do” of your rings. The selection of the jewellery mist be measured carefully and agreed with your future husband. The secrets to picking the right design: Situation, type and colour of stones.
CHOOSE THE BRIDAL BOUQUET
The bridal bouquet is without doubt one of the most important accessories of your wedding day so it’s a big decision. The possibilities are infinite, but the design should represent your personal style and match the dress chosen and colour scheme.
2-1 weeks before
BEAUTY TREATMENTS
You're going to be the big star of your wedding and you want to be perfect. Your happiness and your smile will do everything for you but a few days before the big day is the perfect time to enjoy a facial or body beauty treatment to feel good about yourself inside and out.
REHEARSAL OF THE CEREMONY
A rehearsal of the ceremony is recommended 10 days before the wedding at the ceremony venue. Rehearse the entrance and the ceremony itself and finalise the timing of the wedding and resolve any issues that pop up.
3-1 DAYS BEFORE
Finalise the details so that everything runs smoothly: Pack your bags for the honeymoon along with your future husband. There's not much time left! Collect your dress and suit and accessories. Pre-wedding dinner: it is becoming a tradition to organise an intimate meal the night before the wedding. It’s also the perfect time to make presentations between both families.
Wedding day
Today's your day! Enjoy a relaxing breakfast and spend time with the family throughout the preparations, enjoy the pampering of having your hair and make-up done, talk to the groom over the phone and share your emotion, breath some fresh air, allow yourself to be seduced by aroma of your bridal bouquet and laugh at those little uncontrollable nerves.
All the work of the last 12 months is about to be rewarded on an unforgettable day. It’ won’t be perfect but the little unexpected issues that arise are nice too and make for great anecdotes, making the day even more special and authentic. All your family and friends are eager to enjoy the day, the organisation of the wedding is over and it’s time to enjoy every moment to the utmost. Put on the dress of your dreams and smile. Smile a lot!