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| Any wedding needs good arrangements to
be made beforehand if it is to run smoothly. An essential part of planning
which should be considered well before the ceremony are the financial
aspects. Here is a small list of the system which is traditionally used
to decide who will pay for what and equally as important, who actually
does what. Although values have changed somewhat since this system was
first used, you should still find it very useful. WHO DOES WHAT? THE BRIDE Chooses: Her wedding dress and her bridesmaids. The type and venue of wedding service. THE BRIDES ATTENDENTS. Presents her attendants with gifts at the reception. Writes all the thank-you letters. THE GROOM Chooses his best man Chooses his, his best mans and his ushers wedding attire Makes arrangements for the honeymoon. Makes the thank-you speech at reception. THE BEST MAN Organises the stag night. Arrives at church with the groom Looks after the rings until needed Supervises the ushers Arranges the transport to the reception. Makes a speech, reads all the cards and messages and toasts the bridesmaids after the ceremony Pays outstanding fees for cars, reception, disco, etc. THE CHIEF BRIDESMAID Organises the other bridesmaids. Assists the bride. THE USHERS Organise the seating in the church. THE BRIDES FATHER Travels to church with the bride. Gives the bride away. Makes the first speech at the reception. WHO PAYS FOR WHAT? These are the traditional guidelines although these days it is common practice for everyone to chip in, not only in a practical way but financially also. THE BRIDES FATHER The wedding dress and the bridesmaids dresses. The wedding stationery The photographer and video man. The church and reception flower decorations. The wedding cars other than the groom`s and the best man’s. |
| 15-6 months Contact the minister to book the big day. Register office weddings can only be booked three months in advance. Book your reception venue and caterers, band, disco, etc. Book a professional photographer and video company. Decide what you are going to wear and plan well ahead if any clothes are being made. Decide on a honeymoon destination and book it. Take out an insurance policy against possible disasters such as damage to your dress, reception venue closing down, illness & redundancy etc. Make a guest list and decide on your best man, ushers, bridesmaids, etc. 5 months Book cars, particularly if you want something unusual. Take a trip window shopping to help with ideas for your gift list.4 months Confirm arrangements with the minister and decide on the type of service, church decoration, etc. Order your wedding stationery, i.e: invitations, service sheets, printed serviettes, place cards etc. Organise your flowers with the help of your florist. Buy the ring (or rings.) Decide on your wedding menu with the help of your caterers. Order your cake. 3 months Book register office ceremonies now. Finalise your honeymoon arrangements and if necessary, book a hotel for your wedding night. Shop for your going away outfit, shoes, lingerie, etc Visit your doctor/ family planning clinic if necessary. 2 months Send out invitations and guest lists. Send out thank you letters. As your wedding gifts arrive. Make sure that travelling guests have details of hotel accommodation, etc. Buy presents for attendants, best man, brides maids, etc. 1 month Chase up late replies and finalise guest list, then work out a seating a plan. Make sure ordered wedding clothes are available/near completion. Visit your hairdresser and book your final appointment. Check that all transport is organised. Contact your local newspaper if you want your wedding to appear in it. |
