Organising a wedding – or any big event for that matter – is a feat of coordination. You need to make sure you remember everything, pay all deposits, sort out your invoices and paperwork and, despite the flurry, remain calm. And for those of us who may not be an old hand at putting up a knees-up or any sizable do, a little help may be required. Enter, the list. Thought of something in the shower? Note it down. A friend had some friendly advice? Down it also goes. Here are some lists you may want to make to ease your days in the run-up to your ‘I dos’.
1. Guest list
This may be the more obvious one but make it a point to sit down with your future spouse, whip out that excel sheet, and note down the names of all the family and friends you would like to invite. Include details such as whether they are married or single, their email addresses, telephone numbers and home addresses (for the invites). Include an RSVP column so you can track whether they’ve confirmed their attendance.
2. Costs
Keep your budget on track by noting down what you’ve spent. This will usually accompany your budget (and you can, indeed, cross-reference the two to make sure you’re on track) and would include details such as invoice numbers, amounts before and after VAT and a note specifying whether its been paid or not. Getting into a system will allow you full control over the spend – and you will even remain on budget!
3. Deadlines
This would usually take the form of a calendar. Set up a timetable of what needs to be done when, and by when. Details to include are dress fittings, confirmation of seating plans (if you’re having a sit-down event) and payment dates. You want to be sure you’ve crossed all your ‘t’s and dotted your ‘i’s on time!
4. The day’s run-down
The morning of your wedding will be one filled with bookings, commitments and fun! But, it’s much easier to relax if you have a mental image of those few hours before you walk up the aisle. Jot down the plan for that morning or day, making sure to include the time and who is involved, together with their telephone numbers, in case someone gets lots or is late.
5. Transport
Remembering the timings and details of your bridal car, your parents’ taxi and all the transport arrangements of the older members of your family may feel overwhelming. Create a transport schedule – specifying the driver’s name and telephone number, pick-up time and address, as well as destination – and hand it to the best man or one of the groomsmen. Make someone responsible to keep track of the comings and goings so you can focus on the celebrations!
6. Gifts
After the wedding, sit down and make a list of who gave what, not to compare levels of generosity (after all, you don’t know what people can really afford), but simply to make sure your thank you card makes particular reference to the gift. And, paying particular attention to the kindness bestowed by your loved ones, will fill you with appreciation.