This week Team Wedding at the Bloomfield House Hotel are top tipping it with all you need to know on planning your big day. The Bloomfield finds the following timeline to work well, and more importantly, to leave plenty of stress-free time before the big day to simply enjoy.
Countdown checklist for your perfect day
1-2 years
Decide on a wedding date and book the church/ priest.
Book your wedding reception at the Bloomfield House Hotel.
Agree on a budget for the wedding expenses with your partner and family.
Book your band/DJ for the evening reception – remember to listen to your entertainment and ensure they will play the selection of music you require before booking.
Start looking for your wedding dress.
Book your honeymoon early, especially if you plan to travel during peak season.
9-12 months
Choose your best man, groomsmen, bridesmaids, flowers girls, and page boys.
Book transport for the wedding day.
Decide on your wedding dress and choose your bridesmaids’ dresses.
Arrange the hire or purchase of men’s formal wear.
Book photographer/ videographer.
Block book your accommodation at the Bloomfield House Hotel for any parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen etc.
6-9 months
Make guest list.
Visit the hotel, to go through details for the wedding reception. Get a plan of the room layout and give an outline of menu plans.
Choose and purchase your wedding rings.
Start looking at flowers for the church and book the church choir - if required.
Order your wedding cake and stationery.
3-4 months
Apply to the registrar of marriages. This has to be done three months prior to the wedding day.
Organise a meeting with the priest to schedule the pre-marriage course. Discuss the ceremony, readings, and music with the priest. Take along baptism certificates and organise letters of release.
Finalise your honeymoon plans. Arrange visas and vaccinations if required. If necessary have your name changed on your passport.
Plan hen and stag parties.
Book trial for hair and make-up for the bride and bridesmaids at Bloomfield Spa & Laser Clinic.
Finalise your wedding details with the Bloomfield House Hotel wedding co-ordinator.
2 months
Send out invitations.
Choose presents for bridesmaids, mothers, best man, and other family members that you would like to thank.
Check travel arrangements and hotel booking for the honeymoon.
Organise a pamper day for yourself and the girlies in Bloomfield Spa & Laser Clinic.
1 month
Go for a dress fitting and check that you have all shoes and accessories organised.
Check men’s outfits.
Chase up late invitation replies and finalise the guest list.
Decide on your top table placings and work on the seating plan; also organise place cards if required.
Check that all the transport arrangements for the wedding day are finalised.
If you plan on changing your name and address, then notify your bank, building society etc.
Contact the reservations team in the Bloomfield House Hotel to discuss the rooms that are booked.
1-2 weeks
Organise ceremony rehearsal and ensure wedding booklets have been delivered to the best man.
Make final checks for your honeymoon. Put your money together with your tickets and passports in a safe place.
Pack your clothes and other items that you won’t need before the wedding.
Inform the hotel of the final seating numbers for your wedding day and send in your seating plan.
Make final checks on your dress and accessories.
Make sure the groom and groomsmen’s suits have been collected.
Wear in your wedding shoes to avoid discomfort on the day.
1 – 2 days
Bring case of overnight clothes, favours, cake, place cards, and any other extras to the hotel.
Big day!
Try to have a leisurely lie-in and have breakfast.
Hair and make-up, with a small amount of bubbles!
Eat a sandwich/ salad before you go – it will be a long day.
Sit back and try to relax, and most importantly enjoy your day!
Contact Maria Condon wedding co-ordinator and Team Wedding at Bloomfield House Hotel.
Tel (044 ) 9340894 or visit [email protected].
