The Serious bits
Set Your Budget
Sit down with both of your families and calculate how much everyone wants to contribute. We know, urgh, right? But once you’ve worked out how much you have to play with, then you can start to make firm decisions and properly get the planning underway.
Write A Guest List
Consider whether you want everyone there from start to finish, or if you can only have close friends and family for the ceremony (if your dream venue is tiny) and extra guests for the reception. Having a rough number will have a big influence on your venue choice.
Begin Dress Hunting!
Start your search a good 10 months in advance to ensure it’s as stress-free and enjoyable an experience as possible. It takes around six months for a made-to-measure dress to be delivered, and that’s before final tweaks that can take up to a month.
Check out our complete A-Z guide to wedding dress shopping for brilliant advice!
Wedding dress by San Patrick stocked at Vanila Wedding Boutique in JLT
Book your key suppliers
…at least 6 months before the wedding date and once you’ve secured your venue (some venues will have recommended suppliers). These include a photographer, florist, caterer, make-up artist, hairdressers, reception entertainment and transport options.
If you’re searching for the perfect wedding photographer, caterer or florist? Contact one of these amazing suppliers on the weddingsonline supplier directory! We’ve got your back!
Get Your Rings Sorted
Insure your engagement ring for peace of mind (either on your home insurance policy or with a separate specialist jewellery insurer), and remember to order your wedding rings. Allow a least three months for their delivery if you want them engraved.
Photo by Sarah Kate Photography via The Knot
The Fun Bits
Enjoy Being Engaged
There’s no need to book a date or venue within minutes of saying, “yes”. But it’s a good idea to have some sort of timetable in place, such as the year, the season and the general location of your day, so you can avoid conflicting with major family events.
Future Mrs Planner available from Etsy
Start a Pinterest Moodboard
…and on your phone, create an album called “Wedding Inspo”. So you can grab images of flowers, cakes, dresses and details (our Pinterest board has some great ideas!). Don’t worry if it’s a mish-mash to begin with – you’ll soon see a theme emerging.
Visualise Your Dream Party
Does it involve midnight snacks? Or is your heart totally set on Mr & Mrs signature drinks and a black-tie dress code? Think about the best parties that you’ve been to and prioritise the elements you really love – this will help you choose your ideal venue and style
Swoon Over Honeymoon Destinations
Bear in mind the time of year to ensure good weather, and how much leave you will both get from work to justify going long – or short – haul. Check out our new honeymoon section…
Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa
Choose Your Bridesmaids
The sooner they’re picked, then the sooner you can enlist their help. Invite them into a private Google+ Community or Facebook group so that you can all share ideas and schedule shopping appointments in one nifty little e-space.
Talk All Things Weddings 24/7 and ask questions to experts & other UAE couples planning their wedding just like you! Join – Help Me I’m Getting Married UAE.
Tsian Koussa
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