Things to start doing - at about 6 months

Six months before the wedding is a good time to begin thinking about your appearance on the day.

If you feel that you need to lose weight or get in shape start now! It takes time to lose weight and get in trim. Weight loss and fitness programmes can't happen over a short period and should not be regarded as quick fixes.

Reckon on losing no more than 1lb / or half a kilo per week. It is possible to lose a lot more than this on a crash diet, but crash diets never result in real weight loss and have been proven to unhealthy as well as ineffective. The weight comes back as quickly as it went and invariably brings some extra with it.

Consult your local gym or sport centre for professional advice on a fitness programme.

Start thinking about the readings, music or poetry that you wish to be included in your ceremony.

Start thinking about writing your vows.

Start thinking about your printing needs.

Start thinking about what sort of transport you want to use for yourselves, the wedding party and possibly the guests, too and get written quotations from transport companies.

Things to decide - at about 6 months

Sit-down together and draw up a wish list for your wedding gifts.
It can often be helpful to indicate which gifts you would like from closer friends and family. Visit a wedding gift registry service in Debenhams, Lewis's or most of the larger department stores.

Things to decide - at about 3 months

Decide on the style of the Invitations and Order of Service and possibly menus and place names for the reception.

Things to order or buy - at about 6 months

Within the next month you should order your wedding dress and the bridesmaids' dresses. Make sure your bridesmaids give you accurate measurements - take them along to be fitted if necessary.

Order your transport needs as close to this time as possible
Order the wedding cake

Things to order or buy - at about 6 months

Order the invitations & printing of order of service

Order or buy the rings

Arrange for the banns to be read.

Choose the music to be played when entering and leaving the ceremony, the hymns or other songs to be played and readings to be given during the ceremony

Decide on the Order of Service.

Order flowers for reception, church and bouquet

Order formal wear for groom, best man and ushers

Order wedding dress

Inform the registrar of the wedding date

If you are having an ‘Alternative’ or non-religious weddings you will still be required to attend the registry office in order to make the marriage legal.

Begin to think about how you look and feel. Do you need to get into shape? Does your hair look and feel as good as you want it?

If you feel you need to get in shape or improve your hair or complexion, start your fitness regime or diat change now. Don't leave it until a week or two before.