So by now you will be able to answer the question that comes after the big 'Congratulations': 'Have you set a date yet?'
Once the post-engagement party clean-up is done it's time to get back into the planning, although things will seem to cool off a little after the initial big decisions have been made and confirmed (see Things 'To Do' before you say "I do": Part 1)
3 to 6 months out from the big day:
Hair and make-up - Make appointments with your hairdresser and make-up artist for both the wedding day and a trial run. Take along any pictures of hair/make up style ideas you have been collecting.
The suits - Time to sort the boys' outfits! Hiring is a great option; a rental business will have many suit style options including shirts, ties, waistcoats, shoes and even cuff links. You might only need to provide the number of suits required and the date initially, with fitting and selecting the final styles happening closer to the day (but you can book the final fitting appointments now). Matching the ties to the bridesmaids' dresses is a popular option for keeping the bridal party looking cohesive.
The cake - Order the wedding cake. This might require a meeting with the cake business/baker to talk about your styling ideas, flavours and expectations. The more complicated the cake, the more expensive it will be! This can be quite a delicious part of the planning with cake tastings. Let the experts guide you on how many tiers you need for the number of guests, allergy requirement options and any specialty ideas.
The invitations - The options are many and varied for how you design your invitations, now is the time to finalise these and send them out. Get a working bee together to help you finish them off if you have gone with a hand-crafted, very personalised option or get them professionally printed at a local print shop. List acceptances and apologies as they return to you. Having a personal wedding website can make this easy for people - look up your options for creating this online! It's a great way to connect with you guests as the planning progresses and upload/share photos the guests might take on the big day.
The honeymoon - If you choose to take a honeymoon (post-wedding madness), now is the time to visit your travel agent and begin the planning and booking - very exciting stuff! Confirm applications for leave from work at the same time.
The rings - Purchase the wedding rings. Again, let the experts help you in your decision making and payment options, as this may be a costly part of the planning stage. Things will start to seem more real after making this purchase! Be sure you have a safe place to store the rings until the wedding day, and it is a good idea to check they are listed on your insurance policy as big expensive rings often aren't included by default in most policies.
The gift register - If you want to have a gift register, decide on the store (home and hardware stores are a great option) and compile a list. Shopping without spending a cent! Talk to the retail assistants about how the store runs these. Or if you feel like a travel or honeymoon fund is a better option for you, discuss how you would like to go about this. An online donation registry or a decorated letterbox/wishing well at the wedding for guests to contribute to could be a fun option. Inform the guests of your chosen option on the invitation.
The dance - If you plan on having a choreographed first dance, book lessons and get your dancing shoes on! This is by no means a necessity - make sure both of you are comfortable and still having fun.
Keep inspired over the next few months with bridal magazines and websites - but don't let your ideas get out of hand! Make sure your ideas reflect you and your partner's personalities, keep consulting one another and you can't go wrong.
(A great place to start your wedding planning is with the ODT's online Wedding Guide - full of helpful links and contacts to get you on your way to the perfect wedding)
