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Ceremony Planner

Use our simple planners to keep on top of the events (and costs) and when they should occur.

Arranging your ceremony is an exciting and special time, it can also be slightly daunting with the number of elements that have to be organised and planned.

Timeline Planner

To help you plan and ensure your special day run as smoothly as possible, use this simple planner to keep on top of the events and when they should occur!

12 Months or earlier

  • Select a wedding date
  • Find a venue and discuss provisional dates
  • Talk to Gloucestershire Registration Service and book the ceremony (please note that we will take bookings well in advance of 12 months, please bear this in mind when looking at popular dates.)

9 - 12 Months

  • Announce your forthcoming ceremony to friends and family (many couples choose to send out ‘Save the date’ cards to ensure that guests keep that date free)
  • Determine wedding budget
  • Start to look at outfits for the ceremony
  • Research caterers, photographers and florists (and any other suppliers)
  • Start planning honeymoon

6 - 9 Months

  • Contact your local registration service to book your notice of marriage appointment. Please visit Find a register office - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) which will inform you of the Registration Service your postcode comes under. 
  • Select and book a caterer
  • Select and book photographer
  • Select and book florist
  • Decide on number of day guests
  • Decide on number of evening guests
  • Choose your witnesses
  • Book transport for the day
  • Book dressmaker if necessary
  • Make your gift list / register for ceremony gifts
  • Book honeymoon

4 - 6 Months

  • Purchase ceremony insurance
  • Book hotel rooms for the ceremony evening if necessary
  • Reserve rental items
  • Buy shoes and accessories
  • Discuss play list for ceremony/reception

2 - 4 Months

  • Submit your choices and ceremony information to Gloucestershire Registration Service via your customer account.
  • Make payment for your ceremony fee via your customer account
  • Check passports are valid for at least 6 months from the date you depart for your honeymoon
  • You can apply for a passport in your new name up to 3 months before your ceremony by completing a standard passport application and a Post-Date form 2 (PD2)
  • Buy rings
  • Order ceremony cake
  • Order flower decorations
  • Send out invitations
  • Order stationery, balloons, confetti and disposable cameras etc
  • Purchase gifts for key members of the party

6 - 8 Weeks

  • Make a record of RSVPs and early ceremony gifts
  • Book hairdressers/beauticians appointments
  • Select and reserve attire for all gentlemen
  • Arrange transport and hospitality for out-of-town guests
  • Organise Stag/Hen nights
  • Choose and buy going away outfits

2 - 6 Weeks

  • Make a wedding day itinerary
  • Pick up rings
  • Ensure the speeches are prepared
  • Confirm final number of button holes with florist
  • Create reception seating plan
  • Confirm details with photographer and videographer
  • Practice with hairdresser/beautician
  • Inform caterers on final number of guests
  • Confirm cake delivery
  • Print out seating cards

1 Week

  • Pack for honeymoon
  • Order honeymoon currency
  • Give caterer final guest numbers
  • Arrange a place to store gifts at the reception
  • Relax

On the day

  • Eat breakfast
  • Check wedding day itinerary
  • Enjoy your special day

After the honeymoon

  • Send out thank you cards