Although I like failing to announce things, I do need some help.

[chess]

tienelle and I would like to get married, preferably next summer. My mother informs me that I don't have the first clue about how much organisation and pain this is going to take and that I should start faffing now. The vague plan is that we'll have the service in Churchill Chapel and then get the Churchill conference people to do catering for the reception, then we'll have a party in the evening for people who want to avoid the family / don't fit in the church.

I know there are quite a lot of people doing the wedding dance right now, so I thought I'd ask for some advice as to where to start / what needs doing on what timescale...

Comments

[ahsu.livejournal.com]

Felicitations! And other happy wishes.

My advice? Elope. If you think you can get away with it. I'd probably do that if I was getting married again. The big church wedding wasn't worth the fuss.

But I doubt you'll really want to do that. So ... get the place nailed down as soon as possible. I don't know what it's like there, but in the States you are lucky to get something six months in advance; in some places it's a year.

Someone already said this, but if you want the white wedding, you'll have to order a gown well in advance. And make sure you're sitting down when they tell you the price.

This is a detail, and not necessary, but it may leave you with more friends when you're finished. Be kind to your bridesmaids. If you're having any. Include them in the selection of dresses and try not to stick them with expensive monstrosities that they will never wear again. Your maid of honor (again assuming that you have one) is going to be your best resource; be sure not to overburden her and make sure you thank her, frequently.

Don't get too hung up on having the perfect wedding. Mistakes and disasters may happen, but hey, it's a marriage -- nothing is perfect. So be relaxed and let the little stuff slide.

And have fun! Don't be afraid to break convention if convention isn't what you want.