The cost of a wedding can quickly skyrocket, so it’s important to be realistic and strict with your budget. Think about what you want for your wedding and do research to see how much your must have items will cost.

Select several potential dates for the big day and make sure to check the availability of those essential guests – the parents and the bridal team.

Select your potential ceremony and reception venues and try to visit them as soon as possible, so you can choose the winning venues and secure your date.

Making a guestlist is a lot more complicated than you might think. Most couples need to make a few drafts before agreeing on who to invite.

Choose your bridal party – this includes everyone from bridesmaids, a maid of honour, best man, groomsmen, ushers and flower girls!

Book your ceremony and party venues and ask for a timeline of when payments and decisions need to be made.

Some couples like a bit of added security in case the wedding date needs to be rescheduled or there is a problem with one of the venues.

Decide what services you want to hire – caters, wedding cake designers, photographers, florists, musicians, videographers, DJ’s – and then start to shop around for the best value.

Do some research, set a budget and then hit the stores – don’t forget the accessories when deciding on your budget and choosing your dream dress.

Book a taster session to decide on your cake flavours, it can also be a nice way to unwind and enjoy a yummy treat.

Put in an order for your wedding flowers.

This will make it easier to share information about your wedding with your guests and you can include an option which allows guest to RSVP via the website.

If you create a wedding hashtag using the bride and grooms first names (or anything else of your choosing) and urge guests to use it when uploading pics to social media, you’ll be able to easily find candid shots taken at the wedding.

Book your accommodation for the wedding night, and block reserve some rooms with the code for your wedding party and then share the code with guests traveling to the venue.

Anyone getting married in Ireland whether it’s a Church, Civil or Humanist ceremony needs to give a minimum of three months’ notice to the state of their intention to marry. To do this, you must book an appointment with your local registrar office at least three months before your wedding date. We recommended doing that sooner rather than later!

It’s a good idea to order these in advance in case alterations need to be made.

Arrange a car to take you to and from the wedding and ceremony venues.

You will need to include ceremony details, reception information, and, directions/ maps.

Select a suit for the groom, and groomsmen if required.

Check your passports are in date for your honeymoon. Do you need a visa for your destination? If so, get it sorted now and avoid any unnecessary stress later.

Ensure you have a complete list of emails/ addresses for all your potential guests.

Some people like to buy little gifts for their daytime guests and thank you gifts for the bridal party.

Write up and plan any ceremony readings and vows you would like to use.

Try on your dress and order any necessary alterations.

Include some old school favourites to get everyone grooving. Don’t forget to select the song for your first dance!

Create a seating plan or get one printed to help your guests find their place.

Have a look through all your RSVP’s and maybe send a reminder to those who haven’t responded yet.