3 Months To Go
The Wedding Gift List: It is normal for a Bride and Groom to select the gifts they would like to be bought by their guests. This way they get all the things they need to start their new life together. The shop in question will inform you when gifts are chosen and take them off the list. A good idea to reduce any potential stress between the Bride and Groom is for the keenest shopper of the two to do a 'recky' before you both go along together. Give yourselves plenty of time (about four hours) for any session with a half-time coffee break. Save the fun, frivolous stuff till the end as it will be easier to choose than cutlery!
Making it Legal: At least three months before the wedding you need to be registered/authorised with the Chief Rabbi's office. First, set up an appointment, taking with you both sets of parents' Ketuba, Banns. Be prepared for something new - you may be asked to sign a form - a Get - in case of future divorce. This is a simple procedure and will cost £50. It allows a divorced couple to get remarried under the eyes of God. If you live outside London and are unable to get to the Chief Rabbi's office you can do it by post. Be aware that if you live together some Rabbis could refuse you under Jewish Law.
Toastmaster or Chairman: Strongly recommended for any wedding to help the whole day go smoothly. Either a professional toastmaster can be hired or you can select a family member or friend to do the honours. Make sure it is someone you can rely on for the whole evening.
Invitations: Choose a printer who is experienced in Jewish wedding stationery - they will advise on English and Hebrew wording, design, style, etc., as well as co-ordinating any other stationery you may want, such as Benching books, menus, thank you cards, etc. Decide how many invitations you need and then get 30 more - mistakes can be made when addressing them. Plan to send invitations out six to eight weeks before the wedding. Get the invitation proof checked by someone else, and don't forget to offer the vegetarian option on the invitation. If having initials on your invitations watch out for the dreaded logo - Mark & Shelley, M&S.
The Wedding Cake: If you have decided to have a wedding cake and your caterer is not making it then now is the time to decide what you want and where to get it.
The Wedding Rings: It is best if you take along your engagement ring with you to ensure both rings match. A plain metal band should be worn under the Chuppa so if you select a more ornate ring, make sure you have bought something to use on the day.
Bridesmaids', Page Boys' & Ushers' Outfits: Now you know what you are wearing it is time to choose outfits for the rest of the party. Take the girls and any children along with you to ensure they suit what you select. The Groom may want a say in the ushers' outfits. Tips to keep them happy - make the dresses tasteful and only put adults in dresses you would be happy to wear, and the kids in something comfortable.
Hair and Make-up: If you are planning on having someone do your hair and make-up on the day, don't forget to book an appointment for a practice session as well as the Wedding Day.
The Honeymoon: By now you should have the honeymoon booked so it is time to check that your passport is up to date. If you have booked the tickets as Mr & Mrs, then make sure the Bride has changed her passport. If you forget, don't worry - just take your marriage certificate with you. Also, if you are going to far-out places, check what visas and inoculations are required.
The Choir: If you are choosing music for the marriage service let them know so you won't be disappointed on the day.
| More Planning Guide |
| Making it Official |
| What's First? |
| 3 Months To Go |
| One Month To Go |
| One Week To Go |
| One Day To Go |
