Congratulations on your engagement! Get ready for the most enjoyable but likely one of the most stressful times of your life. Planning a civil ceremony is very similar to planning a traditional wedding with a few small but important changes. Booking the ideal venue is vital to a seamless and enjoyable day for you and your guests. Our four-star Wicklow hotel is the perfect location for your civil ceremony itself and a celebration your guests will never forget. We’ve put together a handy checklist of everything you need to order and arrange for your civil ceremony at our Wicklow wedding venue in chronological order so you don’t forget a thing.
As soon as you get engaged
Make a rough guest list.
Set a budget and saving schedule.
Discuss ideal venues with your partner, ensuring they can host your ceremony and the following celebration.
Select potential dates and check with preferred venues.
Visit potential civil ceremony venues
Have an engagement party
12 month prior
Pay a deposit to secure your date with your venue, confirming the ceremony and celebration in the same venue.
Research and book potential suppliers such as florists, bakers, entertainment, celebrant, photographer and videographer.
Start researching wedding dresses or suit shops and planning visits.
Send ‘Save the Date’ cards, emails or texts to your guests.
Ask your wedding party to be part of your day.
Research and reserve accommodation for guests, ideally in the same location as your celebration.
6 months prior
Reconfirm dates with the venue, florist, band, entertainment and other suppliers.
Order your wedding dress, if applicable.
Set up multiple appointments with a reputable dressmaker for alterations.
Book ceremony musicians.
Book and plan your honeymoon– flights and accommodation.
Start researching wedding jewellery and wedding rings for you both, bear in mind these may need to be resized before the big day.
Design and order your wedding stationery and invites.
Meet with your florist to discuss options and agree on a style.
Shop for the groom and male wedding party suits.
Research & book your wedding cars.
Organise a hair trial with your stylist.
Organise a make-up trial.
Buy bridesmaid dresses.
Try not to worry about what your wedding party has in store for your hen/stag party!
3 months prior
Order your wedding cake, confirming style and flavour with your supplier.
Visit your venue to visualise your big day and enjoy a sample wedding menu, if possible.
Set up a cake tasting with your baker.
Send invites to your wedding guests.
Shop for Flower Girl/Page Boy outfits.
Organise the legal side of your wedding. Fill in a Marriage Registration Form (MRF) three months before the wedding day.
Decide on prayers, readings and music for your ceremony. Make sure to check everything with your celebrant.
Book your hair and make-up with tried and trusted suppliers.
Book your spray tan trial and after seeing how it fades off, confirm your pre-wedding appointment.
Plan activities and excursions for your honeymoon.
Arrange travel vaccinations if necessary.
Order your wedding rings.
Organise gifts for parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen and each other.
Order shoes and accessories for your Bridesmaids and yourself.
Plan wedding favours, if any.
Attend your dress fittings.
1 month prior
Finalise details and order of ceremony.
Complete any wedding DIY or craft projects.
Review the final RSVP list and call any guests who have not yet responded.
Final dress fitting and dress delivery.
Compile a must-have shot list for photographer and videographer.
Give the venue/caterer a final guest headcount.
Create your table plan.
Final fitting and collection of Groom/gents suits.
1 week prior
Confirm the order of the day with your venue and suppliers including delivery details.
Confirm and make any last-minute adjustments with your suppliers.
Pamper yourself with a facial, massage and waxing.
If you’re dyeing your hair, do so about a week before your wedding to ensure your scalp is not dyed for photos.
Supply wedding coordinator with a list of supplier requests such as a table for the DJ, cake table etc.
Review table plan & amend as necessary.
Print your place cards and deliver them to the venue.
Agree a delivery schedule between venue and suppliers.
Final try-on of wedding dress including underwear and accessories.
Pack an overnight bag for the reception.
Pack your bags for your honeymoon if you are going straight from the reception venue.
2/3 days prior
Get your wedding nails done.
Gents to have haircuts, shaves etc.
Confirm pick-up times with the wedding car company.
Final adjustments with suppliers and venue.
Get your spray tan.
Print a list of the running order of the day and give one to your Best Man, one to you Maid of Honour and a copy to the venue’s wedding planner.
day before
Drop off place cards, table cards, menus, favours, and table plans to the wedding coordinator.
Provide all wedding suppliers and organisers with an emergency phone number to call on the day of the wedding. Not yours or your partners
Sort out payment for any final balances to be paid at the end of the reception.
Ladies, remove your socks, hair ties, jewellery and your engagement ring. You don’t want any unsightly lines on the big day.
Pick up your bouquet so it’s ready for early photos.
Get a good night’s rest!
Our Wicklow wedding venue has plenty of experience with both wedding and civil ceremonies. We’re experts at ensuring your day is seamless and remembered for the right reasons. Contact our wedding planning team for more information on our packages.