Infographic | A brief history & planning guide for your wedding

Marriage has been a long standing tradition for hundreds of years, but it has not always been as we know it today. In more barbaric times of the past, the groom would “steal” the bride and pay the father a ransom. Thankfully that is no longer the case.

Many of today’s wedding traditions can be traced back to ancient customs. These were often due to superstition and religion, for instance, the bouquet was originally made of strong herbs to frighten away evil spirits. Nowadays these traditions are more of a fun custom to keep up, who knows, they might even work!

12 months

1. Start a wedding folder.
2. Work out your budget; not the best part of planning a wedding but one of the most important – give this the attention it deserves.
3. Pick your wedding party.

9 months

4. Start the guest list; write everyone you and your partner can think of, then decide who you really want to come. Although this seems brutal, the best way to cut costs is to thin this list.
5. Engagement party!
6. Reserve the venue.

6 months

7. Hire the caterers; this is a sumptuous bit of work to get done. Try sample menues from a few different caterers and pick whoever tingles your taste buds. Remember to think about different dietary requirements of guests!
8. Hire the photographer
9. Book the entertainment

4 months

10. Shop for your dress; you’ll need at least three fittings. Make sure you look around, wedding fairs are great for this.
11. Choose the invitations.
12. Plan the honeymoon.

2 months

13. Order the cake; this may seem early but some bakers require a long lead time! As with the caterers, make sure you attend several tastings first (party for the free cake).
14. Book the rehearsal dinner.
15. Choose the music.

The Month

16. Purchase the rings.
17. Finalise the order of events.
18. Stock the bar; you should know definite numbers now, so you can stock the bar accordingly. Always order more than you think you will need. Running dry isn’t fun!

The Big week!

19. Bachelor/ette party.
20. Final guest list for caterers.
21. Pack for your honeymoon; this will be your last week as an unmarried person.

99% of the planning headache should be out of the way. Just enjoy this time and pack everything you’ll need! You are now all ready for your big day! A massive congratulations from the Roco team!