JP Our Friendly Wedding Planner

Hi there and welcome to my page. I'm so Glad you chose to visit

Having had my own civil Partnership in 2006, I know how hard it can be finding suppliers, venues etc that are 100% gay freindly. Each company and venue featured in the Big Gay Wedding Directory has been personally vetted by yours truly.I have great pleaseure in introducing their services to everyone that visits the website..

Whether your big day is going to be big or small, traditional or contemporary, it will come together better if you plan one step at a time.I have put together a guide as to what I suggest you will need to consider when planning your big day and of course I'm on hand to help should you need help with planning or advice.Simply  email me and expect a return email within 48 hours.  

Ok lets Go.

ASAP!!!!

• Choose the D-day! - Set the date and remember when doing so make sure you find out if your date coincides with any of your family or soon to be 'in-laws' birthdays or anniversaries. It’s your big day – you are under the spotlight, so lets keep it that way.
• Once you have told your relatives and close friends shout it from the rooftops, you could even throw a party for everyone to celebrate your engagement.
• Check out foreseeable weather patterns and any other dates that may affect overseas travel for guests coming to Scotland.
• Choose the theme for your civil partnership that reflects you and your partner. 
• Decide on how big/small you want your day to be. This will determine what your budget will be
• Set budget and downscale if needed.
• Based on the above, decide how many guests you would like. Write it down
• Research the best ceremony and reception to fit budget and capacity for guests.
• Once decided ask the wedding party their opinion

9 months Before (or once the above has been decided )

• Start researching more inrto the suppliers or simply let the wedding pklanner do all the hard work ( hint hint)
• Things you might want to look for at this stage are:
• cake, florists,music and entertainment, photographers/videographers, transport 
• Write down specific questions you want to ask the supplier. Once you have asked those important questions and are happy with what you have heard, BOOK these suppliers now.
• Start trying on those all important outfits.

6 Months 

• Make your first drafts of ceremony and vows.
• Do not give up if you haven’t found something to wear.
• Have a think as to how you would like the venue and tables decorated
• Find rings or alternative gift to give each other
• Pick out bridesmaids and /or witnesses outfits.

4 Months Before

• Buy or confirm renting of outfits and organize all other remaining outfits for witnesses etc , as well as your 'going away outfit'. Make sure you include all accessories.
• Make Honeymoon arrangements 
• Print out the address list for guests

3 Months Before

• Send invites out and details of gift lists. Remember and RSVP
• Organise wedding favours for guests.
• Keep a diary on your weight; stress can lead to weight loss. We want that outfit to fit you , don’t we?
• Choose present to give to partner day before the wedding.

6 Weeks Before

• Arrange a pamper treatment/beauty appointments.
• Reconfirm transportation
• Give the suppliers a courtesy call to make sure all is in order and reconfirm the dates with them.  

2 Weeks Before

• Run details through with venue, confirm numbers and seating arrangements.
• Have pre-wedding parties .Let the family meet some of your friends
• Write your speech if you are saying one and make sure others are doing the same.
• Have another try on of your wedding and 'going away' outfit. Make sure all the wedding party do the same and are happy with accessories.

1 Week Before

• Pack for honeymoon, order currency, traveller’s cheques and transportation to airport or to honeymoon location.
• Try on your outfit again to make sure it fits perfectly.
• Enjoy your stag or hen night. No copping off with the stripper or best man.

1 Day Before

• Have arrangements list on hand. Tick off each item as it happens or leave this up to someone you trust – your wedding planner perhaps ( hint hint again)
• Help out with the decorations if you are organizing it amongst yourselves.
• Give present for partner
• Pamper time.

 Tips to add:

• Make sure music is constant while guests are taking there seats 
• Make sure you mention in your order of service anyone who has taken part in the ceremony even if it is just to say who they are.
• Ask Musicians to keep playing music or play music on a stereo while photos are being taken.

The big day:

The most popular time for a wedding is the early afternoon. Based on this theory I we have devised this plan assuming a 2pm start.

8.00am If you are like most couples brides you probably haven't slept a wink, hopefully though you will have had some rest. If you like take a run to get some of that nervous energy out or go for a walk with a close friend, someone who will calm you preferably! When you get home have a nutritious breakfast and a glass of champers to help you get in the mood.

9.00am Afterwards take a soak in a bath or go for an extra long shower. Take a glass of champers in with you into the bath with a strawberry to help fully relax.

9.30am Go to the hairdressers or start styling your hair, this should take around 1 to 2 hours. Guys why not go and get a Turkish shave etc.

11.00 Makeup time., Apply yourself if your comfortable or get it done by the artist you have chosen. Allow around an hour for the full application.

12.30pm You should now get dressed and this will usually take only 30 minutes, don't rush though, this is an important and exciting part of the day.

1.pm Make sure everyone is dressed, looking good and comfortable, take the last photos of your preparation if you only arranged for a photographer for after the ceremony shots.

1.30pm Final look over everyone, and prepare to leave, make sure you are aware how long it will take to get there, someone has to be late for traditions sake!!

2.00pm Let the ceremony begin

2.30pm. Time to start the family album. You should have already organised the structure of the photo shoot .

The party

4.00pm Announcement that dinner will be served

5.15pm Brides or grooms welcomed and a blessing given. Their table is served first.

7.15pm Toasts follow leisurely dinner and are usually introduced by the best man or toast master after dessert. Doing so before dessert is quite acceptable also

8.OOpm Cutting of cake pm The first dance........

Very late......the last dance!!!