When you've first booked, it's hard to know where to start. We hope you'll find this advice helpful to keep you focused and give you peace of mind that you're not behind!

Important Dates

Your timeline of key dates, specific to your wedding, will be emailed to you within a few weeks of booking. Please look out for this document and we recommend putting dates in your diary so you know when to expect them!
(Don't worry, we still send reminders when things are coming up, so you aren't taken by surprise!) 

Photography...

One of the first things we recommend you do after booking your date and venue is to get a photographer booked. In most circumstances everything else can wait.
"Browsing photographer's websites obviously is the first step, then if possible I'd try to check them out at a wedding fair, as it's very informal, with no obligation or pressure, and you can have a chat and see if you 'get on'.  No matter how good a photographer is, if you don't feel relaxed and comfortable around them then your pictures will not be the best they could be.  A common ground can be helpful, as well as matching their style to yours, for example if you have young children it can be beneficial to have a child friendly photographer who is experienced in getting the most out of children too" - Victoria

Save the Date!

If your wedding is 7+ months away then tell all your day guests immediately the date - either informally, or by sending 'Save the Dates'. 

Wedding Insurance

Look into arranging Wedding Insurance. Not sure what this is or whether you need it? Check out non-bias advice here. 

Accommodation

It is never too early to sort out your accommodation requirements.  Either for the FHI, Mocketts Cottages, or elsewhere.  The good places tend to book up well in advance, especially if its peak season.  Family tend to get their accommodation sorted very quickly, but friends or more distant relatives may not wish to commit too far in advance - that is to be expected, just make sure they know if they are planning on staying with us at Mocketts Farm that we do book up 1-2 years in advance so they do need to enquire early as these are not held for you (The B&B rooms here at the Inn are held for you automatically).
For more information on all your accommodation options, including other places to stay on the Island click here.

Fun stuff!

You can think about choosing your bridesmaids/best men, and start browsing for your all important outfits! Pondering colour schemes and all that fun stuff (before the planning gets all serious with the table plan and who won't eat what!) 

Things we don't advise doing too early!

- Your table plan - don't do it more than 6 months before, changes to the guest list are inevitable and will mess up your careful plans, which can be very frustrating!
- Getting too many decorations or sorting your centre pieces more than a year in advance - unless you are 100% sure you will not change your mind on your décor plans, otherwise you will be stuck trying to sell items that usually you will loose money on. Make plans, ready to initiate when you have hit your year to go mark or after. Check out our list of Recommended Suppliers - a photographer should be your first priority!
- Sending invites if you have more than 6 months to go - see our invite advice here.
- Sending evening invites, it's unlikely they will RSVP so soon and they are more likely to loose the invite and forget to reply!