Things to prepare a year before the wedding

1. Determine the wedding date and style, and arrange a meeting between both families.
   First, determine a wedding date acceptable to both parties, avoiding conflicts with important holidays or other major events. Choose a wedding style, such as traditional Chinese, Western, modern minimalist, or themed; this will affect the venue and decorations. Both families should meet to discuss traditional ceremonies and details, ensuring that both sides' needs and expectations are aligned and that each other's culture and customs are respected.

2. Developing a wedding budget and gathering supplier information
   Based on the capabilities and expectations of both parties, set a total budget, breaking it down into items such as banquet, attire, photography, decorations, and wedding gifts. Utilize the internet or wedding expos to search for reliable wedding suppliers and service providers, noting their prices and services for easy comparison and decision-making.

3. Booking wedding venues
   Popular wedding venues in Hong Kong, such as five-star hotel banquet halls, specialty restaurants, or unique venues (e.g., outdoor gardens, museum halls), require booking at least one year in advance. Consider factors such as accessibility, capacity, venue style, and budget compatibility, and understand the cancellation and change policies.

4. Browse and select wedding dresses, bridesmaid and groom attire.
   Visit a bridal shop to try on different styles of wedding dresses, considering the cut, fabric, and your personal style. Bridesmaid dresses and groom's attire should also be planned in advance to avoid style clashes. Also, pay attention to accessories such as veils, shoes, and jewelry, and arrange alterations and measurements in advance.

5. Hire a wedding planner to assist with preparations
   Professional wedding planners can coordinate with suppliers, save time and stress, and ensure a smooth wedding process. They provide services such as venue setup, scheduling, and on-site management, and can also offer creative suggestions to make the wedding more special.

6. Choose a wedding photography and videography team
   Choose a team that specializes in documentary, artistic, or cinematic shooting styles. Before signing a contract, confirm the service items (including pre-shoot, on-day shooting, and post-production editing), delivery time, and copyright usage details. Communicate your specific needs with the photographer in advance.

7. Write the guest list and Send Save the Date
   Based on the friends and family of both parties, a preliminary guest list is compiled, taking into account both the maximum number of guests and the budget. An online or physical "Save the Date" notification is designed to allow guests to reserve time in advance, increasing attendance and reducing the need for later changes.

8. Schedule a premarital health check-up and beauty treatment
   Schedule a comprehensive premarital health check-up to ensure you are physically healthy and ready for pregnancy. Begin ongoing beauty care (such as skincare, fitness, and weight loss) and arrange a hairstylist and makeup trial to ensure you look your best on your wedding day.

9. Discuss wedding decorations, floral arrangements, and menu selection.
   Choose floral arrangements, color schemes, and decoration details according to the wedding style. The banquet menu should consider the age and tastes of the guests, offering a fusion of Chinese and Western dishes or special wedding cuisine to meet diverse needs.

10. Ordering wedding rings and planning honeymoon
    Choose a ring that matches your budget, considering the material, style, and engraving service. For your honeymoon, research destinations online, check reviews for accommodations and transportation, and book flights and hotels in advance to ensure a smooth trip after the wedding.