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The ultimate wedding planning guide
Wedding Planning Timeline
We've put together a comprehensive wedding checklist based on a traditional wedding. Not everything will apply to everyone (we love something different!) but it will help you ensure you've got everything covered when planning your perfect wedding!
Download a printable version or tick off your list below!
1 year before
Remember, weddings usually cost a third more than you expect! Draft out how you imagine your wedding. You might also want to hire a wedding planner unless you're planning it yourself, and look up money saving tips.
11 months before
Choose your wedding team! This can include Bridesmaids, Maid of Honour, Best Man, Groomsmen and Ushers. Don’t forget to also choose who is going to sign as witnesses on your big day!
Select several potential dates for the big day.
Book multiple ceremony and reception venue visits. Start this early as it’s likely to take a month of weekend visits before you find your perfect venue! More ideas here!
10 months before
Reserve date with the venues for reception & ceremony
Photographers, florists, musicians, videographers and caterers.
A party is a fab way to celebrate your engagement! You may also want to hire a photographer for your engagement photos.
You’ll need to inform the venue(s) of this.
You need to make an appointment to do this if you’re having a civil ceremony. It’s best to do this early as some registrars get booked up quickly!
9 months before
Put down a deposit on a wedding dress. Don’t forget to bear accessories in mind!
If the wedding breakfast and/or evening buffet isn’t included with the venue, now is a good time to book caterers for your reception. Ask for tasting appointments.
Book your wedding musicians, DJ or band.
For example, you may want a photo booth, garden games, a candy cart or a kids area.
Ensure you have a theme and/or colour scheme for the wedding. This will make it easier to choose when ordering items later on.
Do some research to find out whether you’d like a toastmaster. If so, book them up now.
8 months before
Don’t forget to send these to your guests! It’ll ensure they won’t book any holidays or important events on the date of your wedding.
Plan out which gifts you’d like to receive.
Book your accommodation for the wedding night, and reserve some rooms for guests who will need to stay over.
7 months before
If your venue doesn’t provide tables, chairs or props, make sure to book these in with a wedding furniture provider.
Get these ordered now just incase you need to get alterations made.
Put in an order for your wedding flowers. These may include a bridal bouquet, bridesmaids bouquets, buttonholes, corsages and table decorations.
6 months before
Work with bridesmaids and Hen Heaven to plan hen party activities and a guest list.
Ensure that you meet the cake designer and have a taster session.
Book vehicle(s) to take you to and from the wedding and ceremony venues, and back to your wedding night accommodation afterwards.
This includes table centrepieces, top table decorations, any bunting, fairy lights or ceiling decor.
5 months before
If you decide to have a rehearsal dinner, now's the time to decide on location, venue, food and guest list.
If your guests have children, you may want to book in childminder(s) to look after them at the wedding.
4 months before
Either order them or make them yourself. You might want to include ceremony details, reception information, response cards, directions and maps, food menu and local service information such a taxi’s and accommodation.
Select a suit for the groom, and groomsmen if required.
Get or renew your passports ready for the honeymoon.
3 months before
You can even make your own!
Ensure you have complete guest list emails & addresses.
You’ll might want to buy small favours for your daytime guests, and thank-you gifts for members of the bridal party.
6 weeks before
Write up & plan any ceremony readings & vows.
Arrange trials and book beauty services. This can include a makeup artist if you don't want to do it yourself, a hair stylist, mobile tanning and nails.
Send this to key people and vendors.
This can include head pieces, veils, jewellery and shoes. Do this in preparation for your dress fitting, so that you can see the accessories with your dress. Don't forget your something blue!
4 weeks before
Don’t forget to pick music to walk down the aisle to as well as a first dance song!
Have a dress fitting and order any necessary alterations.
3 weeks before
Review final RSVP list & contact any non-responders.
Create a seating plan or get one printed for your guests to see on the day.
2 weeks before
Have a dress fitting and order any necessary alterations.
7 days before
Such as manicure, pedicure, spray tan.
1 day before
Give gifts to attendee's at rehearsal ceremony, relax and have fun!