Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. To keep you cool, calm and collected, we’ve put together a detailed wedding to-do list that will be there every step of the way. Follow the wedding planning timeline for a stress-free wedding journey.
12+ MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Announce your engagement to all your loved ones!
- Start the wedding budget discussion
- Pick a date for the big day (or up to 3 options)
- Assign tasks to all parties involved in the wedding – this is a good time to enlist the help of friends and family
- Send out your ‘save the date’ announcement
- Decide on your wedding style / theme
- Start researching wedding dress and veil styles / tuxedos and suits
- Begin compiling a guest list
- Assemble your wedding party: maid of honour and bridesmaids, best man and groomsmen, flower girl and ring bearer
- Arrange an initial meeting with your minister or priest to set a date for the wedding OR if you’re having a civil ceremony, then book the registry office or civil venue
- Look into ceremony and reception venue options that suit both the groom and bride
- Get engagement ring insured and consider purchasing wedding insurance
- Build your team of wedding professionals: planner, caterer, videographer, photographer, florist, and band/DJ
- Optional: turn to social media and create wedding and style boards on Pinterest! And have an engagement party.
8 - 10 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Reserve your chosen ceremony and reception venues
- Research and reserve accommodations for guests
- Schedule dress fittings
- Meet and hire all your wedding professionals: photographer, videographer, caterer, DJ/band, florist, and planner
- Choose bridal party attire and accessories
- Book officiant
- Order the rings
- Create a wedding website and wedding registry
- Review your wedding planning checklist
6 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Personalise and order your wedding invitations
- Purchase wedding dress, veil and undergarments / tuxedo & suit + accessories
- Decide on your cake style and schedule tastings
- Decide on groomsmen attire and choose bridesmaids’ dresses
- Start planning hen and/or stag parties – if you’re involved in the process!
- Explore wedding day hair and makeup styles
- Meet with officiant to discuss plans for ceremony
4 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Post your wedding invitations
- Meet with florist to discuss options
- Order wedding cake
- Finalise wedding guest list
- Start gathering addresses for guest list - create spreadsheet for RSVPs
- Organise the legalities — give at least 3 months’ notice to registrar or priest/religious celebrant
- Decide on prayers, readings and music for ceremony booklets — check with your priest / registrar
- Plan a makeup trial and book a makeup artist
- Sort out and book wedding transport
3 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Arrange for your initial wedding dress fitting
- Plan the wedding menu with your caterer
- Finalise reception menu
- Order menu cards and wedding favours
- Select hymns and decide on order of service - choose appropriate wedding music and/or readings
- Finalise honeymoon plans and ensure all documents are in order
- Plan ceremony and reception seating
2 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Create a system for organising RSVPs
- Start writing your vows – this applies to both the bride and groom
- Review ceremony details with officiant
- Order and lay out the content for wedding programs
- Apply for marriage license
- Finalise seating arrangements
- Finalise fittings for wedding party and family
1 MONTH BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Have final wedding dress / suit fittings (with shoes & undergarments) arrange to pick up the garments
- Make any last-minute adjustments with suppliers
- Review final RSVP list and call any guests who have not yet responded
- Call all vendors to confirm date, times and location
- Confirm honeymoon reservations and start packing!
- Pick up wedding rings and marriage license
- Finalise seating plan and write place cards
2 WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Wear your wedding shoes on carpets round the house to break them in – the groom should do the same!
- Give final head count to caterer
- Finalise playlists with DJ/band/ceremony musicians
- Send directions to wedding day transportation driver
WEDDING WEEK TO-DO LIST
- Prepare final payments to vendors + cash tips for service personnel
- Confirm that your suppliers know what they're delivering, where they're delivering it and when it should arrive
- Give ceremony and reception site managers a schedule of vendor delivery and setup times, plus emergency contact numbers
- Book in for a spa treatment & all your beauty prep – this applies to both the bride and groom
- Do full wedding dress rehearsal – the same applies to the groom
- Check everyone in the wedding party knows what responsibilities they have and give vendors / suppliers emergency contact details
THE DAY BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Ensure the cake is on track to be delivered to reception venue – delegate this task to someone else!
- Rehearse ceremony with full wedding party, ceremony readers and your officiant at the ceremony site to rehearse and iron out details
- Get a good night’s sleep!
THE BIG DAY CHECKLIST
- Hand over wedding bands to the best man to hold during the ceremony, as well as the officiant's fee envelope, to be given after the ceremony
- Eat a good breakfast
- Allow yourself plenty of time to get ready and relax!
Now is the time to bring your wedding plans to life! Don't worry about tight timelines - our dedicated wedding teams are here to assist you every step of the way. We also provide last-minute wedding options for those in a pinch. Get in touch to make your dream wedding a reality.
FAQs about wedding planning checklist
How do I plan a wedding in 6 months UK?
Planning a wedding in 6 months in the UK can be a challenging task, but it is definitely doable with proper organisation and time management. Here are some steps to help you plan your wedding:
1. Set a budget
2. Create a guest list
3. Choose a venue and date
4. Book key vendors
5. Find a wedding dress and attire
6. Send out invitations
7. Plan the ceremony and reception
8. Arrange transportation and accommodations
9. Get a Marriage License
10. Finalise details
How do I plan my wedding myself?
To plan your wedding yourself, you can start by creating a detailed wedding checklist or timeline to stay organised. Research different vendors and services, compare prices, and make decisions based on your budget and preferences. It can be helpful to delegate tasks to family and friends, or consider hiring a wedding planner to assist with the planning process.
How much time does it take to plan a wedding?
The length of time it takes to plan a wedding can vary depending on the size and complexity of the event. Some couples may prefer to plan their wedding in a shorter timeframe (such as 6-8 months), while others may opt for a longer planning period (12-18 months) to allow for more flexibility and time to save money.
What is the 30-5 minute rule for weddings?
The 30-5 minute rule for weddings is a guideline that suggests spending 30 minutes for the ceremony and 5 minutes per guest for congratulations and photos after the ceremony to ensure that the day runs smoothly and allows time for everyone to celebrate with the newlyweds.
When should I start planning my wedding timeline?
It is recommended to start planning your wedding timeline at least 12-18 months before your desired wedding date. This will give you enough time to secure your preferred vendors, book the venue, and make any necessary arrangements. It is important to keep in mind that popular venues and vendors can book up quickly, so planning ahead is essential.
Can you organise a wedding in 12 months?
It is possible to organize a wedding in 12 months with proper planning and organisation. By creating a detailed timeline, prioritising tasks, and staying on top of deadlines, you can successfully plan and execute a wedding within a year. Consider seeking help from family and friends, or hiring a wedding planner to ensure a smooth planning process.