Wedding Timelines
You’re engaged…..woohooooooo!!!!! Now what?
When couples first come to me, one of the initial inquiries typically revolves around the wedding planning timeline.
You’ll probably wonder about the ideal planning duration, the right moment to secure suppliers, and how to fit it all into your busy lives.
In essence, a well-structured wedding planning timeline becomes an essential resource for answering these fundamental questions.
Below, I’ve outlined an example timeline for your reference. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that wedding planning is unique to each couple, and there are no rigid rules.
All in all, you do you! Make your plans, create your traditions and do what fits for you but here’s some guidance on wedding timelines to help you get started.
12 – 18 months out
Set the Date: When is your favourite time of the year? Start by narrowing down your perfect wedding date and consider any significant holidays or local events.
Legal Bits: Get in touch with your local authority, book your registrar appointment to register your intention to marry. They will also be able to let you know if your preferred date is available so this is a good place to start. Don’t forget, a celebrant led ceremony can be much more personal to you. So, even if you need to do the legal bits at another time, you can still hold a ceremony on your chosen date,
Budget Planning: Have your overall budget in mind. If you can create a budget spreadsheet, including categories for venue, catering, outfits, and more that’s an added bonus. Don’t forget to add in a contingency fund too.
Guest List: Begin drafting your guest list. Keep in mind, the bigger the guest list the higher the cost!
Venue Search & Book: Start researching and visiting potential venues. Get some show arounds booked in and get a feel for what’s out there. With 12 months to go, get your ideal venue booked and secured.
Select Initial Suppliers: This is where you might decide a wedding planner is for you. Getting a wedding planner onboard early is key to helping save you money and can help navigate the entire planning process whilst making it more manageable and enjoyable.
9-12 months out
Get Insured It’s never fun to think worst case but it’s pretty sensible. Find a comparison site and get on track before you start spending.
Select Suppliers: Book your caterer, photographer, videographer, and wedding planner. Ask those you know to recommend local suppliers too. Your wedding planner will have all the tips, tricks and industry connections to get you suppliers that suit your style and are in budget.
Choose your wedding party: Ask your nearest & dearest to be part of your day. Are you having Bridesmaids, a Best Man, a Best Woman, your dog! Anything goes, feel free to create your own traditions or ditch these roles altogether!
Outfits: Begin shopping for wedding outfits and accessories. Try it all on, every last thing, you never know what might suit you!
Save the Dates: Design and send save-the-date cards or save money by doing it all online. At this point your guests simply need to know the date, location & your wedding website if you are having one.
6-9 months out
Catering: Consider dietary restrictions, children’s menus and special requests. Finalise the menu with your caterer.
Flowers: Meet with florists to discuss your vision and budget. Choose floral arrangements for the ceremony and reception. Or choose to DIY some elements. Don’t forget, there are so many ways to use flowers in your day. Also, there are more sustainable options out there too, have you considered hiring plants from your local nursery? Or paper flowers?
Music and Entertainment: Decide on the type of entertainment (DJ, band, etc.). Draw up a list of must-play songs and special requests. How about a silent disco to finish off the night?
Wedding Cake: Choose a cake style and flavour. Coordinate delivery details with the bakery. Or, ask your family and friends to get involved with the baking, why not host a ‘Great Wedding Bake Off’?
4-6 months out
Create Your Gift List: If you are having a gift list then now is the time to create it, before you send those invites. With so many options nowadays, you don’t have to opt for a traditional list. Why not ask for contributions to exciting trips or ask everyone to gift their favourite book?
Invitations: Design and order wedding invitations, RSVP cards, and envelopes. Or, get that wedding website looking wonderful. Don’t forget to include an RSVP date & menu choices if necessary.
Buy Your Rings: Take some time together to choose your wedding rings. You could even try designing and making your own.
Legal Requirements: Complete necessary paperwork, check in with your local authority to make sure you are on track.
Book your Honeymoon: You hopefully aren’t feeling too stressed by now but if you are there is nothing better than having a holiday to look forward to. And, what’s better than a holiday? A honeymoon!
2-4 months out
Finalise Details: Confirm all supplier bookings and details in writing. Create a day-of timeline and share it with key players.
Decorations: Purchase or hire decorations, including centrepieces, lighting, and linens. Arrange for setup and takedown logistics.
Hair and Makeup: Schedule hair and makeup trials for whoever you choose in your party. Confirm the day-of schedule with your beauty team.
On the Day Timings: . It’s time to pull all those suppliers and plans together and create the day. Hopefully by this point you will have sourced a wedding planner to take care of it all for you!
Final Supplier Payments: It’s time for some admin. With everything set you want to make sure you get all the payments booked in to secure your day.
Stag/Hen/Sten Time: Time to relax or go wild with your friends and family. You’ve worked hard so far, time to really let your hair down and enjoy!
1 month out
RSVPs: Follow up with guests who haven’t RSVP’d. Provide the final guest count to your caterer and venue
Seating Plan: Create a seating plan based on RSVPs. Print or display seating cards or charts for guests.
Final Venue & Planner Checks: Now is the time for those final tweaks and checks to make sure you feel comfortable with all the plans. Take time to run through your full day and make sure everyone is on board with your vision.
Write your vows: This is the perfect time to start writing. You’ve got time to think and reflect on what you’ve written and even practise in front of the mirror if it helps!
7 DAYS OUT
Final Fittings: Time to check everything fits and feels amazing, including your shoes!
Get Pampered: Do you need a massage to calm yourself before the day? Maybe even a couples treatment so you both get time to relax and get excited. Consider any other beauty treatments you might need, but some of these will need to have been booked a bit earlier so you don’t miss out!
Pack for Honeymoon:Ensure passports, travel documents, and tickets are in order.Pack clothing, toiletries, and essentials for the honeymoon.
Emergency Kit:Assemble a wedding day emergency kit with essentials like safety pins, stain remover, and pain relievers.Assign someone to be in charge of the kit.
ON THE DAY
Enjoy Your Day: Aaahh….the day is finally here! I hope you feel relaxed, excited and ready for your new adventure.
Today is about you, your partner and your loved ones. It is time to celebrate and enjoy all the hard work you have put in up until now.
Handover the reins to your planner and suppliers and allow them to look after you today.
Don’t forget to grab a moment just the two of you to take it all in!