A suggested planning timeline for your wedding
Planning you wedding may seem overwhelming at first, particularly if you have never planned or delivered a large event. However, by breaking it down into smaller, bite-sized chunks, and setting yourself some planning milestones, you can help ensure the whole process runs smoothly, and have some fun along the way!
The timeline below is based on an average engagement, but you can achieve most things in a much shorter space of time if needed (believe me, I’ve done it myself!) ~ you might just need to be a little more flexible.
On your engagement
Now is the time for dreams, ideas and brainstorming. Escape reality for a weekend (or even longer) to chat about your ideas. If you’re lucky, you, your partner and your wallet may be completely aligned, but you may find you need to make a few compromises. Try to get an idea of the vibe you want to set on your big day, what are your must-haves in terms of when, where, who and what, and what else is on your wish list. You may already have a long list of ideas, but if this is all a bit new or you’re getting stuck, then see if there are some local wedding fairs or showcase days that you can pop along to. It’s also useful to get an idea of your budget and how you might allocate it ~ see our budgeting blog for more information.
12-24 months before your wedding date ~ set a date & book your key suppliers
For most couples the first thing to book is your venue, as this is likely to influence all other aspects of your wedding from the date and vibe to the guest list and food. Before reaching out to venues it is worth having a good idea of when you would like to marry (whether you have a specific date or just a season and year in mind) and how many guests you’d like to invite, as well as knowing your budget and vibe.
When setting your wedding date, consider factors like the season, availability of key people, and venue options. If you’re flexible, you may be able to save money by choosing an off-peak or midweek date. Try to securing your venue early, as many popular venues can book up over a year in advance, especially during peak wedding season (May – September).
Once you’ve booked your venue you can get on with booking other key suppliers, first and foremost the registrar or church, and also your caterer (if not provided by the venue). The registrar is obviously key for completing your nuptials, and food is typically an integral part of any wedding, and often your second biggest expense.
12-months before ~ send out save the dates!
Celebrating with friends and family is a key element of nearly every wedding celebration, so make sure you get the date in people’s diary early. Send out save-the-date cards or messages at least a year before your big day ~ the detailed invitations can follow later, about 6 months before.
9-18 months before your wedding date ~ secure your suppliers
Now that you’ve booked your venue, it’s a great time to focus on booking the other key suppliers that can help make your day special. From florists and photographers to DJs and bands, and everything else in between! Some couples choose to book a videographer, magician, stylist or even a wedding planner to make their day that extra bit special. Don’t forget items like your wedding dress, which can take up to six months to make if purchasing new. It’s useful to get a rough idea of the timeline and flow of your day ~ see an example timeline in our wedding FAQs.
6-9 months out ~ refine the key details
As you approach the six-month mark, you’ll begin to focus on the details of your wedding day. This is the really fun part, as it can include things like menu tasting, finalising your colour scheme, floral arrangements and styling, confirming the timings for your day, dress fittings, ordering your cake and sending out your invites. Make sure you ask guests to r.s.v.p. at least two months before your big day. It’s also worth booking your hair and make-up artists, and maybe have a trial run along with an engagement shoot!
3-6 months before your wedding date ~ add the personal touches
You’ve got all of your key elements secured, so now you can focus on the more personal details. Order your bridesmaid and groomsmen attire, add the finishing touches to the styling, choose your wedding favours and draw up your song list!
2-3 months before ~ finalise your guest list
As your wedding draws near, you may find suppliers like your caterer and venue are asking for final numbers and any dietary requirements, and this will help you finalise your budget and seating plans. You should now be able to confirm timings and other details with all your suppliers. Let your photographer know if there are any particular shots you want to get, and likewise your band/DJ for song choices, particularly for your ceremony or first dance.
In the last month
This is when things can start to feel a little hectic again, as you pull together all the final arrangements for your day. But if you’ve made your plan, booked your suppliers and made a list of all those last-minute to-dos in advance, then it can help keep everything stress-free and ensure a smooth lead-up to your big day. Most importantly ~ it will help ensure you have the best day of your lives with friends and family!
With thanks to @laurashawphotography, @storyboxfilmsuk, @simonandkianaphoto and @jodiehurdphotography for these lovely images.