Wedding Planning Schedule...

You're engaged, CONGRATULATIONS!
Now the wedding planning can begin! 

Check out our comprehensive timeline to guide you through your wedding planning journey. But don't worry, feel free to adjust based on your specific needs!

You can use this timeline to check off all your important wedding planning jobs.

18 MONTHS TO GO...

Set your Budget
Be realistic about your wedding budget. If you plan for it, it won't be a surprise.
• What's your total budget?
• How will you allocate funds across different aspects (venue, catering, attire, etc.)?
• Who's contributing financially?

Create your Guest List
Please think long and hard about who you really want to share your wedding day with and make sure you stick to your list so it doesn't spiral, especially if you have a tight budget.
• How many guests can you accommodate within your budget?
• Are you having an adults-only wedding or including children?
• Will you offer plus-ones?

Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner
A wedding planner can make the planning process a complete breeze! They can liaise with all your suppliers and keep track of your schedule to keep you on track.
• Do you need full-service planning or day-of coordination?
• What's your budget for a planner?

Image Credit: ido-magazine

Choose and Book your Venue
Venues can get booked up in advance by up to 2 years. Make a provisional booking and make sure a registrar will be available on your wedding date too.
• What's your ideal wedding style (rustic, elegant, modern, etc.)?
• Do you want a separate ceremony and reception venue?
• What's the venue's capacity?
• Is the venue easily accessible for all your guests? Consider who is travelling the furthest.
• Are there any date restrictions or preferred vendors?

Invest in Wedding Insurance
• What does the policy cover? Make sure it's the right policy you need.
• Are there any exclusions you need to be aware of?

16 MONTHS TO GO...

Research Wedding Themes
There are lots of wedding themes to choose from, it's just about which works best for you.
Research on Pinterest and in bridal magazines, like I Do!
• What colours and styles resonate with you as a couple?
• How can you incorporate personal touches?

Image Credit: Freepik

Choose your Wedding Party
Give gifts to those you choose and ask them to be part of your wedding party as you film their reaction.
• How many bridesmaids and groomsmen do you want?
• Are you including other roles like ushers or flower girls?

Start Visiting Wedding Fayres
Visit wedding fayres to see what ideas and inspiration you can find for your big day. The I Do Wedding Exhibitions are a great choice!
• What specific ideas or suppliers are you looking for?
• The I Do Wedding Exhibitions and Fayres are a great choice for ideas and inspiration!

12 MONTHS TO GO...

Book in-demand suppliers
Photographers, videographers, DJs and Caterers can book up to 2 years in advance. It's never too early to book a supplier if you know they're in demand.
• What style of photographer/videographer do you prefer?
• What type of music fits your vision (DJ, band, string quartet)?
• Are there any special dietary requirements for catering?

Pre-Book Venue Guest Accommodation
Most wedding venues give the option to block out rooms for your wedding day at a discounted rate, so your guests can stay there too.
• How many rooms should you reserve?
• Is there a discount for booking a block of rooms?

Plan for Pets
• Will your pet(s) be part of the ceremony? In what capacity?
• Who will be responsible for pet care on the day?
• If travelling, what pet-friendly accommodations are available?
• Are there any venue restrictions regarding pets?

Image Credit: Freepik

9 MONTHS TO GO...

Book your Entertainment
Book your wedding band, singer or musician. Many of these get booked up far in advance, particularly if they're a niche category such as a country music band.
• What kind of atmosphere do you want to create?
• Are there any must-play songs or do-not-play songs?

Start Shopping for your Wedding Dress
Research online to get an idea of what you want before you go dress shopping. When you've found 'the one', don't let it slip away. If you're ordering a dress from abroad that has to be made, order as soon as possible to leave time for fittings and delivery.
• What sizes complement your body shape and wedding theme?
• What's your budget for the dress and alterations?

Plan and Book Your Honeymoon
If this is a UK destination, you can leave it a little later, but if going abroad, leave extra time to sort passports and make sure your dates and location are available.
• What's your ideal honeymoon destination and activities?
• Do you need to renew passports or get visas?

Image Credit: Freepik

Send Save-the-Dates
However, if your wedding is during a busy summer season or around Christmas, send these around 9-12 months before.
• Will you send physical cards or digital announcements?
• For destination weddings, including travel and accommodation information.

6 TO 9 MONTHS TO GO...

Book your Wedding Cake Maker
• What flavours and designs do you like?
• Any dietary restrictions to consider?

Book Other Suppliers
This includes décor, transport, hair & makeup artists, florists, and also hiring of other equipment such as dancefloor hire. Book your hair and makeup artist and have a consultation to discuss what you want.
• What is your vision for floral arrangements?
• What type of transportation fits your wedding style?
• What hair and makeup style are you considering?

Purchase Bridesmaids' Gowns
If you're having these custom-made, lean more towards the 9-month timeframe.
• Will bridesmaids choose their own dresses or wear matching ones?
• What's the budget per dress?

Book your Officiant/Celebrant
You'll need one of these if you're not getting married in a place of worship.
• Religious or non-religious ceremony.
• Any specific elements you want to include in the ceremony?

6 MONTHS TO GO...

Buy your Wedding Rings
• What metal and style suit your preferences?
• Do you want matching rings or individual designs?
• Consider engraving options.
• If going bespoke, consider ordering even earlier!

4-6 MONTHS TO GO...

Send your Invites
• Have you included all necessary information (date, time, location,
• What's your RSVP deadline?
• Include details for your wedding website if applicable.

Image Credit: Freepik

Sort the Suits
If you're buying your suit, you could buy this further in advance, but if hiring, look into which suppliers will hire out from which dates.
• Are you buying or hiring?
• If hiring, research suppliers and their rental periods.
• Schedule fittings for groom and groomsmen.

3-4 MONTHS TO GO...

Sort Final Supplier Meetings
This includes final menu tasting, flower arrangement finalising and cake design confirmation.
• Schedule final menu tasting.
• Finalise flower arrangements.
• Confirm cake design.
• Any last-minute changes or special requests?

2-4 MONTHS TO GO...

Sort the Seating Plan
• Consider family dynamics and guest relationships.
• Plan for any last-minute changes.

1 MONTH TO GO...

Confirm Final Details
Pay all suppliers the remainder owing and finalise the running order of the day so your suppliers know when they're arriving and what's happening.
• Pay remaining balances to suppliers.
• Finalise and distribute the day's timeline.

Image Credit: Freepik

Schedule Final Hair and Makeup Trial
This should be done close to your wedding date. This takes into account any skin or hair changes that may have happened and ensures your hair and makeup are perfect for the big day.
• Consider any recent changes in skin or hair condition.

See your Photographer and/or Videographer
Go through your shot list and what you want to capture for your special day.

Purchase Wedding Favours
• What favours align with your theme and budget?

2 WEEKS TO GO...

Final Dress Fitting
Your final fitting should be as close to your wedding day as possible. 2 weeks prior is a good timeframe as your body won't change that much up to your wedding day.
• Schedule as close to the wedding day as possible.
• Bring your wedding shoes and undergarments.

Image Credit: Freepik

Write your Vows
• Decide if you'll share them or keep them private until the ceremony

1 WEEK TO GO...

Final Details
Buy yourself a wedding day perfume and a gift for your partner. Spend quality time with each other without any wedding-related chat. It'll help calm the wedding planning stress and remind you why you're getting married in the first place.
• Purchase a wedding day perfume.
• Buy a gift for your partner.
• Schedule quality time together without wedding talk.

Pack your Bags for the Honeymoon
• Check weather forecasts for your destination.
• Ensure all travel documents are in order

WEDDING DAY

Take it all in because it goes faster than you realise.
Have a few moments alone together on your big day to appreciate it all.
You're married, CONGRATULATIONS!

Image Credit: Nelly Naylor Photography