It’s no secret that your wedding will be one of the happiest days of your life. And it’s also no secret that planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful periods of your life, with an almost overwhelming number of details, decisions, and deadlines that all need your attention.

But luckily, you’ve got us. With two decades of experience in planning the world’s finest weddings, our end-to-end service is here to make walking down the aisle a walk in the park. So, we’ve curated the ultimate planning timeline to guide you every step of the way until your big day.

12 months to go…

• Discuss your budget with your fiancé(e) to make sure you are both on the same page.
• Start drawing up a first draft of your guest list.
• Consider hiring a wedding planner to help bring your special day to life.
• Start searching for ceremony and reception venues, and once found, book them as soon as possible.
• Decide on a wedding date with your partner and send out save-the-date cards.
• And lastly, take a deep breath – the tasks requiring the most lead time are complete.

8–10 months to go…

• Create a mood board to share with suppliers – Pinterest is our go-to place for initial inspiration.
• Look into getting a wedding insurance policy to protect the deposits you pay suppliers.
• Book wedding dress appointments and groom tailor consultations to ensure sufficient lead times for bespoke commissions.
• Meet with two or three photographers and videographers and contract your favourite.
• Begin researching caterers if catering isn’t provided in-house at your reception venue. Request menu proposals.
• Research and reserve hotel accommodation for your guests.
• And finally, register your guest list.

6–8 months to go…

• Consider entertainment options such as live bands, DJs, and ceremony musicians. Make sure to see them perform before you book them in.
• Select your hair and make-up artists and schedule trials two months before your wedding date.
• Meet with florists and share your mood boards, from which they’ll build a design proposal.
• Order your bridesmaids’ dresses and ushers’ suits.
• Now for the fun part – start planning your honeymoon.

4–6 months to go…

• Discuss the furniture options available to you with your venue and caterer.
• Consider furniture rental providers for additional items or props and put these pieces on hold.
• Commission the creation of your wedding rings.
• Research wedding cake designers and request tastings and then order yours.
• Discuss your order of service with the vicar or celebrant.
• Last but not least, begin shopping for shoes and accessories.

3 months to go…

• Send out your wedding invitations.
• Go for a menu tasting with your chosen caterer and decide on your final selections.
• Book a wine tasting with a sommelier who’ll match suitable wines to your wedding breakfast.
• Confirm your order of all rental furniture and decor.
• And don’t forget to confirm the transport you’ll be using on your wedding day.

2 months to go…

• Write your vows.
• Attend hair and make-up trials.
• Remember to send your order of ceremony and menu copy to the stationer and confirm the design.

1 month to go…

• Collate the final RSVP list and get in touch with guests who have not yet sent a response.
• Prepare shot lists from your photographer and videographer, making sure to include who should be in each shot.
• Provide your DJ or band with a list of songs.
• Draw up a seating plan and request that the stationer create a table plan or escort cards.
• Contact your wedding suppliers and confirm the schedule for the day.
• And give ceremony/reception site managers a schedule of vendor delivery and setup sets, plus contact numbers.

2 weeks to go…

• Carry out a ceremony rehearsal to ensure the bridal party knows where to be and when.
• Confirm your final guest numbers with your venue and caterer and inform them of any special dietary requirements. Remember to include suppliers like the photographer, who’ll need a staff meal.
• And finally, book in for bride and groom relaxing spa treatments.

1 week to go…

• Provide the caterer with the table plan and placement cards.
• Have one final phone call with each of your suppliers to reconfirm the details of the day.
• Organise your guest placement cards by table to hand to the caterer or venue manager so they can place them for you.
• Hand over your menus, placement cards, table names, or numbers to the caterer or venue manager, and any gifts you may like to place at the table.
• Remember to take some time out and treat yourselves to some pre-wedding pampering.
• Our last words of advice – remember to relax, have fun, and enjoy your big day with your friends and family.

Our award-winning team of wedding planners has been trusted by couples worldwide for over two decades. Our dedicated specialists provide an end-to-end wedding planning service that brings your dream day to life – find out more about us here.