Congratulations on your engagement! Now that you’ve said “Yes!” to a lifetime of love and adventure, it’s time to start planning your dream wedding. Planning a wedding can be exciting but also overwhelming. The key is to stay organized and take it one step at a time. To help you navigate the process, here’s a timeline and checklist that will guide you through the months leading up to your big day.
12+ Months Before the Wedding: Get the Big Decisions Out of the Way
1. Announce Your Engagement
Share the exciting news with family and friends, whether it’s via a social media post, an engagement party, or personal calls.
2. Set a Budget
Before you book anything, decide on your budget. Determine how much you’re willing to spend on each part of your wedding and who will contribute financially.
3. Choose a Wedding Date
Pick a date that works for both of you, considering the season, availability of key guests, and any significant dates. Remember, venues and vendors may get booked early, so flexibility is a plus.
4. Create a Guest List
Start compiling a guest list. This will help when selecting a venue and making other decisions. Try to have a rough idea of numbers as it will affect the venue, catering, and other costs.
5. Book Your Venue
Your venue is one of the most important elements of your wedding day, and popular spots book up quickly. Look for a location that matches your style, whether it’s a classic church, a scenic outdoor venue, or a trendy city venue.
6. Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional)
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, hiring a wedding planner can save you time and stress. A professional planner can help you with budgeting, vendor selection, and timelines.
9-12 Months Before the Wedding: Secure Your Vendors
1. Book Your Photographer and Videographer
Start searching for photographers and videographers whose style you love. This will be one of the most important investments, so take your time and choose a team that captures your wedding vision.
2. Choose Your Wedding Party
Ask your closest friends and family to be bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers. Be sure to give them plenty of time to prepare.
3. Hire a Celebrant (If You’re Having a Non-Religious Ceremony)
If you’re opting for a unique ceremony or a themed wedding, finding the perfect celebrant is crucial. Personally, I am No Ordinary Celebrant and conduct very specialist themed and the not so unusal themed wedding ceremonies.
Themed weddings can be as authentic and fun as you please and add unforgettable memories, especially if you’re not interested in traditional religious ceremonies. Whether it’s a Peaky Blinders theme to coincide with the release of the new movie The Immortal Man in 2025 or a Pirate theme to align with an anticipated new Pirates of the Caribbean 6 The Return of Davy Jones, choosing the right celebrant who can tailor the ceremony to fit your theme will set the tone for your big day. Be sure to book your celebrant well in advance to secure someone who specializes in bringing fun and personality into the ceremony.
4. Book Your Caterer
If your venue doesn’t offer catering, now is the time to book your caterer. Consider the menu, dietary restrictions, and any themed meals you’d like to incorporate into your wedding.
5. Start Shopping for Your Wedding Dress and Attire
Wedding dresses can take months to arrive, so start shopping early. Don’t forget to book appointments for fittings and look for accessories like shoes, veils, and jewelry.
6. Reserve Your Entertainment
Book your wedding band, DJ, or any other entertainment. Music plays a big role in setting the mood for the day, so choose a team that understands your musical style.
6-9 Months Before the Wedding: Focus on the Details
1. Send Save-the-Dates
Once you’ve confirmed your date and guest list, it’s time to send out save-the-date cards. This gives your guests ample time to plan and secure travel arrangements.
2. Book Florist and Decorations
Start working with a florist to choose your wedding flowers. Discuss your color scheme, floral arrangements for the ceremony, reception, and bouquets for the bridal party.
3. Hire Your Hair and Makeup Artists
Find a professional who can help you look your best on your wedding day. Schedule a trial run to experiment with different hairstyles and makeup looks.
4. Book Transportation
Whether it’s a limo, vintage car, or even a horse-drawn carriage, book your transportation early to ensure you have the right options on your wedding day.
3-6 Months Before the Wedding: The Final Touches
1. Finalise Your Guest List
Confirm the final list of guests and update your invitations accordingly. Make sure to request RSVPs as soon as possible so you can finalize your seating plan.
2. Order Wedding Invitations
Now that you have a guest list, it’s time to order your wedding invitations. You’ll want to send them out 8-12 weeks before the big day.
3. Book the Officiant – Hopefully you have already booked a Celebrant for a non traditional ceremony.
If your venue doesn’t provide an officiant, you’ll need to book someone to conduct your ceremony. Make sure they are available on your wedding day.
4. Finalise Your Wedding Cake Design
Meet with your baker to decide on the wedding cake design and flavors. Don’t forget to include a backup plan for any dietary restrictions your guests may have.
5. Plan Your Honeymoon
Research and book your honeymoon destination. Consider the travel time, weather, and the experiences you want to have as newlyweds.
1-3 Months Before the Wedding: Wrapping It All Up
1. Confirm Vendor Details
Touch base with all your vendors to confirm times, locations, and final payments. Ensure they have everything they need from you to make the day run smoothly.
2. Finalize the Seating Plan
Now that you know who is coming, finalize the seating arrangement for your reception. Organize it in a way that flows well and accommodates your guests’ comfort.
3. Get Your Marriage License
Check the requirements for obtaining your marriage license in your state or country. Make sure you have all the necessary documents and meet any waiting period. Did you know in the UK you can have your celebrant conduct a wedding ceremony before or after you have registered your wedding at the Register office?
4. Final Dress Fitting
Have your final dress fitting to make sure everything fits perfectly. Don’t forget your shoes, lingerie, and accessories for the fitting.
1 Month Before the Wedding: The Countdown Begins
1. Confirm the Final Guest Count
Make any necessary adjustments to your vendor numbers (caterers, seating, etc.) based on the final RSVPs.
2. Prepare Your Wedding Day Emergency Kit
Pack a kit with items like sewing supplies, safety pins, pain relievers, mints, deodorant, and extra makeup. Have a friend or family member bring it with them on the day.
3. Write Your Vows
If you’re writing your own vows, start drafting them now. You’ll have time to make adjustments, so don’t rush. Or in the timeline set by your celebrant, who should have got to know you both very well by now and will have written the ceremony that is perfect for you and in the timescale they think is required.
Wedding Day
Congratulations! Now it’s time to celebrate the beginning of your forever. Trust in your planning, enjoy every moment, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
This checklist and timeline should make your wedding planning feel more organized and less stressful. Take it step by step, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, or wedding professionals along the way. Whether you choose a traditional celebration or a fun-themed wedding, you’ve got this! Happy planning!
For a very special personalised ceremony that unique to you get in touch!