Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but with a clear timeline, you can approach it step by step and enjoy the process. This month-by-month guide will help you stay on track, covering everything from booking your dream venue to preserving your bouquet after the big day.

12-18+ Months Before the Wedding

Set the Foundation

• Set Your Budget: Determine how much you can spend and allocate funds for key categories like venue, catering, and attire.

• Pick a Date: Choose a date that works for you and your key guests.

• Create a Guest List: Start with a rough estimate to guide your venue and catering decisions.

• Book Your Venue: Secure your dream location early to lock in your date.

• Book an Officiant: Ensure your chosen officiant is available on your wedding day.

• Decide on Wedding Colours/Theme: Establish the aesthetic for your big day.

• Start Dress Shopping: Begin browsing and trying on dresses to find "the one."

• Have an Engagement Party: Celebrate your upcoming nuptials with family and friends.

• Attend Local Wedding Fayres: Explore ideas and meet vendors in your area.

12 Months Before the Wedding

Book Key Vendors

• Choose Your Bridal Party: Ask your closest friends and family to stand by your side.

• Create a Wedding Website: Share key details with guests and keep them updated.

• Register for Gifts: Set up your registry for guests to start shopping.

• Choose a Photographer/Videographer: Great photographers book up quickly, so prioritise this early.

• Select a Florist: Discuss your floral vision, including your bouquet, ceremony arrangements, and reception décor.

• Book Catering: Decide on your menu and check for dietary preferences among your guests.

• Choose Bridesmaid Attire and Accessories: Coordinate styles and colours with your wedding theme.

• Pick a Dress and Arrange Fitting: Once you find your dress, schedule fittings to ensure a perfect fit.

• Start a Skincare Regime: Begin early to achieve a wedding-day glow.

9 Months Before the Wedding

Focus on Details

• Order Wedding Invitations: Send these out about four months before the big day.

• Plan Your Ceremony: Decide on readings, vows, and any special rituals.

• Take Engagement Photos: Use these for your wedding website or save-the-dates.

• Send Save-the-Dates: Let guests know the date so they can plan ahead.

• Find a Hair and Makeup Artist: Book a trial to find the perfect look for your wedding day.

• Book Entertainment: Hire your band, DJ, or other entertainment for the reception.

• Research Bouquet Preservation: If you’re sentimental about your wedding flowers, now is the time to book a professional bouquet preservation service. Need help finding your perfect preservation artist? Here’s my free guide to help!

6 Months Before the Wedding

Finalise Major Decisions

• Finalise Guest List: Ensure you have everyone accounted for.

• Book All Your Vendors: Confirm services with florists, caterers, photographers, and more.

• Buy Wedding Bands: Choose rings that symbolise your love.

• Plan Your Honeymoon: Book travel and accommodations.

• Organise Transportation: Ensure smooth travel for you and your guests on the day.

• Confirm Details with Vendors: Double-check timelines and requirements with your key vendors.

• Plan Bachelorette Party: Celebrate with your bridal party.

• Book Any Rental Items: Secure essentials like furniture, lighting, and tableware.

• Finalise Catering Menu: Work with your caterer to perfect the dishes.

• Set Up Cake Tasting and Order Cake: Choose a design and flavour you’ll love.

4 Months Before the Wedding

Tie Up Loose Ends

• Shop and Reserve Groomsmen Attire: Ensure the groom and groomsmen are dressed to impress.

• Touch Base with Vendors: Confirm any outstanding details.

• Purchase Wedding Favours and Wedding Party Gifts: Show appreciation for your guests and bridal party.

• Send Out Invites: Make sure your guests have all the details.

• Order Guest Book: Prepare for heartfelt messages from your loved ones.

• Schedule Hair and Makeup Trials: Finalise your look for the big day.

• Prepare Song List for DJ/Band: Include your must-have tunes.

2 Months Before the Wedding

Get Everything in Order

• Sort Out Wedding License: Ensure all legal requirements are met.

• Meet Wedding Officiant: Discuss the ceremony structure and any special requests.

• Purchase Accessories: Finalise your shoes, veil, and other accessories.

• Decide on Content for Programmes: Include important details and schedules.

• Check and Chase RSVPs: Follow up with any guests who haven’t responded.

• Create Seating Chart: Arrange tables for your reception.

1 Month Before the Wedding

Final Preparations

• Final Dress Fitting: Ensure your dress fits perfectly.

• Pick Up Wedding Rings: Have them ready for the big day.

• Bachelorette Party: Celebrate with your bridal party and closest friends.

• Teeth Whitening: Brighten your smile for photos.

• Write Wedding Vows and Speeches: Personalise your ceremony and reception.

• Provide Caterers with Final Head Count: Confirm numbers for food and drink.

• Order Thank You Notes: Prepare to show gratitude post-wedding.

• Finalise Seating Chart: Double-check arrangements.

• Order Menu Cards, Place Cards, and Favour Tags: Add a personal touch to your tables.

• Spa Treatments: Relax and pamper yourself.

• Check you have everything ready to post your bridal bouquet to your chosen preservation artist.

2 Weeks Before the Wedding

Countdown Begins

• Meet Your Day-of Coordinator: Go over the schedule and any last-minute details.

• Send Timeline and Allocate Day Tasks to Bridal Party: Ensure everyone knows their role.

• Hair Cut and Colour: Refresh your style.

• Double-Check All Reservations: Confirm bookings and timelines.

• Provide Shot List to Photographer: Ensure they capture all the moments you want.

• Review Music with Band/DJ: Finalise the playlist and key songs.

1 Week Before the Wedding

Last-Minute Details

• Pack a Wedding Day Emergency Kit: Include items like safety pins, tissues, and stain remover.

• Confirm Weather-Related Backup Plans: Be prepared for any surprises.

• Facials/Waxing: Treat yourself to pre-wedding beauty treatments.

• Pack for Wedding Day: Include all essentials for touch-ups and emergencies.

• Organise Final Payments: Ensure all vendors are paid and tipped.

2 Days Before the Wedding

• Manicure and Pedicure: Treat yourself to some pampering.

• Set Aside Tips for Vendors: Organise envelopes for easy distribution.

• Wrap Gifts for Wedding Party: Show appreciation to those closest to you.

The Day Before the Wedding

• Lay Out Wedding Day Essentials: Ensure everything is ready to go.

• Give Rings to the Best Man: Keep them safe and accounted for.

• Have a Warm Bath and Get Some Beauty Sleep: Relax and prepare for your big day.

The Wedding Day

Celebrate and Enjoy

• Eat breakfast: no matter how nervous you are.

• Trust Your Team: Let them handle the details while you soak in every moment.

• Take a deep breath and enjoy your big day!

After the Wedding

Preserve Your Memories

• Drop Off or Post Your Bouquet: Deliver your bouquet to your preservationist (like Lancaster Flower Press) or follow their packing guide to send it safely. This ensures your flowers can be transformed into a stunning keepsake.

• Send Thank You Cards: Show your appreciation to guests and vendors.

• Share Photos with Friends and Family: Relive the memories together.

Planning a wedding is a journey filled with countless special moments. By following this checklist, you can stay organised and focus on what matters most: celebrating your love and creating memories to last a lifetime.

Don’t forget to book your bouquet preservation early for a keepsake you’ll treasure forever. Ready to preserve your bouquet?