Monthly Wedding Planning Guide

Planning a wedding is an exciting time and it is possible to lose track of where you are with it all. We have put together a monthly guide to help you organise your big day – we hope that it helps!

Straight Away!

• Tell relatives and friends that you are getting married!
• Decide on the type of ceremony and reception that you would like – get wedding ideas.
• Search for a wedding venue.
• Set your budget and talk to family about contributions and who is doing what.
• Decide on the number of guests and draw up a list with all sets of parents.
• Choose a wedding planner.

12-18 months to go!

• Book your wedding and reception venue.
• Make an appointment to see your minister, priest, rabbi or registrar to fix the wedding date and time.
• Organise your wedding insurance.
• Organise a caterer.
• Search for wedding services, such as photographer, toastmaster, entertainment and table decorations.
• Book your photographer and band.
• Order invitations and envelopes, plus place cards, menus and seating plan.

6-12 months to go!

• Start looking for a wedding dress.
• Decide upon your best man and chief bridesmaids.
• Choose outfits for attendants.
• Buy your wedding rings.
• Choose your gift list.
• Research florists and discuss flower options
• Confirm your menu and drink choice with the caterer.
• Order your wedding cake.
• Book transport to the wedding and reception venues and to your first night accommodation/airport.
• For Church Weddings – talk to the organist about the music and discuss your choice of readings with the minister.
• For Civil Ceremonies – ask the registrar what readings and music is permitted.

3-6 months to go!

• Choose gifts for your attendants.
• Allow plenty of time to have your passport renewed if you are changing your name.
• Send out your invitations
• Finalise order of service.
• Order table favours.

1-3 months to go!

• Research and trial hairdressers and make up artists.
• Hire a hairdresser/make up artist.
• Buy accessories such as veil, tiara, lingerie and shoes.
• Have orders of service printed.
• Confirm final numbers of guests with caterer.
• Check groom, best man and father of the bride have all written speeches.
• Organise the seating plans.
• Arrange a rehearsal at church/venue.
• Let your hair down and enjoy your Stag weekend and Hen party. For great ideas visit www.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk.

1 week to go!

• Confirm all reception arrangements.
• Call all bookings, e.g. photographer, and confirm times and details.
• Pick up dress or have it delivered.
• Wear in the wedding shoes at home.
• Pack for the honeymoon/first night.
• Have a final hair and make up practice.
• Enjoy a Spa day.
• Finalise delivery of items to the venue, e.g. flowers and cake.

1 day to go!

• Have a manicure and pedicure.
• Decorate venue if needed.
• RELAX and try to get an early night!