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 and hen parties!
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!