It’s time to start planning your wedding! This is such an exciting time for you, and we want to make sure that the planning process remains that way. No matter what people say or how many wedding reality shows you’ve binge-watched, it’s not a rule that you have to end up stressed, overwhelmed, or panicking at the last minute. We’ve created a wedding checklist to help you remember everything you might want to do, and when to do it.
Download, print, or screenshot to keep the checklist handy and tick off tasks as you go.
12 months before the big day
First things first – figure out your budget. You’ll need to know this before you can plough ahead with your planning. It could also help you figure out timescales for setting the date if you’re planning on saving up.
After this, it’s time to start the planning process. If you’re looking for a way to start getting some thoughts and ideas together, check out our blog about what makes a great wedding. There’s always Pinterest for even more inspiration and if you’re using a wedding planner, make sure you engage with them at the start.
Then you’ll be viewing, and booking, your wedding venue! Once the venue and the date are set, you’re then able to get your wedding licence sorted. Don’t forget to arrange your celebrant or church ceremony at the same time.
11 months before the big day
Around now, you’ll want to book a photographer and videographer, if you’re having them. A videographer can be a great addition to the day as they can capture more candid moments – things you might have missed.
There are several other items that you need to find suppliers for now – catering, drinks, music, invitations, and venue styling. It’s also time to look at options for your honeymoon and wedding dress.
A tip from us – check the finer detail of any supplier contracts before you make up your mind. You don’t want to get caught out at the last minute – it’s a distraction you don’t need. Trust us!
9 months before the big day
Now you’ve found your suppliers, you should have a florist booked and your dress ordered. It’s also the time for some delicious food tastings – the cake as well as your wedding breakfast. Ask for what you really want e.g., locally sourced, completely gluten-free, wedding tableware to match your theme, laid back etc. You get to choose the traditions you want to honour.
People like to plan early for weddings so send your save-the-date cards now. There are many lovely options available – physical or digital; companies that will manage the whole process for you – so you’ll be able to find something that works for you.
The last things to arrange at this stage are your hair and make-up trials.
6 months before the big day
At this stage, the focus should be on shopping for the bridesmaid dresses, confirming your wedding catering options and any entertainment, choosing the stationery for the wedding day items, and finalising your transport. If you’re travelling from a church to your reception venue you may want to consider the transport of guests too.
4 months before the big day
With 4 months left to go, there’s some more shopping to do: shoes, groomsmen’s suits, and wedding rings. If your dresses or suits need any alterations, now’s the time to get them sorted.
You’ll want to send out your invitations and make sure you have the right information to send to your guests so they can book any overnight stays.
Decide if you’re opting for a gift list or you might prefer to ask guests to contribute towards your honeymoon or even make a donation to a charity of your choice.
2 months before the big day
The wedding will be fast approaching – you’re on the final stretch to the most awesome day!
At this point, it’s about final dress fittings, creating your playlist, finalising the order of service, chasing RSVPs (there will be some people who leave it late to reply – nag them!), and meeting your photographer to discuss ideas.
3 weeks to go
It’s time to finalise your seating plan. Remember – you’ll need to share this with your caterer, and don’t forget to highlight any guests with dietary requirements.
It’s also time now to collect your wedding rings: keep them somewhere safe!
If you haven’t already started writing your own vows or after-dinner speech, you’d better get a wiggle on! Try out a few options and run them past a trusted friend to make sure you get the tone right.
One week to go
If you’re heading straight on your honeymoon after the wedding, pack your suitcase while you’ve still got the time.
This is the time to accept help, from picking up the wedding outfits to packing and transporting all the wedding decor you’ve been making for the last month, your mantra should be “the more the merrier”, leaving you with time to fit in any hair, beauty, or spa treatments.
The day before
If you only have access to your venue the day before, these last 24 hours can be a busy one, arrive early and make sure you go through roles with everyone involved. If you’re using a wedding planner they should be on hand to deal with all your suppliers and venue styling so you can leave early and get a good night’s sleep ready for the big day.
Julia’s (our event coordinator’s) top tip…
One of the less exciting (but important) tasks: deciding whether to take out wedding insurance. It’s optional but can be a safety net for your money if something happens to interrupt your plans.
Want to talk to us about luxury wedding catering options for your special day? Drop your contact details in the form below and we’ll get back in touch.
