With the average couple in the UK taking around 12 to 18 months to plan their special day, organisation is no doubt the key to wedding planning success. A list of actionable steps and timescales can help you stay on track and motivated as you career towards your wedding day and put together the celebration you’ve always dreamed of.
In this essential guide, we share the tasks every couple needs to tick off from 18 months to the week before the big day.
18 months to go
Before you get down to the business of wedding planning, it helps to know what vision you have in mind for your wedding day.
Ease yourself into wedding planning slowly by dedicating the first few weeks to gathering plenty of inspiration – you won’t regret it! The Knot explains why this is one wedding planning task that shouldn’t be skipped:
“Take your time gathering wedding inspiration during this stage of the planning process. Don’t forget to check out magazines, social media and real wedding photos—and don’t limit yourself to the obvious sources. Something as unlikely as a wallpaper pattern, a scene from a favourite movie, or a family heirloom can spark your creativity and guide your wedding plans.”
It’s time to bring that vision to life. Focus on practicalities like devising a budget, setting aside a wedding contingency fund and finalising a rough guest list next.
12 months to go
Now you can move forward with your wedding plans, and it all starts with your choice of wedding venue. This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the planning process, not to mention the most expensive.
Remember, venues get booked up well in advance so you may want to start your search a little earlier if you have a specific wedding date in mind. Alternatively, stay flexible to take advantage of late availability offers and wedding packages.
Once you have your venue and your desired wedding date, you can give notice of marriage and purchase wedding insurance.
10 months to go
Booking the vendors that will turn those wedding dreams into a reality comes next. This includes your photographer, content creator, videographer, florist, DJ, entertainment, cake supplier, transportation, and caterer.
When booking Clearwell Castle, you can rely on our in-house team to deliver premium wedding food and drink options as well as exceptional service both on and in the run-up to your wedding day. Our trusted suppliers can also be explored for everything else!
9 months to go
Get started on your wedding stationery, and be sure to send invitations out six months before your wedding if you don’t plan to send save the dates. You should also assign your wedding VIPs as well as begin your hunt for those all-important wedding outfits. Finalising accommodation requirements with your venue is recommended at this stage too.
6 months to go
After sending your save the dates or official invitations, you should work on finalising the bigger details that’ll make your wedding day.
Your menu, cake, floral arrangements and wedding party outfits should be finalised four to six months before your wedding date. If you haven’t done so already, book your hair and makeup artists, make plans for your honeymoon, create your wedding website, and plan your gift registry.
4 months to go
At the four-month mark, you should send your wedding invitations if you sent save the dates previously.
You should also begin finalising the smaller details that will help your wedding day go smoothly, such as the logistics of the occasion and transportation/accommodation recommendations for your wider guest list. The décor, your wedding rings and your wedding accessories should also be planned and purchased.
2 months to go
With your wedding date nearing, and wedding planning almost done and dusted, you deserve a much-needed break. Host your hen, stag or sten parties, and really let your hair down before delving deeper into the last few bits of wedding planning. These include on-the-day timings, signage, table plans, programmes, place names, speeches and readings, and your vendor schedule.
1 month to go
It’s all go with just one month of wedding planning left! At this stage, you should finalise your guest list, seating plan, any on-the-day arrangements, outfits, vendor details, and your vows. You may want to give your wedding VIPs a treat too by purchasing gifts for bridesmaids, groomsmen and any other loved one who has been helpful during the planning process.
1 week to go
You’re almost there! Schedule your final dress or suit fitting, break in those wedding shoes, beautify and groom, collect any outstanding supplies, and pack your wedding day emergency kit before counting down to your big day with excitement and anticipation!
