FROM ENGAGEMENT TO WEDDING DAY

THE COMPLETE Wedding Planning Checklist

A calm, practical guide to what normally needs doing and when. Start wherever you are, ignore anything that does not apply, and take one manageable step at a time.

1PLAN 2CHECK 3RELAX

OPEN THE CHECKLIST BACK TO THE PLANNER

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This is a guide, not a set of rules.

Your timescale may be longer or shorter, and some jobs may happen in a different order. The right plan is the one that works for your wedding.

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Jump to: 12+ months 9-12 months 6-9 months 3-6 months 1-3 months Final month Final week

STAGE 0112+ Months BeforeBuild the foundations

Begin With the Big Decisions

These early choices shape the budget, guest numbers and professionals you will need.

Celebrate your engagement before rushing into the planning
Discuss how you want the wedding to feel
Agree a comfortable maximum budget
Draft an approximate guest list
Choose a preferred season or date range
Research and visit suitable wedding venues
Check availability before announcing the date
Arrange wedding insurance if appropriate

STAGE 029-12 Months BeforeBuild your wedding team

Secure Your Key Professionals

Popular businesses may accept bookings well ahead, especially for Saturdays and peak-season dates.

Confirm the venue and ceremony arrangements
Book your photographer
Book your videographer if required
Begin looking for bridalwear and wedding outfits
Book entertainment, DJ or musicians
Research flowers, styling and wedding transport
Choose members of the wedding party
Send save-the-dates if guests need plenty of notice

STAGE 036-9 Months BeforeShape the details

Turn the Plan Into Your Wedding

This is when the style, practical arrangements and guest experience begin to come together.

Choose flowers and discuss initial designs
Order or design wedding stationery
Choose and order the wedding cake
Confirm wedding transport
Book hair and makeup professionals
Research guest accommodation
Discuss ceremony readings and music
Review the budget and upcoming payment dates

STAGE 043-6 Months BeforeOrganise your guests

Invitations, Outfits and Arrangements

Give guests the information they need and begin confirming how the day will work.

Send wedding invitations
Record RSVPs, meal choices and dietary requirements
Arrange outfit fittings and alterations
Choose wedding rings
Confirm the ceremony wording and legal requirements
Plan decorations, signage and table styling
Prepare an initial wedding-day schedule
Check accessibility and transport needs for guests

STAGE 051-3 Months BeforeBring everything together

Confirm the Final Shape of the Day

Move from broad arrangements to confirmed numbers, timings and responsibilities.

Follow up missing RSVPs
Create the seating plan
Confirm menu choices and final guest information
Plan speeches and decide their order
Confirm music choices with the ceremony and entertainment teams
Prepare a photography group list
Allocate responsibilities to trusted helpers
Check every supplier contract and remaining balance date

STAGE 06The Final MonthConfirm and communicate

Make Sure Everyone Has the Same Plan

Good communication now prevents confusion and last-minute questions later.

Give final numbers to the venue and caterer
Send the final schedule to relevant suppliers
Confirm arrival, setup and collection arrangements
Pay balances when due and keep confirmations
Collect outfits and complete final fittings
Prepare place cards, table plans and signage
Wear in wedding shoes carefully at home
Prepare an emergency contact list

STAGE 07The Final WeekPack, check and breathe

Protect Your Time and Enjoy the Excitement

The major planning is complete. Focus only on final practical checks and looking after yourselves.

Check the latest weather forecast and any backup plan
Pack outfits, accessories, rings and important documents
Prepare a small wedding emergency kit
Confirm who is holding rings, payments and supplier contacts
Reconfirm transport and accommodation arrangements
Deliver any decorations or items requested by the venue
Share the final schedule with the wedding party
Stop planning, rest and enjoy what you have created

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A BRIDAL SHOWCASE TIP

Keep one master version of your plan

Whether it is a notebook, folder or digital document, choose one place as the most up-to-date record. This prevents different lists from quietly contradicting one another.

NEXT IN YOUR PLANNING JOURNEY

Put Your Checklist on a Timeline

The Wedding Planning Timeline turns these stages into a clear month-by-month overview, helping you see what comes next.

OPEN THE WEDDING TIMELINE Previous: Comfortable Budget ←

Bringing couples together with trusted local wedding businesses—one carefully selected professional in every category.