Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not sure where to start or what to prioritise. As professional wedding planners, we've guided hundreds of couples through this journey, and we've developed a comprehensive timeline to help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity.
12-18 Months Before: Getting Started
The early stages of wedding planning are all about establishing the foundations for your celebration. Here's what to focus on first:
Set Your Budget
Before making any decisions, have an honest conversation about your wedding budget. Determine who is contributing financially and establish a realistic figure that will guide all your planning decisions.
Create Your Guest List
Your guest count will influence many of your decisions, from venue selection to catering costs. Draft a preliminary list to get a sense of your numbers.
Choose Your Wedding Style
Consider what kind of wedding best reflects your personalities. Are you dreaming of a traditional church ceremony, a rustic barn celebration, or a sleek city affair? This vision will help guide your planning.
Research and Book Your Venue
Popular venues often book 12-18 months in advance, especially for weekend dates during peak season. Once you've secured your venue, you'll have your wedding date set and can move forward with other plans.
Consider Professional Help
Decide whether you'd like to work with a wedding planner. Even if full planning isn't in your budget, day coordination can be invaluable for ensuring a stress-free wedding day.
Pro Tip: Create a Dedicated Email Address
Set up an email address specifically for wedding planning. This helps keep all your vendor communications, contracts, and ideas organised in one place rather than scattered throughout your personal inbox.
9-12 Months Before: Building Your Team
Now that you have your venue secured and a date set, it's time to assemble the professionals who will bring your wedding vision to life:
Book Key Vendors
Prioritise vendors who typically only work one wedding per day, such as photographers, videographers, and bands/DJs. These professionals often book up quickly for popular dates.
Choose Your Bridal Party
Ask your closest friends and family members to be part of your bridal party. This gives them plenty of notice for planning and budgeting purposes.
Start Dress Shopping
Wedding dresses typically take 6-8 months to be made and then require alterations. Begin your search early to allow plenty of time for decision-making and fittings.
Research Accommodation Options
If you have guests travelling for your wedding, research accommodation options. Consider reserving a block of rooms at a nearby hotel for convenience.
6-9 Months Before: Refining the Details
With the major elements in place, you can now begin to focus on the more specific aspects of your celebration:
Order Invitations and Stationery
Work with a stationer to design save-the-dates (if you haven't sent them already), invitations, and other paper goods like ceremony programmes and menus.
Plan Your Menu
Work with your caterer to finalize your menu. Consider scheduling a tasting to sample options and make informed choices.
Book Your Honeymoon
Research destinations and book your honeymoon. If you're travelling internationally, ensure your passports are valid and check if any visas or vaccinations are required.
Order Attire for the Groom and Groomsmen
Whether renting or purchasing, now is the time to select suits or tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen.
Pro Tip: Create a Wedding Website
A wedding website is a convenient way to share important information with your guests, such as accommodation options, your registry, and details about the day's events. Include the website URL on your save-the-dates or invitations.
3-6 Months Before: The Finer Points
As your wedding day draws closer, it's time to focus on the elements that will personalise your celebration:
Order Your Wedding Cake
Schedule consultations with bakers to taste samples and discuss design ideas for your wedding cake.
Purchase Wedding Bands
Shop for wedding bands together. If you're considering custom designs or engravings, allow extra time for production.
Plan Your Ceremony
Work with your officiant to design a ceremony that reflects your relationship. Choose readings, music, and any cultural or religious elements you wish to include.
Organise Wedding Favors
If you're planning to give favors, decide what these will be and place orders or begin DIY projects.
1-3 Months Before: Final Preparations
The countdown is on! These last few months are about confirming details and making sure all elements are aligned:
Send Invitations
Mail your invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding. Set your RSVP deadline for 3-4 weeks before your date to allow time for final headcount adjustments.
Have Your Final Dress Fitting
Schedule your final dress fitting. Bring your wedding shoes, undergarments, and accessories to ensure everything works together.
Create a Day-Of Timeline
Work with your planner or coordinator to develop a detailed timeline for your wedding day. Share this with your wedding party and vendors to ensure everyone knows what to expect.
Confirm All Vendor Details
Contact all vendors to confirm arrangements, arrival times, and any special requests or requirements.
The Week Before: Final Countdown
You're almost there! Here's what to focus on in the final days:
Attend Rehearsal and Dinner
Practice your ceremony with your wedding party and officiant. Follow with a rehearsal dinner to thank those involved in your wedding.
Pack for Your Honeymoon
If you're leaving for your honeymoon shortly after the wedding, prepare what you'll need and ensure all travel documents are in order.
Prepare Payment Envelopes
Arrange any remaining vendor payments and gratuities in labeled envelopes. Assign a trusted person to distribute these on the day.
Take Time for Self-Care
Schedule some relaxation time amidst the busy final days. Consider a massage, a quiet dinner with your partner, or simply an early night's sleep.
Pro Tip: Delegate Responsibilities
In the days leading up to your wedding, delegate tasks to trusted friends and family members. This allows you to focus on enjoying this special time rather than managing last-minute details.
Your Wedding Day: Enjoy Every Moment
The day you've been planning for has finally arrived. Here's our most important advice:
Trust in the plans you've made and the team you've assembled. Let go of any remaining worries and be fully present in each moment. This day passes quickly, so take mental snapshots throughout, connect with your guests, and most importantly, celebrate your love with your new spouse.
Remember that while a timeline provides structure, the most meaningful parts of your wedding day are often the unplanned moments — a spontaneous laugh, a tearful hug, or a quiet moment together admiring your celebration.
At Elegant Unions, we believe that effective planning creates the foundation for a truly memorable wedding day. We hope this timeline helps you navigate your planning journey with confidence and joy.
If you'd like personalised guidance for your wedding planning process, we'd be delighted to help. Contact us to learn more about our planning services and how we can assist in creating your perfect day.
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