Congratulations on your engagement! Check out our comprehensive timeline to guide you through your wedding planning journey. But don’t worry, feel free to adjust based on your specific needs!
18 Months to Go
SET YOUR BUDGET
- What’s your total budget?
- How will you allocate funds across
different aspects (venue, catering, attire, etc)? - Who’s contributing financially?
CREATE YOUR GUEST LIST
- How many guests can you accommodate within your budget?
- Are you having an adults-only wedding or including children?
- Will you offer plus-ones?
CONSIDER HIRING A WEDDING PLANNER
- Do you need full-service planning or day-of coordination?
- What’s your budget for a planner?
CHOOSE & BOOK YOUR VENUE
- What’s your ideal wedding style (rustic, elegant, modern, etc.)?
- Do you want a separate ceremony and reception venue?
- What’s the venue’s capacity?
- Is the venue easily accessible for all your guests?
Consider who is travelling the furthest. - Are there any date restrictions or preferred vendors?
INVEST IN WEDDING INSURANCE
- What does the policy cover? Make sure it’s the right policy you need.
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Are there any exclusions you need to be aware of?
16 Months to Go
RESEARCH WEDDING THEMES
- What colours and styles resonate with you as a couple?
- How can you incorporate personal touches?
CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING PARTY
- How many bridesmaids and groomsmen do you want?
- Are you including other roles like ushers or flower girls?
START VISITING WEDDING FAYRES
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What specific ideas or suppliers are you looking for?
The I Do Wedding Exhibitions and Fayres are a great choice for ideas and inspiration!
BOOK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
- Photographers and Videographers get booked up super quickly!
12-13 Months to Go
START BOOKING IN-DEMAND SUPPLIERS
- Book your venue decor ASAP.
- It’s important to book your fresh flowers now too! If you’re having
artificial flowers, book these around 6-9 months.
PRE-BOOK VENUE GUEST ACCOMMODATION
- How many rooms should you reserve?
- Is there a discount for booking a block of rooms?
PLAN FOR PETS
- Will your pet(s) be part of the ceremony? In what capacity?
- Who will be responsible for pet care on the day?
- If travelling, what pet-friendly accommodations are available?
- Are there any venue restrictions regarding pets?
BOOK YOUR WEDDING CAKE
- What flavours and design do you prefer?
- Any dietary restrictions to consider?
PLAN & BOOK YOUR HONEYMOON
- What’s your ideal honeymoon destination and activities?
- Do you need to renew passports or get visas?
9 Months to Go
BOOK YOUR ENTERTAINMENT
- What type of music fits your vision (DJ, band, string quartet)?
- What kind of atmosphere do you want to create?
- Are there any must-play songs or do-not-play songs?
START SHOPPING FOR YOUR DRESS
- What styles complement your body type and wedding theme?
- What’s your budget for the dress and alterations? Its important not to shop too early, as you might change your mind down the line.
SEND SAVE THE DATES
- Will you send physical cards or digital announcements?
- For destination weddings, include travel and accommodation info.
6-9 Months to Go
BOOK ANY OTHER SUPPLIER
- Book your hair and makeup - this gives plenty of time for trials.
PURCHASE BRIDESMAID GOWNS
- Will bridesmaids choose their own dresses or wear matching ones?
- What’s the budget per dress?
BOOK YOUR OFFICIANT/CELEBRANT
- Religious or non-religious ceremony?
- Any specific elements you want to include in the ceremony?
6 Months to Go
BUY YOUR WEDDING RINGS
- What metal and style suit your preferences?
- Do you want matching rings or individual designs?
- Consider engraving options
- If going bespoke made, consider ordering even earlier
4-6 Months to Go
SEND YOUR INVITES
- Have you included all necessary information (date, time, location, dress code)?
- What’s your RSVP deadline?
- Include details for your wedding website if applicable
SORT YOUR SUITS
- Are you buying or hiring?
- If hiring, research suppliers and their rental periods
- Schedule fittings for groom and groomsmen
3-4 Months to Go
SORT FINAL SUPPLIER MEETINGS
- Schedule final menu tasting
- Finalise flower arrangements
- Confirm cake design
- Any last-minute changes or special requests?
1-3 Months to Go
SORT SEATING PLAN
- Consider family dynamics and guest relationships
- Plan for any last-minute changes or cancellations
1 Month to Go
CONFIRM FINAL DETAILS
- What kind of atmosphere do you want to create?
- Are there any must-play songs or do-not-play songs?
SCHEDULE FINAL HAIR & MAKEUP TRIAL
- Any last minute changes to the makeup.
- Consider any recent changes in your skin and hair condition.
PLAN SEE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOAGRAPHER
- Review shot list and special moments to capture
PURCHASE WEDDING FAVOURS
- What favours align with your theme and budget?
2 Weeks to Go
FINAL DRESS FITTING
- Schedule as close to the wedding day as possible
- Bring your wedding shoes and undergarments
- Any last minute alterations.
WRITE YOUR VOWS
- Decide if you’ll share them or keep them private until the ceremony
1 Week to Go
FINAL DETAILS
- Purchase a wedding day perfume
- Buy a gift for your partner
- Schedule quality time together without wedding talk
PACK FOR YOUR HONEYMOON
- Check weather forecasts for your destination
- Ensure all travel documents are in order
Now it's your wedding day!
Congratulations! Take moments to be present and enjoy your special day together. It goes by faster than you think! Remember, this timeline is flexible and isn’t set in stone. Adjust it to suit your specific wedding date and circumstances. Happy planning!
