Wedding Planning Checklist: A Month-by-Month Guide

Stay organised and enjoy the wedding planning journey

Planning a wedding is exciting and emotional and can often be a little overwhelming. One minute you’re celebrating your engagement; the next, you’re wondering how far in advance you need to book your wedding venue, when to start wedding dress shopping, and whether you’ve already fallen behind without even realising it.⁣

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That’s why a clear wedding planning timeline is essential. A thoughtfully prepared timeline will help you work out what needs to be done and when, alleviating much of the stress the unknown can typically bring. A godsend when you're also juggling work, family life, and everything else along with planning your big day.⁣

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This month-by-month wedding planning checklist takes into account typical venue booking times, registrar availability, and the realistic lead times for wedding dresses, alterations, and suppliers. Whether you’re planning a relaxed rural wedding or a more traditional celebration, this 12 month wedding planning guide will help you stay organised, feel in control, and enjoy the planning process from start to finish.⁣

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A quick word of advice before you go ahead and copy and paste - use this as a flexible roadmap rather than a strict set of rules. In our experience, every wedding is different, and this checklist is here to support you, not pressure you.

A Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Checklist

This easy-to-follow guide breaks down a 12 month wedding timeline into bite-size chunks to help you stay on track and actually enjoy the process of planning your perfect day!

12+ Months Before the Wedding

This is the foundation stage. Big decisions happen here, so give yourself time.

• Set your overall wedding budget

• Choose your wedding date (or a few backup options)

• Research and book your wedding venue

• Start researching key suppliers such as photographers and caterers

• Begin browsing wedding dress styles and designers

• Create a rough guest list

Popular venues and photographers often book up a year or more in advance, especially for spring and summer weddings.

9–12 Months Before

Now the vision starts to come together.

• Book your photographer and videographer

• Book your caterer (if not included with the venue)

• Start wedding dress shopping

• Research florists, bands, and DJs

• Decide on your wedding theme or colour palette

• Book your registrar or church

6–9 Months Before

Details, details, details.

• Order your wedding dress

• Book hair and makeup artists

• Choose bridesmaid dresses

• Send save-the-dates

• Finalise your ceremony format

• Book accommodation for yourselves and key guests

4–6 Months Before

This is where things start to feel real.

• Schedule your first dress fitting

• Order wedding stationery

• Book transport for the day

• Finalise your menu and drinks

• Start planning your seating layout

• Organise wedding rings

2–4 Months Before

Everything gets fine-tuned.

• Send wedding invitations

• Confirm supplier bookings and timings

• Book suit fittings

• Attend hair and makeup trials

• Finalise décor and styling details

• Plan your wedding day timeline

1 Month Before

Nearly there!

• Final dress fitting

• Confirm final guest numbers

• Create a seating plan

• Prepare supplier payments and tips

• Pack an emergency kit for the day

• Finalise vows and readings

The Week of the Wedding

Time to breathe.

• Collect your wedding dress

• Steam outfits and pack accessories

• Confirm arrival times with suppliers

• Delegate tasks to trusted friends or family

• Try to rest and enjoy the build-up

The Wedding Day

You’ve done the hard work. Now it’s time to enjoy it.

• Eat breakfast

• Stay hydrated

• Take a moment together

• Celebrate!