Your Ultimate Wedding Planning Timeline: Stress-Free and Full of Joy!
Planning your wedding is exciting, but let’s be honest - it can also feel overwhelming. With so many decisions to make and details to organise, it’s easy to feel like you’re spinning plates. The key? A solid timeline to keep everything on track while making the process feel fun (yes, fun!).
This guide breaks your wedding planning journey into simple, manageable steps, so you can enjoy the lead-up to your big day without the stress.
12-18 Months Before: Lay the Foundations
This is the exciting part - Pinterest boards at the ready! Before you get into the nitty-gritty, start with the big picture.
Set Your Budget – Not the most exciting task, but an essential one. Knowing your numbers helps with every decision that follows.
Find Your Dream Venue – Love at first sight? Book it! Popular venues can fill up fast, so secure your date early.
Hire Key Vendors – Photographers (hello!), videographers, and planners can get booked up a year or more in advance - don’t wait too long!
Create a Guest List – Draft a list of your must-have guests before making venue decisions.
Tip: The earlier you start, the more choices you’ll have (and the less stressful things will be later on!).
9-12 Months Before: Bringing the Vision to Life
Now that you’ve got the basics locked in, it’s time to shape the look and feel of your day.
Choose Your Wedding Style – Classic and elegant? Boho and relaxed? Whatever your vibe, start thinking about colours, decor, and details.
Send Save-the-Dates – Especially if you’re having a summer wedding or a destination celebration!
Say Yes to the Dress (or Suit!) – And don’t forget attire for your bridal party too.
Plan Your Ceremony – Work with your officiant to personalise your vows and structure.
Tip: This is a great time to get engagement photos done - you’ll have beautiful images for save-the-dates and your wedding website!
6-9 Months Before: Fine-Tuning the Details
Things are getting real now! It’s time to lock in more vendors and start thinking logistics.
Book Your Florist, Caterer & Entertainment – Flowers, food, and music are key to setting the mood!
Plan Your Honeymoon – Whether it’s a tropical escape or a mini-moon, book flights and accommodation now.
Create Your Gift Registry – Make it fun! Think about what you’ll actually use and love.
Schedule Tastings – The best part of wedding planning (besides cake tastings, of course!).
Tip: If you haven’t already, start a wedding website to keep guests informed!
3-6 Months Before: Time to Get Organised
Your wedding is getting closer, and now it’s all about bringing it together.
Order Invitations – Choose a design that reflects your wedding vibe and send them off to print.
Book Beauty Appointments – Hair, makeup trials, spa treatments - pamper yourself!
Plan Your Wedding Day Timeline – From morning prep to the last dance, get a rough schedule together.
Check in With Vendors – Confirm details with your key suppliers.
Tip: Make a spreadsheet (or a shared Google Doc) with all vendor contacts and schedules - it’ll be a lifesaver!
1-3 Months Before: The Final Touches
You’re nearly there! These final details will ensure everything runs smoothly.
Send Formal Invitations – If you haven’t already sent save-the-dates, aim to send your wedding invitations around 3-4 months before the wedding to give guests plenty of notice. However, if save-the-dates were sent earlier, 6-8 weeks before the wedding is usually enough time.
Confirm RSVPs & Seating Plan – This can take longer than expected, so start early.
Plan Your Wedding Playlist – Share your must-have songs with your DJ or band.
Pack for Your Honeymoon – The last thing you want is last-minute packing stress!
Tip: Break in your wedding shoes! The last thing you need is sore feet halfway through the party.
1 Week Before: The Final Countdown
It’s officially wedding week - time to relax and soak in the excitement!
Confirm Your Schedule – Share it with your vendors and bridal party so everyone’s on the same page.
Pack an Emergency Kit – Think plasters, safety pins, mints, tissues - anything you might need on the day.
Practice Your Vows – Whether you’re writing your own or using traditional ones, give them a run-through.
Take Some Time for You – Whether it’s a spa day, a long walk, or a Netflix binge, make space to recharge.
Tip: Assign someone you trust (a best friend, a sibling) to be the go-to person for vendor questions on the day!
Wedding Day: Time to Celebrate!
Take a deep breath - your wedding day is finally here! Trust your team, embrace every moment, and don’t sweat the small stuff. You’ve planned for this, and now it’s time to enjoy the day with the people you love most.
Your Story, Captured With Care
If you’re looking for a photographer who keeps things relaxed, fun, and completely you, we might be the perfect match! No awkward posing, no forced moments - just real, beautiful memories captured in a way that feels effortless. I’ll be there to document the laughter, the joy and all the magic moments in-between, so you can be fully present and enjoy every moment.
Sound like what you’re looking for? Let’s chat!
Planning a wedding is a journey, but it should be an exciting and joyful one. Hopefully, this guide helps you feel more organised, less stressed, and, most importantly, ready to celebrate a day that’s truly you!
