Your Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide

Whether you are staying local or planning a destination wedding, a structured checklist is the secret to a stress-free experience. This guide acts as your road-map, ensuring you prioritise the right tasks at the right time.

Pro-Tip: Every wedding is unique. Use this list as a flexible foundation—keep what works for you and skip what doesn't.

Phase 1: The Foundations

Before you start booking vendors, you need to establish your "Big Three": Budget, Guest List, and Vision.

  • Set Your Budget: Determine your total spend and identify if family members are contributing. Knowing your limit prevents heartbreak later.
  • Draft the Guest List: You can’t pick a venue without a headcount. This determines the scale of your day and your catering costs.
  • Define Your Vision: Use Pinterest to find common themes. Don't worry about perfection yet; just look for patterns in the colours and styles you love.
  • Scout Venues: Start making inquiries early to see which spaces align with your budget and guest count.


A gravel pathway leads to a pink Georgian manor house with autumn leaves scattered on the surrounding lawn.



Phase 2: 12–18 Months Before

This phase is all about the "Big Wins"—securing the elements that book up years in advance.

  • Secure the Venue: This is the biggest expense and dictates your wedding date.
  • Buy Insurance: Protect your investment before paying large deposits.
  • Book Photo/Video The best visual storytellers often book up 18 months out. My Summer months are typically booked over a year in advance.
  • Give Notice: Visit your local registrar to handle the legalities of your intent to marry.


A groom in a black tuxedo with a red rose boutonniere stands at a formal wedding event.

Phase 3: 10–11 Months Before

  • Book Entertainment: Secure your DJ, live band, or ceremony musicians.
  • Confirm Catering: If the venue doesn't provide food, hire your external caterers and discuss menu styles.
  • The Dress Hunt: Start shopping now. Made-to-order gowns can take 6+ months to arrive, plus time for alterations.

Phase 4: 6–9 Months Before

  • The Floral Design: Book your florist and finalise your floral "vibe."
  • Save the Dates: Send these out so guests can clear their calendars.
  • Assign Roles: Officially ask your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and ushers for their help.
  • Logistics: Book your transport (cars/buses) and your own wedding night accommodation.
  • Menu Tasting: The best part! Finalise your dishes and discuss dietary requirements.


A couple in wedding attire walks together outside a historic brick building with arched windows.

Phase 5: 3–5 Months Before

  • The Stationery: Order your invitations and start building your Wedding Website to handle digital RSVPs.
  • Gift List: Register for gifts or set up a honeymoon fund.
  • Wedding Rings: Order these early, especially if you want custom engraving.
  • Accessories: Shop for shoes, veils, ties, and jewelry.

Phase 6: 1–2 Months Before

  • The Party: Time for the Hen and Stag celebrations!
  • Final Details: Confirm the "Order of Service" and write your speeches/vows.
  • Payments: Most final balances for vendors will be due now.
  • The Layout: Chase any late RSVPs and finalize your seating chart.

Phase 7: The Final Week

  • Beauty: Get your final haircuts, manicures, or brow treatments.
  • Break in Your Shoes: Wear them around the house to avoid blisters on the day.
  • Emergency Kit: Pack a bag with safety pins, plasters, paracetamol, and lip balm.
  • Final Handover: Ensure your wedding party knows the schedule and has the contact numbers for all key vendors



Ready to book?