When it comes to planning your wedding, many couples often wonder when to start booking suppliers, arranging services, and to start considering different aspects of their big day. The timing can vary greatly depending on factors like the type of wedding you want, whether it’s local or abroad, and the size of the celebration.

Every wedding timeline is unique. We’ve seen couples pull off amazing weddings in just five weeks, showing that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. However, to give you an idea of where to start, we’ve listed our ultimate 12-month planning timeline below. 

However, if you prefer a more laid-back approach, check out our ultimate wedding planning checklist. It covers all the elements wedding without being tied to a specific month-by-month schedule. 

Happy Planning!

The Timeline: 

How to get started 

• Sit down together and discuss what your ideal wedding looks like. What are your ‘uncompromisables’. 

• Set a budget 

• Make a guest list – this may impact your choice of wedding venues. 

• Make a list of potential wedding dates – check with important guests to avoid clashes. 

• Research potential venues 

• Have an engagement party

Photographer: Furnace Mere Studios

11 – 12 Months Before 

• Visit and book your wedding venue(s) 

• Book your registrar for your legal wedding 

• Consider a celebrant if you want a more personalised ceremony, but remember to be legally married you will still need to have a legal wedding at a registry office. 

• Good suppliers can get booked up really quickly so you might want to start researching into some potential wedding services and suppliers. This could include a florist (like Blooming Roza), photographer, invitations, cake, decor and styling, music, hair and make up. You could take a look at when your local wedding fairs are on as they can be a great place to gain ideas and meet some great suppliers.

• Consider getting wedding insurance. 

• Decide what entertainment you may like for your ceremony, drinks reception, and dancing. 

• Book photographer 

• Consider booking a videographer 

• Choose your wedding colour pallette 

• Research and consider your venue and ceremony decor. Looking into a wedding stylist, like Blooming Roza, is an option we recommend. 

• Research and consider hiring a wedding planner or coordinator. Although venues can come with staff to help you on the day, it can be a really good option to hire someone to help you through the logistics of planning and to ensure your day runs as perfectly as possible. 

• Start your wedding dress search 

• Consider sending Save the Date cards. If posting these cards is something you would rather not do, we recommend doing this digitally via email or social media messaging. It’s important to notify the guests you are closest to at this time to ensure they can save your wedding date. This is particularly important if you are planning your wedding abroad. 

• Choose your wedding party – Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, and anyone else you want in your bridal party.  

• See if any talented friends may help you out with the wedding –  cake makers, decor, flowers etc.

8 – 10 Months Before 

• Book a band/DJ for your wedding reception 

• Research and reserve accommodation for guests if you need to 

• Sample and select a caterer (if independent from your venue)

• Book your wedding cake 

• Research and contact decor hire companies if you need to rent anything for the ceremony and reception. This can include chairs, tables, or a tent. 

• Look into booking your honeymoon. Make sure your passports are in date.

6 – 8 Months Before 

• Buy your wedding dress – It’s good to be aware that some dress shops can see 6 months as a rush order. 

• Organise the legalities of getting married. This can vary per country.  

• Start planning your hen and stag parties. This can be arranged by your bridal party or yourselves. 

• Choose and order your wedding invitations and stationery. 

• Try wedding cake samples and order your wedding cake.

6 – 4 Months Before 

• Choose your bridesmaids dresses 

• Choose groom/groomsman suits 

• If you haven’t booked a florist already, we recommend looking into this at least 6 months before your wedding due to how booked up florists can get in wedding season. Floristry is a service Blooming Roza provides, you can view our floristry portfolio here.

• Choose and order your wedding rings 

• Look into having a menu tasting with your caterer – you will need to have picked your options before sending out your invitations. 

• Book your wedding transport for you (and your guests if needed) 

• Create your gift list, if you want one. You can also consider setting up an online honeymoon/future fund from an online gifting service.

• Start gathering addresses for your invites and/or set up a wedding website. Create a spreadsheet for your RSVPs. 

• Send your wedding invitations at least four months before your wedding. 

• Decide on your readings 

• Book a hairdresser and hair trial. 

• Book a makeup artist and a makeup trial.  

• Arrange travel vaccinations for your honeymoon if you need to.

2 – 3 Months Before 

• Attend dress fittings 

• Organise gifts for parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen and each other 

• Buy shoes, accessories, hair-pieces, bow ties etc. make sure you allow for a longer delivery time if you are ordering online. 

• Organise outfits for your flower girls or page boys

• Choose guest favours if you are having them

• Start to write your vows 

• Start to break in your wedding shoes 

• Review your RSVP list and chase any guests who have not replied. 

• Give your venue/caterer your final guest numbers – including their dietary requirements at least 6 weeks before your wedding. 

• Make a decision as to whether you would like to preserve your bridal bouquet. This is something you will need to arrange as your flowers will start to deteriorate soon after your wedding day.

1 Month Before 

• Make any last minute adjustments with suppliers 

• Create your seating plan 

• Finalise your orders of service (ceremony booklets) if you having one. 

• Complete any DIY projects 

• Final walk-through with your venue 

• Pay vendors in full

• Have your final dress fitting/pick up your dress

• Talk to your photographer and videographer about your ‘must have’ shot lists. 

• Check-in with your suppliers

1 Week Before 

• Pick up the suits 

• Pack an overnight bag for the reception 

• Pack for your honeymoon/minimoon 

• Manicure/Pedicure and any other beauty requirements you have including waxing, threading etc.  

• Settle all last payments with your suppliers 

2 – 3 days before 

• Print off a sheet with the running order for the day. Make sure it includes the details of your main suppliers and give copies to your Best Man and Maid of Honour. If you have a wedding planner you have hired external to your venue, they should have done this for you. 

• Practice your vows out loud

1 Day Before 

• Drop off all place names, menus, favours, table plan etc. to the venue coordination team.

• Provide all wedding professionals with your emergency phone number to call on the day of your wedding should they need to. 

• Make sure the cake is on its way to your venue. It’s best to let another person look after this task. 

• Eat a good meal 

• Get a good nights sleep

The Wedding Day 

• Eat a good breakfast 

• Have someone meet your hairdresser and make-up artist and show them to your room. 

• Make sure someone is there to receive your flowers – bridal bouquets, bridesmaid bouquets, buttonholes etc. You will want them for your pre-ceremony pictures. 

• Give your wedding rings to the Best Man 

• Introduce your wedding planner (if you are having one) to your venue team.

After The Wedding Day 

• Arrange for someone to return any rentals 

• Pick up your items from the venue 

• Drop off your bouquet for preservation if you are getting it preserved. 

• Store your wedding dress away and think about getting it dry-cleaned and preserved. 

• Return suits to the rental shop if they were rented. 

• Write and send thank you notes to your guests and suppliers 

• Collect your marriage certificate