A quick search of ‘Wedding Planning Timeline’ on Pinterest will likely give you a checklist of things to do and plan within 12 – 24 months. But what if you are having a shorter engagement, or you want to take advantage of ‘last minute’ availability deals for 2023?
I planned our wedding in 9 months because I just couldn’t wait to get married. I remember saying to my now-husband, “if a woman can grow a baby in 9 months, I can definitely plan a wedding in that time”… and that I did!
Here is A Wedding Planning Timeline template for lead times of 9 months.
9 Months
Set a Budget
Book your Venue and Photographer and/or Videographer
Many venues will run offers for all remaining dates for 2023. Where venues may typically charge more to host your wedding on a Saturday compared to a weekday, these rules may be waived to book all remaining dates. This is certainly the case for venues like Whirlow Brook Hall, where all remaining dates are being sold at the cheapest package price. Ask which dates are available and plan accordingly. The same applies for photographers.
Wedding Dress Shopping
If you are looking for a custom made wedding dress, start searching at the same time as your venue search. If you are happy to choose an ‘off the rack’ option (which just means it’s already made and can be bought in store!), you could hold off a month or two.
Caterers
If your venue does not include catering, or you are choosing external catering, start your search now.
Marriage License
Whether you are having a religious ceremony, a registrar or a celebrant led ceremony, you need to make this a priority. If you are getting married in a church, you may need to attend for 6 months to qualify for getting married in your church of choice. If you are having a civil ceremony, you will need to give notice to your local registrars and book in the registrar for your marriage.
8 Months
Finalise Guest list and send Save the Dates (optional)
Dependent on your guest list, save the dates may be helpful to send out at this time once you have your ceremony and reception booked.
Book your Wedding Coordinator
Research and book your florist
7 Months
Order your Wedding Cake
Book any Hair and Makeup Artists
Purchase your Wedding Dress if you haven’t already
Confirm date for Hen and Stag Parties
Begin planning styling elements
Book in a seamstress for dress alterations
6 Months
Book stationery for invitations OR design your own invitations
Buy or rent Groom’s and Groomsman attire
Purchase Bridesmaid Dresses
Book Musicians (if you are having them)
Book any additional suppliers
Begin any DIY Styling elements
Arrange Wedding Day Transportation
5 Months
Arrange Wedding Accommodation
Begin Planning your Honeymoon
Attend Dress Fitting
4 Months
Attend Hair and Makeup Trials
Select your music
Finalise Floral designs
Choose wedding rings
Groom’s Suit Fitting
Send out Invitations
3 Months
Meet with your photographer and videographer (if having)
Finalise any DIY Styling Elements
Purchase any accessories
2 Months
Purchase any gifts for Wedding Party and Parents
Attend Hen and Stag Celebrations!
Create a Wedding Day Timeline for your suppliers (or book a Wedding Day Coordinator who can do this for you!)
Contact guests who have not sent a RSVP
6 Weeks
Finalise seating chart
Write place cards
Send final numbers to relevant suppliers (eg Caterers, Venue)
Any last minute communication with suppliers
Attend last dress fitting
Purchase any last minute items
2 Weeks
Create welcome bags for close friends and family who are traveling
Break in any new shoes
Wedding Week
Drop off welcome bags to accommodation
Deliver decorative items to your venue
Go on a date with your finance (where you don’t talk about wedding logistics!)
Go to bed early the night before
Feeling overwhelmed by planning your event or just need a helping hand? I’m all about bringing peace to your planning process. Whether it’s Wedding Day Coordination or Full Wedding Planning, I’d love to help. Say hello today!
