Wedding Planner

With so much to plan for your wedding, here is a handy Wedding Planner countdown to your day with a guide to what needs to be done and when!

12 months to go

• Pick a date and confirm with the person performing the ceremony
• Plan your budget and open your wedding bank account
• Choose your bridal party
• Agree on the number of guests to be invited
• Book venue and if possible reserve accommodation
• Purchase wedding insurance for your own peace of mind
• Research wedding photographers and videographer (friend referrals are always a good place to start)
• Start the search for your perfect dress (online is a great place to start)
• Visit a Bridal Fayre

Read More: How to Survive Wedding Fayres!

11 months to go

• Decide if your wedding is to have a theme or not
• Book your transport (if required)
• Book photographer and videographer
• Book your band or DJ
• Shop for the dream dress, make sure you take someone who will be honest

10 months to go

• Choose a florist and discuss your ideas and colours with them
• Order your dress
• Book your honeymoon (Check if you need any immunisations)
• Research stationery providers or craft shops if you wish to make your own

9 months to go

• Choose and order your bridesmaids and flower girl dresses
• Look out for accessories for you and your bridesmaids
• Order your stationery or start making your own (get all the bridal party involved)
• Book time off work
• Start looking for your cake maker (It is so important that it tastes as good as it looks!)
• If your venue does not include room dressing you may want to book a venue stylist for chair covers etc

8 months to go

• Remind your groom to organise suits for the men
• Start to think about gifts for the bridal party
• Begin your health and beauty regime
• Confirm music for ceremony and book musicians if required

7 months to go

• Register for a wedding gift list with your chosen store/stores
• Select and order wedding favours
• Choose and purchase your wedding rings
• Order your wedding cake

6 months to go

• Buy your wedding lingerie and shoes
• Attend your first dress fitting (bring shoes and lingerie with you)
• Get your order of service booklets printed
• Make an appointment with your hairdresser and bring along a picture of your dress and headpiece to discuss suitable styles

5 months to go

• Plan your hen and stag parties
• Apply for your new passport if you are planning to travel under your married name
• Arrange any vaccinations or visas required for your honeymoon
• Book an appointment with your make-up artist to discuss your thoughts

4 months to go

• Apply for your marriage licence at your local council
• Ensure you have all address details for your invitations
• Buy your going away outfit and honeymoon wardrobe
• Arrange hair and make-up trials for you and your bridesmaids

3 months to go

• Send out your invitations (including a request for any food allergies)
• Arrange a menu tasting with your venue /caterer
• Meet with your florist to finalise requirements
• Confirm booking with all suppliers (Band, Transport etc)

2 months to go

• Keep track of invite acceptances and refusals as they come in
• Start drawing up a seating plan for the reception
• Record all gifts as you receive them so you can write personalised thank you cards after the wedding
• Book your final hair and make-up appointments
• Arrange final dress fittings and collection date

1 month to go

• Order foreign currency for honeymoon
• Meet with your wedding photographer to finalise requirements
• Confirm arrangements with the venue
• Chase up unanswered invitations
• Finalise table plan
• Ensure all members of the bridal party know what is required of them
• Ensure place cards and seating plan are ready
• Confirm delivery or collection of cake
• Go and enjoy your Hen and Stag parties

1 week to go

• Have a wedding rehearsal
• Break-in your wedding shoes
• Ensure speeches have been written
• Put together an emergency kit with make-up, painkillers, safety pins etc for any mishaps on the day
• Finalise numbers with venue/caterer
• Start packing for your honeymoon
• Remind your partner to have a haircut

1 day to go

• Ensure the best man has the rings and a list of contact numbers for all weddings suppliers. Also, ensure he has arranged to return the hire suits
• Deliver items to the venue, such as luggage, favours, place cards, seating plan etc.
• Have a manicure and pedicure
• Have everything laid out ready for the big day
• Take a long soak in the bath and get an early night

On the day

Relax knowing that everything is in hand and ENJOY YOUR DAY!!