There is so much to think about when planning your wedding, you certainly can’t do it all at once.  We’ve put together the following plan over one year to show how you can spread everything out.

12 months before:

• Book Wedding Planner
• Book venue for reception
• Book venue for ceremony
• Book registrar/priest
• Decide on a budget
• Consider buying wedding insurance
• Decide on a theme/design

11 months before:

• Order save the date cards

10 months before:

• Compile invitation list
• Book caterer
• Send save the date cards

8 months before:

• Book florist
• Book transport
• Book cake maker
• Book photographer
• Book videographer
• Book band/DJ
• Book reception decorator (chair covers etc.)
• Book toastmaster

7 months before:

• Bride’s dress and accessories
• Book musicians for ceremony
• Organise any ‘other’ entertainment
• Reserve any rental equipment (marquee, chairs etc.)

6 months before:

• Order invitations
• Bridesmaid’s dresses and accessories
• Groom’s attire and accessories
• Buy wedding rings
• Book honeymoon
• Check passports etc are valid for honeymoon

5 months before:

• Groomsmen’s attire and accessories
• Book hairdresser trial
• Book make-up trial
• Buy going away outfit, if relevant
• Schedule rehearsal time and rehearsal dinner

4 months before:

• Organise favours
• Send invitations
• Book wedding night accommodation
• Accommodation for guests
• Gift registry
• Give notice of marriage

3 months before:

• Buy gifts for bridal party/groomsmen etc.
• Decide on music for the ceremony/first dance(s)
• Decide on readings for the ceremony
• Write wedding vows
• Order stationery for the day (guest book, order of service etc.)

2 months before:

• Finalise menu for wedding breakfast
• Order table centre pieces
• Arrange hen/stag parties
• Chase unanswered invitations

1 month before:

• Arrange seating plan
• Order stationery for the day (table plan, place cards etc.)
• Make arrangements for wedding dress cleaning
• Make arrangements for bouquet to be stored/dried

2 weeks before:

• Hold rehearsal dinner with wedding party
• Confirm number of guests with reception venue and caterer
• Write speeches (groom, best man & father of the bride)

After the wedding:

• Send thank you cards

This may seem like a massive list, and you could easily add more.  The most important things is that the two of you relax and enjoy your wedding day.  It’s the first day of the rest of your lives together!