Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but with the right timeline, you can approach your big day with confidence and joy. This comprehensive 12-month guide will help you stay organised and ensure nothing important is overlooked. Remember, every couple's journey is unique, so adapt this timeline to suit your specific needs and circumstances.
12 Months Before: The Foundation
Set Your Budget: This is your most important first step. Determine how much you can realistically spend and allocate percentages to different categories (venue 40%, catering 30%, photography 10%, etc.).
Create Your Guest List: Draft a preliminary list to help determine venue size requirements. This will likely evolve, but you need a starting point.
Choose Your Wedding Style: Decide on the overall theme, formality level, and atmosphere you want to create. This will guide all your subsequent decisions.
Book Your Venue: Popular venues book up quickly, especially for peak season dates. Once you've secured your venue, you'll have your wedding date locked in.
10-11 Months Before: Building Your Team
Hire Your Wedding Planner: If you're using a professional planner, now is the time. They can help with vendor recommendations and timeline management.
Book Your Photographer and Videographer: These are often the most sought-after vendors, so book early to secure your preferred professionals.
Choose Your Wedding Party: Select your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other special roles. Give them plenty of notice so they can plan accordingly.
Start Dress Shopping: Wedding dresses typically take 4-6 months to arrive, plus time for alterations, so start early.
8-9 Months Before: The Details Take Shape
Book Your Caterer: If your venue doesn't include catering, research and book your caterer. Schedule tastings to make menu decisions.
Choose Your Officiant: Whether religious or civil, book your officiant and discuss ceremony details and requirements.
Order Save the Dates: Send these out, especially if you're having a destination wedding or holiday weekend celebration.
Book Accommodation: Reserve room blocks at nearby hotels for out-of-town guests.
6-7 Months Before: Music and Flowers
Book Your Music: Whether it's a DJ, band, or playlist, secure your ceremony and reception music. Don't forget about cocktail hour!
Choose Your Florist: Discuss your vision, colour scheme, and budget. Book your florist and start planning your arrangements.
Register for Gifts: Set up your wedding registry at your preferred retailers.
Plan Your Honeymoon: Research destinations and start making reservations, especially if you're travelling during peak season.
4-5 Months Before: Invitations and Logistics
Order Wedding Invitations: Allow time for addressing, assembly, and posting. Traditional etiquette suggests sending invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding.
Plan Transportation: Arrange transport for the wedding party and consider guest transportation, especially if parking is limited.
Schedule Dress Fittings: Begin the alteration process for your wedding dress and order shoes and undergarments.
Book Beauty Appointments: Schedule hair and makeup trials and book your wedding day beauty team.
2-3 Months Before: Final Touches
Send Invitations: Post your wedding invitations and set up your RSVP system. Include all necessary details like accommodation information.
Order Wedding Cake: Finalise your cake design and flavours. Schedule a tasting if you haven't already.
Apply for Marriage Licence: Research requirements in your area and apply for your marriage licence within the required timeframe.
Plan Your Rehearsal Dinner: Organise the rehearsal dinner for your wedding party and immediate family.
1 Month Before: Crunch Time
Finalise Guest Count: Chase up outstanding RSVPs and provide final numbers to your caterer and venue.
Confirm Details: Contact all vendors to confirm timing, delivery details, and final arrangements.
Create Seating Plan: Organise your table assignments and create escort cards or a seating chart.
Delegate Responsibilities: Brief your wedding party and family members on their roles and responsibilities.
1 Week Before: Final Preparations
Confirm Final Details: Make final confirmation calls to all vendors and review the timeline with your wedding planner.
Prepare Emergency Kit: Pack a wedding day emergency kit with essentials like stain remover, safety pins, tissues, and pain relievers.
Relax and Pamper: Get a good night's sleep, stay hydrated, and consider a spa treatment to help you relax.
Wedding Day: Enjoy Every Moment
Trust in your planning and preparation. Delegate last-minute decisions to your wedding planner or designated family member, and focus on enjoying this special celebration with your loved ones.
Professional Planning Makes the Difference
While this timeline provides a comprehensive framework, every wedding is unique. Working with an experienced wedding planner can help you navigate unexpected challenges and ensure your day unfolds seamlessly. At Glimmer Balance Events, we're here to support you through every step of this exciting journey, from the initial planning stages right through to your perfect day.