Wedding Checklist

Wedding planning made easy

Congratulations! You are getting married! Once all the excitement dies down following your engagement, the reality of planning a wedding is soon to set in. Any bride or groom will tell you that wedding planning is not easy! From the big decisions such as the wedding venue and the dress to the little ones such as where to position your wedding table plan, there is a lot to sort out when it comes to staging the perfect wedding. The key to a successful wedding is being organised so our wedding checklist will help you keep on track. You will need to outline a wedding budget and then break down your wedding planning into manageable tasks. Think about the different parts of your wedding day and all the elements that you need to organise for each section. Do not be afraid to delegate some of the items on your wedding planning list to ensure that you run to schedule. Take a look at our wedding checklist to start ticking off the essential elements of your wedding day and to help make your wedding planning experience as painless as possible.

Wedding checklist: 12 months to go

  • Confirm the ceremony type that suits your both
  • Book the relevant celebrant and ceremony venue
  • Set the time and date for your ceremony
  • Start researching reception venues
  • Set your wedding budget
  • Wedding stationery: Send out save the date cards 

Wedding checklist: 11 months to go

  • Make the first draft of your guest list
  • Decide who will be in your wedding party and pop the question
  • Appoint a wedding planner if required
  • Book the reception venue
  • Research sample menus and book your reception caterers
  • Set up your Pinterest account to keep track of all your wedding ideas

Wedding checklist: 10 months to go

  • Begin wardrobe research for the wedding party
  • Book a photographer/videographer
  • Make appointments to try on wedding dresses
  • Research accommodation options for your guests

Wedding checklist: 9 months to go

  • Book a tasting session for your wedding cake
  • Appoint a florist
  • Book wedding cars
  • Book your DJ or musicians for your wedding reception

Wedding checklist: 8 months to go

  • Write your order of service with the help of your celebrant
  • Choose your witnesses and any readers if required
  • Make a wedding website if required

Wedding checklist: 7 months to go

  • Book your honeymoon and arrange travel insurance
  • Choose and buy your wedding rings
  • Set up your wedding gift list

Wedding checklist: 6 months to go

  • Give notice of marriage at your local registry office
  • Finalise your wedding cake
  • Start planning wedding favours and venue decorations
  • Have a pre-wedding photo shoot with your photographer

Wedding checklist: 5 months to go

  • Re-visit tailor/dressmaker for your first fitting
  • Book any rental equipment needed for your reception
  • Research and book hairdressers and makeup artists
  • Arrange a food tasting with your chosen caterer

Wedding checklist: 4 months to go

  • Confirm your choice of readings and music with your celebrant
  • Wedding stationery: Send out wedding invitations
  • Plan your hen and stag nights
  • Book first night hotel and transport

Wedding checklist: 3 months to go

  • Practice hair and makeup looks
  • Confirm your registrar booking if applicable
  • Write personalised wedding vows if applicable
  • Wedding stationery: Order your on-the-day wedding stationery

Wedding checklist: 2 months to go

  • Chase unanswered invitations
  • Draw up a final guest list and confirm numbers with reception venue and caterers
  • Choose and buy gifts for members of the wedding party
  • Encourage speech-makers to get started on what they plan to say
  • Review your playlist with your DJ or musicians

Wedding checklist: 1 month to go

  • Finalise your seating plan
  • Have your final dress/suit fitting
  • Make sure all the bridal party have any accessories that they may need
  • Decide on those must-have shots with your photographer
  • Confirm all flowers and the delivery time and location with your florist
  • Confirm your on-the-day wedding timeline with suppliers

Wedding Checklist: After the big day

Whether you are planning a wedding in a few months or over a few years, you will need to tick off the same items from your wedding checklist, trying to stick to your wedding budget throughout. Why not download one of our handy printable wedding planners, designed by Marion Bizet, to help you keep everything on track. All the hard work will be worth it in the end, and we are here to try and make your wedding planning as easy as possible. Take a look at our wedding stationery timeline for more information as to when you need to order and send your wedding stationery. We can help you with your wedding stationery with everything from your save the date cards to your wedding thank you cards, and have even come up with some handy tips on wedding decorations and how to keep track of all your wedding ideas and inspiration.