Use this handy guide to plan your wedding to perfection, while ensuring nothing goes forgotten

Image: Jonathan Borba via Unsplash

Planning a wedding can prove challenging when there's so much to consider and organise. You may have already decided on the style and theme of your wedding, but it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to making plans. 

This ultimate wedding planning guide offers a chronological countdown of the wedding tasks that need completing and when they should be finalised. Setting you on the road to success, use this guide as a point of reference to ensure that no stone is left unturned. 

12 months to go

• Set a budget
• Organise wedding insurance
• Decide your wedding date and book your venue
• Confirm the date with your registrar and book them
• Choose and book your photographer/videographer
• Draft a guest list and send out save-the-date cards
• Start looking for and order your wedding dress
• Choose your bridesmaids, ushers and best man
• Research and begin to book suppliers: florist, cakemaker, stationer, transport, caterer
• Think about (and book) entertainment for both ceremony and reception

Image by Jess Bailey via Unsplash

READ MORE:

>> The dos and don'ts of wedding planning
>> The traditional running order of a wedding day
>> Top questions to ask your wedding suppliers

Six months to go

• Order your stationery
• Book your hairdresser and make-up artist and arrange a trial
• Buy your wedding rings and find out when they will be ready to collect. NB: bespoke handmade rings will take longer to be made
• Order wedding favours
• Choose outfits and accessories for the rest of the bridal and groom's party: bridesmaids, mothers, best man, ushers and fathers
• Buy your bridal lingerie and shoes and wear them for dress fittings
• Book your honeymoon. Check your passports are valid and find out about any vaccinations required

Image by Tyler Nix via Unsplash

READ MORE:

>> Top travel tips for 2022 honeymoons 

Three months to go

• Send out invitations and gift list
• Discuss menu and drinks with your caterer
• Plan and hold your hen/stag parties
• Have your initial dress fitting
• Confirm ceremony details including wedding music and readings
• Buy gifts for the best man, ushers and bridesmaids

Image by Ann Danilina via Unsplash

READ MORE

>> Five key questions about your ceremony
>> What to include in your wedding invitations
>> 10 tasks for your bridesmaids

One month to go

• Arrange your final dress fitting
• Hold final fittings for the rest of the bridal party
• Confirm all bookings with your wedding suppliers
• Finalise your guest list and seating plan
• Confirm dietary requirements with your caterer
• Write, time and practise wedding speeches

Image by Fallon Michael via Unsplash

READ MORE: 

>> How to create your seating plan
>> How to cater for dietary requirements at your wedding

One week to go

• Final check for all outfits
• Pack your bag for your honeymoon and buy any last-minute items
• Draw up a schedule of timings for the day and give copies to the whole wedding party
• Put together an emergency kit for the day: make-up, headache pills, sewing kit, plasters, etc

Image by Anete Lusina via Unsplash

READ MORE:

>> 11 packing hacks for your honeymoon
>> 10 must-have items for your bridal survival kit

The day before

• Deliver everything to the venue and decorate if required
• Collect hired outfits
• Take out money for cash payments
• Give rings, details of suppliers, copies of speeches, vows and fees to the best man
• Lay out your wedding dress, lingerie, accessories, etc
• Go to bed early and make sure you set your alarm

Image by Cinematic Imager via Unsplash

READ MORE

>> How to get a good night's sleep before your wedding

On the day

• Allow yourself plenty of time to get ready – we suggest at least six hours
• The groom and the best man should arrive at the ceremony with at least 15 minutes to spare

Image by Cassio Jardim via Unsplash

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>> Top tunes for your wedding morning playlist

When the moment arrives, just enjoy every second and relax in the knowledge that you have covered all bases for a day to be remembered.