Your wedding will be one of the happiest occasions of your life, so all elements deserve special attention. However, certain planning essentials require extra care if you want your wedding to be a day to remember – for you, your partner and all the guests!
Discover the tasks you should dedicate the most time to, and how far in advance they should be completed to ensure a smooth and stress-free run-up to the big day.
12 months
- Determining your budget
Unquestionably the most important part of your wedding planning, you can’t make any decisions before determining your budget. How much you have to spend will dictate everything from the venue and guestlist to the wedding party outfits.
- Booking venue and vendors
Especially if you’re looking at the most coveted UK wedding locations or the popular summer season, booking your venue early is essential. The latest you should leave this is 12 months in advance as they fill up fast. The early bird gets the dream venue at the best price!
Put down deposits with other crucial vendors at the same time including caterers, florists and a fantastic photographer and videographer.
9 months
- Choosing a theme
Ensure continuity throughout your wedding day by choosing a theme to underpin all your plans. Make it personal to you as a pair and incorporate this unique flair in your design elements from invitations to decorations.
- Sending save-the-dates
Alerting your guests to the event early means as many as possible will be able to attend, so prioritise sending save-the-dates around nine months ahead of the big day. Your official invitations can go out anywhere between four to two months before.
6 months
- Selecting wedding bands
While other elements of the day can cause stress, selecting wedding rings to last a lifetime is an aspect to treasure. Research online for inspiration then head into your preferred store to find your perfect designs in the right fit. Allow plenty of time to make this lifelong commitment.
- Planning the honeymoon
Whether you’re having it immediately after the big day or in the first few months of marriage, planning the honeymoon shouldn’t be left too late. Give yourself an amazing adventure to look forward to once the chaos has calmed: this is your personal celebration after all!
3 months
- Creating the seating plan
As soon as you’ve sent your invitations to the guests who’ve confirmed they’re coming, work on creating the seating plan. There are endless possible permutations, and it could take a long time to organise your family and friends into arrangements that promise plenty of chat and laughs.
- Organising logistics
Finally, don’t leave it too long to organise your on-the-day logistics! It might be traditional for the bride to be late, but you don’t want to miss it altogether! Plan your transport to and from the venue and any overnight accommodation needed too.