Given the scale of the task of organising your wedding, you should give yourself plenty of time to ensure the availability of the elements that you’d like to include in your big day. Giving yourself as much time as possible will also ensure that the final run-up to your wedding will be stress-free meaning that you can actually enjoy it.
To help you get your timing right, we have compiled a wedding planning timeline that will give you an idea of when you should be organising the different elements of your wedding.
12 Months Prior to the Big Day
Up to a year before your wedding, you should aim to get the bulk of your planning and organising done. Most wedding planners would advise that you set a date, book your ceremony and reception venue and choose your wedding party at the very least. This is because these elements are subject to availability and you will need to book early to avoid any disappointment on your part. Outside of that, you can also book your photographer and/or videographer and band or musicians if required.
9 – 12 Months Out
Try to have your dress and your bridesmaids’ dresses chosen at this time. You may have to order these from abroad or get them professionally made, so you need to ensure that you have plenty of time to make alterations etc. In addition, you can also book your wedding transport and wedding flowers such as bouquets and buttonholes. It might also be a good idea to begin your research into honeymoon destinations.
6 – 9 Months Before Your Wedding
At this time, you should turn your mind to organising hair and make up for your big day for you and your bridesmaids. You should also make your final decision with regard to your wedding invitations and order them to ensure a timely delivery. At this point, it would be prudent to order your wedding cake and also to organise the hire or purchase of suits for the groom and his groomsmen.
3 – 6 months Out
Ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork that’s required for you and your partner to legally marry. At this stage, remember to also turn your attention to planning the finer details of your wedding ceremony such as the readings, reflections, prayers and music. This is also the time to let your chief bridesmaid and best man organise the hen and stag parties!
6 – 8 Weeks Before the Big Day
Now you should be following up those unreturned RSVPS in order to finalise your guest numbers. Once this is done, you can begin to arrange your seating plan for the wedding venue. At this point, you should be attending your wedding dress fittings to ensure that your dress fits perfectly!
The Final Week Before Your Wedding
In the run-up to your wedding, you should only be looking after little things like getting your tan and nails done, packing your overnight bags and attending the wedding rehearsal.
At this point, all the organising is done and there is no more that you can do other than relax and enjoy the big day you have been planning for the past year or longer!