Planning a wedding is easier when you break it into stages. This guide gives you a month-by-month checklist, then walks through each big decision, from the budget and the venue to the dress, the photos and the music, with links to our detailed guides along the way.
Wedding planning timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 12+ months before | Agree your budget and guest count, choose a season, start looking at venues, and decide who will help with planning |
| 9 to 12 months | Book the venue and officiant, choose your photographer, send save-the-dates for destination or holiday weddings |
| 6 to 9 months | Shop for the wedding dress and suits, book caterer, music and florist, plan the honeymoon |
| 4 to 6 months | Order invitations, choose bridesmaid and groomsmen outfits, book hair and makeup trials, buy wedding rings |
| 2 to 3 months | Send invitations, final dress fittings, plan the menu and the running order, write your vows |
| Last month | Confirm numbers with suppliers, make the seating plan, pay balances, prepare thank-you gifts |
| Last week | Share the schedule with suppliers and the wedding party, pack for the honeymoon, rest |
| After the wedding | Send thank-you notes and gifts, return hired items, and enjoy your first year |
1. Budget and guest list
Your budget and guest list decide almost everything else, so settle them first. Agree who is contributing, set a total, and keep a small buffer for surprises. The guest count drives the venue size and catering cost. See how to plan your dream wedding on a budget and smaller and virtual wedding options.
2. Venue, season and theme
- Choosing a venue: how to choose the perfect wedding venue and 15 romantic wedding venues around the world.
- Outdoor weddings: decorating an outdoor reception, types of wedding tents and outdoor photo ideas.
- Destination weddings: planning a destination wedding on a budget, wedding destinations in Turkey and outdoor venues in South Africa.
- Small weddings: planning an intimate wedding.
- Themes and style: unconventional wedding themes and boho wedding ideas.
3. Invitations and etiquette
Send save-the-dates early for destination or holiday weddings, and formal invitations about two to three months ahead. Our guides answer the common questions: wedding invitation etiquette and wedding etiquette tips.
4. What to wear
- The dress: where to start your wedding dress search, choosing a dress for your body shape and wedding veils.
- Accessories: matching jewelry to your dress.
- The groom: accessories for grooms and groomsmen and how to choose men’s wedding bands.
- Rings: start with our engagement ring guide and engagement rings vs wedding rings.
- Guests: what to wear to a wedding.
5. Photos, music and the reception
- Photos: 13 must-have wedding photos and fun wedding party photo ideas.
- Music: how to choose wedding songs, DJ or live band?, popular first dance songs and our Counting Crows and Fleetwood Mac playlists.
- Food and reception: creating a unique wedding menu and making your reception memorable.
- Traditions: military wedding traditions and the history of wedding rings.
6. The final weeks
- Look after yourself: self-care for brides-to-be and managing wedding nerves.
- Last-minute jobs: last-minute wedding preparations and making sure everything is ready in time.
- Saying thank you: thanking your bridesmaids and groomsmen.
- The honeymoon: romantic honeymoon destinations.
Quick answers
How far in advance should you start planning a wedding?
Around 12 months is common, especially for popular venues and summer dates. Smaller or local weddings can be planned in less time.
What should you book first?
The venue and the date, because most other suppliers depend on them. Popular photographers and caterers are usually next.
When should wedding invitations go out?
Usually two to three months before the wedding, with save-the-dates earlier for destination weddings or busy holiday periods.