The Complete Wedding Planning Checklist — 12 Months to the Big Day

Planning gets much easier when you take it in the right order. Here is a timeline you can follow — adjust it to your own situation.

12+ months before

• Set an approximate date and a budget
• Draft a rough guest list
• Book the venue and a wedding planner / coordinator
• Secure the most popular vendors (photographer, DJ)

9 months before

• Order the dress and the suit
• Choose your wedding party and toastmaster
• Start thinking about style, colours and mood

6 months before

• Send your save-the-dates
• Order flowers, decor and the cake
• Plan the ceremony and any officiant

3 months before

• Send the invitations
• Build the run sheet for the day
• Schedule hair and makeup trials
• Confirm details with all vendors

1 month before

• Finalise the seating plan
• Have a final meeting with your coordinator
• Pay outstanding invoices
• Prepare the playlist and song requests

The week before

• Pack and label everything you're bringing
• Confirm timings with the vendors
• Breathe — most of it is in place now

The day itself

• Have breakfast, take it slow
• Let the coordinator handle the logistics
• Be present on your own day

Tip: Whatever you can't manage yourself, a coordinator can take on. That way you don't have to be "on duty" at your own wedding.

Want a finished, tailored plan? Get in touch and we'll build it together.