Wedding planning: a step-by-step checklist and timeline

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming at first — but almost all of it becomes manageable once you tackle it in the right order. This checklist breaks the planning into clear phases, from your first budget just over a year out to the final details the week before. Tick things off at your own pace and let the time-critical bookings set the tempo.

12–18 mo

When planning should begin

9–12 mo

Book venue, photographer and catering

3–6 mo

Send invitations and collect RSVPs

1–3 mo

Final details and run sheet

Here is the whole plan as a timeline. Work through the phases from top to bottom and tick off each item at your own pace.

1. 12–18 mo out
   Lay the foundation

   • Set a total budget and agree who contributes what.
   • Draft a first guest list — the number of guests drives almost everything else.
   • Choose a rough date and season (summer Saturdays book up more than a year ahead).
   • Book the venue as soon as the date is fixed — it is the most common bottleneck.
   • Decide on a rough style or feel for the day to build from.
2. 9–12 mo out
   Book the key vendors

   • Book the officiant and decide on the ceremony format.
   • Book catering, or confirm the menu if food is included with the venue.
   • Book the photographer — and ideally a videographer — while your favourite style is free.
   • Book a DJ or live band for the reception.
   • Send a save the date to your guests.
3. 6–9 mo out
   Shape and style

   • Order or buy the dress, suit and other outfits — allow time for alterations.
   • Lock in the theme, colour palette and overall style.
   • Design and order the invitations.
   • Book hair and makeup and schedule a trial.
   • Plan the honeymoon and check passports and visas.
4. 3–6 mo out
   The details take shape

   • Book décor, flowers and any furniture hire.
   • Decide on the entertainment and programme for the evening.
   • Send the invitations and start collecting RSVPs.
   • Sketch out the seating plan as replies come in.
   • Order the cake and arrange a tasting.
   • Buy or order the wedding rings.
5. 1–3 mo out
   Tie it all together

   • Confirm the final headcount with catering and the venue.
   • Finalise the seating plan and print place cards.
   • Build a detailed run sheet for the day and share it with vendors.
   • Do the final fittings for clothes, hair and makeup.
   • Reconcile payments and outstanding instalments with each vendor.
   • Appoint a master of ceremonies and confirm speeches and programme.
6. Final week
   The last touches

   • Call every vendor to confirm times and addresses.
   • Pack an emergency kit with plasters, a needle and thread, stain remover and a power bank.
   • Hand over payments and tips in labelled envelopes to your MC or a trusted friend.
   • Collect the outfits, rings and anything you are bringing to the venue yourselves.
   • Rest, eat properly and delegate so you can be fully present on the day.