Wedding Timeline
Your 12-month countdown from engagement to the big day. Every milestone, every deadline, in the right order.
Personalised timeline tool coming soon
Set your wedding date and get a custom countdown with reminders. For now, use this 12-month guide.
Month 1
The Engagement
Celebrate and share your news
Tell close family first, then friends and social media.
Set a rough budget range
Have an honest conversation about finances. Are parents contributing? What can you save in the next 12 months?
Decide on a wedding style
Formal or relaxed? Big or intimate? Church or civil? This shapes every decision that follows.
Pick your season and a few possible dates
Summer Saturdays book 18 months ahead. Autumn and winter offer more flexibility.
Months 2-3
Lock In the Big Bookings
Visit and book your venue
Aim for 3-5 visits. Check availability for your target dates before falling in love.
Book your registrar or officiant
Popular registrars fill up fast, especially for Saturday ceremonies.
Book your photographer
The best photographers book 12-18 months ahead. Check their full wedding galleries, not just highlights.
Take out wedding insurance
Cover venue cancellation, supplier no-shows, and weather. Costs £50-£150 and pays for itself if anything goes wrong.
Months 4-6
Build Your Supplier Team
Book caterer, florist, and entertainment
Get quotes from at least three suppliers in each category. Check reviews and ask for references.
Start outfit shopping
Wedding dresses take 4-6 months to order and 2-3 fittings after that. Start early.
Send save-the-date cards
Gives guests 6-9 months notice. Essential for destination or bank holiday weddings.
Book hair and makeup
Trial appointments usually happen 2-3 months before. Book the artist now, trial later.
Months 7-9
Details and Design
Order wedding cake
Book a tasting session. Most bakers need 3-4 months lead time.
Design and order stationery
Invitations, order of service, menus, table plan, place cards, and thank-you cards.
Plan your honeymoon
Book flights and accommodation while prices are lower. Check passport validity.
Book wedding transport
Vintage cars and classic vehicles book up quickly for summer weekends.
Months 10-11
Send Invitations and Finalise
Post your invitations
Send 8-10 weeks before the wedding. Include an RSVP deadline 3 weeks before.
Buy wedding rings
Allow 4-6 weeks for custom or engraved rings.
Give notice of marriage
You must give notice at your local register office at least 28 days before the ceremony. Do it early.
Plan hen and stag events
Best man and chief bridesmaid usually organise, but brief them on budget and boundaries.
Month 12
The Final Countdown
Confirm every supplier
Email each supplier with final timings, addresses, and contact numbers. Get written confirmations.
Finalise your seating plan
The most stressful task for most couples. Start with must-separate pairs, then build outwards.
Final fittings and rehearsal
Rehearse the ceremony at the venue if possible. Walk the aisle, practise readings.
Prepare a day-of timeline
Hour-by-hour schedule for the whole day. Share with your wedding party and all suppliers.
on the day
Sample Wedding Day Timeline
A typical Saturday wedding. Adjust times to suit your venue and style.
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