The complete Wedding Planning Checklist
By starting early and following these guidelines, you can create a wedding day that’s both memorable and stress-free. Happy planning!
Quick Reference Check-List
18-12 months
Set the Date: Choose your wedding date, considering factors like season and venue availability.
Create a Guest List: Draft a preliminary list of guests to estimate your event size.
Choose the Bridal Party: Select who will stand by your side.
Set a Budget: Determine your overall budget and allocate funds to different aspects.
Book Your Venue: Secure your ceremony and reception locations.
Hire a Wedding Planner: Consider professional help to organise the details.
Book Photographer and Videographer: Secure professionals to capture your big day.
Send Save-the-Date Cards: Inform guests early so they can plan ahead.
Get Wedding Insurance: Protect your wedding against unforeseen events.
12-9 months
Decide on a Theme and Colours: Choose a style and colour palette for your wedding.
Hire a Stylist They will help you look and feel your best on your wedding day.
Find Your Dress: Start shopping for your wedding gown.
Choose Caterer: Select your menu and book your caterer.
Design Invitations and Website: Begin designing your wedding invitations and setting up your website.
Arrange Guest Accommodations: Reserve hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
9-6 months
Create a Gift Registry: Set up registries for gifts you need or want.
Shop for Bridal Party Attire: Choose and order dresses and suits.
Book Entertainment, Florist, and Hair & Makeup: Reserve your DJ/band, florist, and hair/makeup artists.
Arrange Transportation: Book vehicles for the wedding party and guests.
Plan the Honeymoon: Start making travel and accommodation arrangements for your honeymoon.
6-3 months
Finalise Guest List: Confirm who will be attending.
Send Invitations: Mail out your wedding invitations.
Plan Ceremony Details: Coordinate with your officiant on the ceremony structure.
Order the Cake: Choose your cake design and flavours.
Schedule Dress Fittings: Ensure your gown fits perfectly through alterations.
3-1 months
Confirm Vendor Details: Double-check all arrangements with vendors.
Create a Seating Plan: Organise where your guests will sit during the reception.
Write Vows: Draft your personal vows if you’re writing them.
Plan the Rehearsal Dinner: Arrange a dinner to rehearse the ceremony.
Prepare Final Payments: Organise payments for all vendors.
1 month
Apply for a Marriage License: Ensure you have your legal documents.
Confirm RSVPs: Follow up with guests who haven’t responded.
Review Timeline: Go over the schedule with your planner and vendors.
Pack for Honeymoon: Start getting your honeymoon essentials ready.
1 Week Before
Apply for a Marriage License: Ensure you have your legal documents.
Confirm RSVPs: Follow up with guests who haven’t responded.
Review Timeline: Go over the schedule with your planner and vendors.
Pack for Honeymoon: Start getting your honeymoon essentials ready.
The Day Before
Rehearse Ceremony: Conduct a final run-through with your bridal party.
Get Plenty of Rest: Ensure you’re well-rested for the big day.
Your Wedding Day
Enjoy Every Moment: Celebrate, enjoy, and cherish every moment of your special day!
UK WEDDING Trends and STATISTICS
In 2025, expect to see a blend of timeless elegance and modern individuality in weddings, with trends like micro weddings, sustainable practices, bold florals, and unique dress styles like bridal separates and mini dresses gaining popularity.
Here's a breakdown of some key trends and statistics for UK weddings in 2025:
Cost and Spending:
Average cost: The average cost of a UK wedding in 2025 is estimated at £25,625, a 3.7% increase from the 2024 figure of £24,710.
Slower growth: While wedding costs continue to rise, the growth rate has slowed compared to the immediate post-pandemic years.
Mid-range and higher-cost weddings: Spending on these has increased 25% since 2021.
Top 10%: The top 10% of weddings in 2025 cost more than £38,000.
Top 25%: The top 25% of weddings cost more than £27,000.
Budget Impact: 65% of couples said the cost of living has impacted their wedding budget.
Trends and Preferences:
Personalised Celebrations:
Couples prioritise creating a wedding that reflects their personalities and preferences, moving away from rigid traditions.
Relaxed and Laid-back Celebrations:
There's a shift towards more relaxed and laid-back celebrations, with couples opting for non-traditional seating arrangements, casual attire, and flexible timelines.
Faith-Based Elements:
Gen Z couples are increasingly incorporating faith-based elements into their weddings, with over one in five ceremonies held at a place of worship.
Immersive Guest Experiences:
Creating memorable and engaging experiences for guests is a key focus, with couples opting for interactive stations, surprise performances, and other unique touches.
Venue Trends:
For 71% of couples, having accommodation available at their wedding venue is a top priority.
Same-Venue Ceremonies and Receptions:
65% of couples are choosing to have both their ceremony and reception at the same venue, seeking a seamless, all-in-one wedding experience.
Film Photography:
Film photography is expected to continue increasing in popularity, with more couples opting for a second shooter to blend digital and analogue.
Popular Wedding Date:
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, is the most popular wedding date, with over 3,500 weddings taking place.
Detailed Checklist
This detailed checklist ensures that each step of your wedding planning process is covered, making your journey to the altar as smooth as possible. Enjoy the process and your special day!
PLANNING 18-12 MONTHS
BEFORE your WEDDING.
Though it might feel like your wedding day is still far away, starting your planning 18 months ahead can make a world of difference. Here are some essential steps to get you started:
Setting Your Wedding Date
Choosing the perfect date can be straightforward if you already have a sentimental or practical time in mind. If you're uncertain, consider the following:
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Check with your closest friends and family to ensure they can attend. Reach out to them and avoid dates when they are unavailable.
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Keep in mind that certain times of the year, like summer and early autumn, are more expensive and popular. Booking early can help you avoid premium prices.
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If you dream of an outdoor wedding, choose a time when the weather is likely to be favourable. Avoid winter and early spring in the UK.
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Consider aligning your wedding with a significant date, like the day you met, got engaged, or another personal milestone, to make it even more meaningful.
Choosing Your Guest List
Deciding who to invite can be one of the trickiest parts of planning. Here are some tips to help you narrow down your list:
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Ensure a fair division between both partners' guests. This ensures balance and that both sides feel equally represented.
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Invite those who have been, or will be, a significant part of your life. They should fit at least two of these categories.
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Only invite people you genuinely want to be there. Don't feel pressured to include distant relatives or old acquaintances if their presence isn't important to you.
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Decide early if children will be invited so guests can arrange childcare if needed. Note: weddings with kids are generally a lot tamer than those without, keep this in mind if you want to party hard!
CHOOSING YOUR BRIDAL PARTY (BRIDESMAIDS AND AND GROOMSMEN)
Selecting your bridal party and groomsmen is a significant decision. Here’s how to choose wisely:
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If you’re close to your siblings, include them in your wedding party. It’s a lovely way to involve family.
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Try to have a similar number of people on each side to maintain balance.
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Choose friends and family who are reliable and supportive. You want your wedding party to be helpful and present throughout the planning process.
DECIDING ON A BUDGET
This is likely the first time that you’re organising a private formal party with a meal for a large group of people. These kinds of events come with a price tag, so understanding your wedding budget is crucial. Discuss and finalise it before making any significant decisions. Here are some tips:
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Set aside a reasonable percentage of your income for the wedding. If the total isn’t enough for your dream wedding, make a list of your wedding suppliers and rank them according to their importance to you. Then, look for less meaningful areas to cut costs.
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Always have a contingency plan for unexpected expenses. Additional fees for setup, custom services, or transportation can add up.
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Stick to what you can afford. While it’s tempting to splurge, ensure your spending is within your means to avoid financial stress.
FINDING A VENUE
Your venue sets the tone for your wedding. Here’s how to choose the perfect spot:
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Ensure the venue is suitable for your number of guests, not too cramped or too spacious.
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If you prefer having the ceremony and reception at the same place, make sure the venue can accommodate both.
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Choose a venue that aligns with your wedding style. A rustic theme, for instance, wouldn’t suit a high-end hotel.
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Gather as much information as possible about potential venues. Prepare a list of questions to ensure you cover all bases.
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Consider a destination wedding for something unique. Just remember planning from afar can be more complex and may require a second registry office ceremony in the UK to make things legal.
HIRING A WEDDING PLANNER
A wedding planner can ease your stress and handle many details. Here’s how to find the right one:
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Ask friends for referrals and read online reviews. Trustworthiness and reliability are key. Personally, I would recommend getting in touch with the Occasion Queens
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Some venues offer in-house planners as part of their package. Decide if you want to go this route or hire an independent planner.
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Have your budget ready before contacting planners. This helps them understand what’s feasible and can narrow down your choices.
Booking your Photographer & Videographer
Capturing your special day through photographs is crucial. Your photographs will be one of the only physical reminders of your wedding day. Here’s how to find the perfect photographer:
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Ensure you and your photographer are on the same page. Inquire about their style, experience, past work, approach on a wedding day, and turnaround time for photos. I wrote this article full of questions that will help you make the best choice for you.
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Ask to see a gallery from a past wedding to see if you could imagine yourself in their photographs. Look at reviews to confirm their reliability and quality. Recommendations from friends can also be invaluable.
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Know what you want your photos to look like and find a photographer who can deliver that style. If you want videos, ask your photographer for recommendations.
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If you’d like to personalise your save-the-date cards, then be sure to ask your photographer about an engagement shoot. This is also a great way to get more comfortable with having your photo taken as a couple.
Would you like to learn more about my wedding photography service?
SENDING YOUR SAVE-THE-DATES
Early save-the-dates ensure your guests can plan ahead. Here’s how to do it right:
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Provide the date, time, and location. Detailed information will come later with the invitations.
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Ideally, send save-the-dates a year in advance to give guests ample time to plan.
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Clearly indicate the names of the invited guests. Avoid using “plus one” at this stage.
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Ensure your venue is secured before sending out save-the-dates for accurate location information
GETTING WEDDING INSURANCE
While not the most exciting aspect, wedding insurance can save you from unexpected costs. Here’s what you need to know:
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This covers property damage or injuries during your wedding, protecting you from hefty repair bills.
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Protects you if your wedding is canceled or postponed due to uncontrollable circumstances like extreme weather.
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Be aware of exclusions such as personal decision changes, non-extreme weather, and unanticipated costs.
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The price of insurance depends on the venue, wedding size, and insurer. A basic policy typically costs between £100-500.
PLANNING 9-12 MONTHS
BEFORE THE WEDDING.
As your wedding day inches closer, the excitement really starts to build. These are the months when the fine details come into focus, and your dream wedding begins to take shape. Let's dive into some key aspects to focus on during this period.
CHOOSING A COLOUR PALETTE OR THEME
A cohesive theme is the backbone of a stunning wedding. Whether it's a specific flower, colour scheme, or location, your theme will pull everything together visually. Here’s how to pick the perfect one:
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Different seasons call for different colours. Bright, vibrant colours suit summer weddings, while richer, muted tones are perfect for autumn. Do some research to find the best colours for your wedding season. You can even match your confetti; I recommend the paper circles from Proper Confetti. They hang in the air for ages, adding that wow factor to your photos. The best bit: They’re biodegradable.
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Your theme should complement your venue. If you’re unsure, ask your venue for recommendations on what’s worked well in the past. Taking inspiration from previous weddings can spark some great ideas.
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Ultimately, choose something you love. This is your special day, and it should reflect your tastes. Consult with your venue or wedding planner for suggestions that enhance your vision.
Hire a Stylist
They will help you look and feel your best on your wedding day. If you’re looking for a stylist, I recommend contacting Naomi at The Style Architect.
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Consider whether you want your stylist to style just you and your partner, your whole Bridal Party, or more.
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Work with your stylist to find a look that’s authentic to you. You should be comfortable be feel great on your wedding day.
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Depending on your vision, you can choose to be sustainable and go vintage, tailor off-the-rack outfits, or even make the day special and order something custom.
SHOPPING FOR YOUR WEDDING DRESS
Finding the perfect wedding dress is one of the most emotional and memorable parts of wedding planning. Here are some tips to make the process smoother:
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Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are great for getting an idea of what styles you like. Share your favourites with bridal shops to help them understand your preferences.
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The more prepared you are, the better. Ask about payment plans, alteration services, colour options, and size ranges to help you narrow down your choices.
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Your dress should be suitable for the wedding season: light and airy for summer and warmer fabrics for winter. If your dream dress doesn’t fit the season, see if it can be altered.
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Don’t settle for the first dress you try on; take a friend with an eye for style and ask them to be honest with you. Visit multiple shops, and don’t hesitate to revisit if new stock arrives.
BOOKING CATERERS
Your wedding meal is a highlight for many guests. Make sure your catering is perfect by following these tips:
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Approach caterers with a theme or menu ideas. They can quickly tell you if they can meet your needs or suggest alternatives.
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Knowing your budget helps caterers create a tailored menu that fits your financial plan. Most caterers are flexible and can adjust to your budget.
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Ensure you love the food by arranging a tasting session. This will help you decide if the caterer is the right fit for your wedding.
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If your caterer isn’t handling the cake, start looking for cake specialists. Ensure your caterer can work with any third-party vendors.
SETTING UP A WEDDING WEBSITE
A wedding website is a modern essential, helping you manage information and RSVPs efficiently. Here’s how to set up a great one:
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My preferred platform is Squarespace. It offers templates that make setting up your site easy.
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Include an “About Us” section, introduce the bridal party, provide venue details, add FAQs, and give clear start times and other specifics.
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Allow guests to confirm attendance, note dietary requirements, and ask questions directly through your website.
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Most guests appreciate guidance on gifts. Add a registry to your website, including images and a variety of price options.
BOOKING ROOMS FOR GUESTS
If you have guests travelling from afar, you may need to handle their accommodations. Here’s how to make it hassle-free:
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Give your guests plenty of notice to avoid any last-minute issues with bookings.
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Maintain a list of where each guest is staying, especially if you’ve booked multiple locations.
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Large group bookings often come with negotiable rates. Don’t hesitate to ask for discounts or perks.
PLANNING 6-9 MONTHS
BEFORE THE WEDDING.
As the countdown to your wedding gets shorter, the excitement grows. This is the perfect time to refine your plans and add those finishing touches that will make your day unforgettable. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through this crucial period.
CREATING A WEDDING GIFT LIST
Putting together your wedding gift list is one of the more enjoyable tasks. It’s your chance to indulge in a little wish-fulfilment. Here’s how to strike the right balance:
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Seek advice from friends who’ve recently been through the process. They can share what worked for them and what didn’t. Online forums and wedding sites are also great sources of inspiration.
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Include gifts that fit various budgets, such as: £25, £50, £100, and £250
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If you’re including options for financial donations, set a clear goal. Whether it’s for your honeymoon or a part of the wedding costs, this can encourage guests to contribute.
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Have a trusted friend, like your maid of honour or best man, review your list to ensure it’s appropriate and balanced.
SHOPPING FOR BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Choosing bridesmaid dresses involves more than just picking a colour. Here are some key considerations:
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If bridesmaids are covering their own dress costs, discuss their budget beforehand. This helps narrow down shopping options.
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Remember that fittings may require alterations. Discuss potential alteration costs with your bridesmaids.
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Have all bridesmaids measured at the store where you plan to purchase the dresses, as sizes can vary by designer.
SHOPPING FOR GROOMSMEN SUITS
The groom and his groomsmen need to look sharp. Here’s how to streamline the process:
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Renting can be cost-effective and easier to coordinate while buying offers longevity. Discuss the pros and cons with your groomsmen.
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Decide if you want tuxedos or suits and whether to include waistcoats. Coordinate with the bride’s theme to ensure harmony.
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Ensure the suits complement the wedding theme and colours. Discuss fabric and colour choices with the bride.
BOOKING ENTERTAINMENT, FLOWERS, AND A HAIR STYLIST
With the major plans in place, it’s time to focus on the details that will make your day special.
ENTERTAINMENT
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Performers can book up quickly, so secure your entertainment as soon as possible.
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Check with your venue about any restrictions on entertainment, especially for outdoor settings.
Flowers
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List the flowers you want to include and share this with your florist. This ensures nothing is missed.
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Discuss your budget with your florist to find the best options within your price range.
Hair and Makeup
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Look at past work to ensure your stylist can achieve your desired look.
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Research stylists on social media platforms. Brides often tag their stylists, making it easy to find and evaluate their work.
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Book a trial session to perfect your look. Ensure the stylist uses the same products they will on the wedding day.
HIRING TRANSPORT FOR THE WEDDING DAY
Organising transport can be tricky, but these tips can help:
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Make accommodations for elderly or disabled guests. Include a request for special requirements on your RSVP cards.
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Plan a route with a few stops to pick up guests, making it more convenient for everyone.
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Compare offers from multiple providers to find the best deal.
PLANNING YOUR HONEYMOON
With the wedding plans set, it’s time to focus on your honeymoon
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Choose a meaningful destination for both of you. This is a special trip, so pick somewhere unique.
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You don’t have to leave immediately after the wedding. Choose a time that offers the best conditions and fits your schedule.
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Consider using monetary gifts from your wedding to fund your honeymoon.
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Make sure your honeymoon plans cater to both of your interests. This trip should be enjoyable and memorable for you both.
PLANNING 6 MONTHS
up to the day of your WEDDING.
As your wedding day approaches, the excitement and anticipation reach new heights. While most of the major planning is behind you, there are still crucial details to finalise. Here’s your guide for the last few months leading up to your big day.
3-6 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
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Start thinking about gifts for your bridal party. Choose something meaningful and practical, like personalised sunglasses for the groomsmen or comfy cushions for the bridesmaids. Don't forget to plan wedding favours for your guests.
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Select wedding rings that reflect your love and personal style. Shop together to find rings you'll both cherish forever. Remember, these rings are symbols of your lifelong commitment.
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Decide how you want to gather messages from your guests. Whether it’s a guestbook, voice message, or another creative idea, start preparing early to ensure it fits your wedding theme.
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Now is the time to choose the accessories that will complete your wedding look. Consider shoes, jewellery, hair pieces, ties, pocket squares, and cufflinks.
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Consider booking a late engagement shoot if you haven’t already had one. This is a great way to get comfortable with having your photograph taken.
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Confirm the date/s for your hen or stag party. About a month before the wedding is ideal. This timing keeps the excitement high while giving you enough time to recover.
1-3 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
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Schedule a trial run with your hair and makeup stylist. This ensures you’re happy with your look and gives the stylist a clear idea of your preferences.
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Have another fitting for your dress and the bridesmaids' dresses. Bodies can change over time, and this ensures everyone’s attire fits perfectly.
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Get your engagement ring cleaned and polished so it shines brightly on your wedding day.
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In the UK, you need to sign a legal statement of your intent to marry at least 29 days before the wedding. Make sure this is arranged well in advance.
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Double-check your notes and remember to organise payments for all vendors.
1 MONTH BEFORE THE WEDDING
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By this point, you’ve probably heard from many of your suppliers. Respond to any outstanding emails. Confirm all your arrangements (such as your draft timeline) with them to avoid any last-minute surprises. This ensures everything will go smoothly on the day.
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Your Maid of Honour or Best Man usually plans your hen or stag party. Booking them for about a month before the wedding keeps the excitement high while giving you time to recover.
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Plan your seating arrangement to make sure guests are comfortable and happy. Try to seat people who know each other together, or match guests with similar interests.
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Prepare an emergency kit for the big day. Include items like stain remover, safety pins, a sewing kit, band-aids, and anything else you might need to handle unexpected mishaps.
THE WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING
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Pamper yourself with beauty treatments. Refresh your hair colour, get your nails done, shape your eyebrows, or add eyelash extensions. You deserve to look and feel your best.
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Ensure everyone in the wedding party knows the schedule and their responsibilities. Provide a printed or digital timeline if necessary, and follow up with anyone who hasn’t RSVP’d.
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Wear your wedding shoes for short periods each day to avoid discomfort on your wedding day.
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If possible, take the week off before your wedding. This allows you to handle any last-minute tasks and gives you time to relax and mentally prepare.
THE DAY BEFORE THE WEDDING
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Practice your speeches and vows one last time. Rehearsing in front of a mirror can help you feel more confident and comfortable.
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Host a rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding. It’s a great opportunity for families to meet and for everyone to relax before the big day.
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Ensure you get plenty of rest. A good night’s sleep will help you feel refreshed and ready to enjoy your wedding day.
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Write a heartfelt letter for your partner to read on the morning of your wedding. It’s a touching way to start the day and remind each other what the day is all about.
THTHE DAY OF THE WEDDING
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Arrive at your venue early to ensure everything is set up as planned. This also gives you time to meet with your team and finalise any details.
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Consider a "first look" with the person whose giving you away before the ceremony. This private moment can help calm nerves and allow you to share a special moment together before the festivities begin.
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Most importantly, remember to enjoy your day. Things might not go exactly as planned, but embrace the moments with your loved ones and celebrate the start of your new life together.
Supplier Recommendations
Planning your dream wedding is all about assembling an incredible team of suppliers. Here’s a list of suppliers who I recommend because of their incredible skill and passion.