12 Months Before
Big picture + foundations
- Celebrate your engagement properly 🍾
- Discuss your wedding vision together (size, style, vibe)
- Agree on a realistic budget
- Decide roughly when you’d like to get married (season/month)
- Draft a guest list estimate (this affects everything)
- Research venues and availability
- Start a wedding inspiration folder or notebook
10–11 Months Before
Lock in the essentials
- Book your venue(s) (ceremony + reception if different)
- Book your celebrant / registrar / officiant
- Decide on ceremony type:
- Registry office
- Celebrant-led
- Church or faith-based
- Begin researching key suppliers:
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Caterer (if not venue-provided)
- Band / DJ
- Check passport validity if planning a destination wedding
8–9 Months Before
Suppliers + structure
- Book photographer and videographer
- Book caterer and discuss menu style
- Book band / DJ / musicians
- Decide on wedding party (if having one)
- Begin dress shopping (this takes time)
- Research accommodation options for guests
- Set up a wedding email address (optional but helpful)
6–7 Months Before
Design + logistics
- Finalise ceremony format and content ideas
- Choose wedding colour palette / styling direction
- Book:
- Florist
- Hair and makeup artist
- Transport (if required)
- Order or design Save the Dates
- Start thinking about rings
- Check notice of marriage requirements (UK/NZ specific)
5 Months Before
Details start to form
- Send Save the Dates
- Order wedding dress (if not already done)
- Book suit hire or tailoring
- Begin planning table layout ideas
- Decide on children / no children policy
- Confirm accommodation blocks if offering them
4 Months Before
Paper + personal touches
- Order invitations
- Plan ceremony music
- Begin writing vows (slowly!)
- Choose cake or dessert style
- Confirm menu tasting dates
- Organise marriage licence paperwork timing
3 Months Before
Guest-facing tasks
- Send invitations
- Create or update wedding website (if using one)
- Confirm final fittings for attire
- Finalise styling details (tables, signage, candles, linens)
- Plan any pre-wedding events (hen / stag, welcome drinks)
- Organise wedding insurance (if desired)
2 Months Before
Refinement
- Track RSVPs
- Finalise menu selections
- Choose readings and ceremony structure
- Confirm timings with suppliers
- Book final dress fitting
- Purchase accessories (shoes, jewellery, veil)
- Arrange gift registry (optional)
1 Month Before
Final confirmations
- Finalise guest numbers
- Create seating plan
- Confirm run sheet with venue and suppliers
- Apply for marriage licence (if not already done)
- Write speeches
- Organise cash payments / tips
- Prepare emergency kit (plasters, safety pins, snacks!)
2 Weeks Before
Hand-over mode
- Final supplier confirmations
- Final dress fitting
- Confirm transport times
- Prepare vows and speeches
- Pack overnight bags
- Delegate on-the-day tasks
- Get beauty treatments (nothing drastic!)
Week Of
Slow down
- Pick up attire
- Steam outfits
- Confirm weather plan
- Eat well, sleep, hydrate
- Hand timelines to key people
- Stop planning — you’re done 💛
After the Wedding
Wrap-up
- Return hired items
- Send thank-you notes
- Leave reviews for suppliers
- Order photos and albums
- Preserve dress / suit if desired
- Enjoy married life ✨
