Navigating the maze of wedding planning can be a complex task, and we thought we would help a litte by providing you with a structured timeline to help you to ensure every detail is accounted for, and your special day is as perfect as you've always dreamed.
12 Months Before
Join Facebook Wedding groups, these provide a lot of useful information
Draw up your guest wish list, we call it a wish list as it may change once you get into budget talks
Have the money chat; ask parents if they're contributing and discuss what you can add to the pot.
Research average prices for your ideal venue, menu, decor, dress, etc.
Get Quotes from venues as well as their contrcats, make sure to read these carefuly and place specific deadlines in your diary, also look at drinks pricing and variety
Decide on your music type, Band or DJ
Decide if you want only Photos or Video as well for your wedding
Draw up your overall budget and create a spreadsheet to track spending.
Book a wedding planner (if you want one).
Visit your venues and get a good grasp of table setups etc, which you will need when planning the seating
Book your venue and secure it with a deposit.
10 Months Before
Contact and secure your officiant.
Start dress shopping.
Research and secure meetings with suppliers, focusing on decor, photographer, and DJ, with photographer discuss ideal timelines required for light requirements and other requirements they may have and that will influence the days timelines.
Choose your wedding party, and once accepted the bridesmaid needs to ensure all on the same Whatsapp group for proper alignment from this point forward
8 Months Before
Formally book your suppliers for decor/florist, photographer, DJ, and any other entertainers.
Place your dress order, allowing time for alterations.
Book any wedding-night accommodation.
Finalise your guest list and the seating plans
Setup wedding website
6 Months Before
Purchase wedding rings.
Order or print invitations.
Send out your save-the-dates.
Finalize details with suppliers: choose flowers, select decor, and set your playlist.
Book wedding transport if needed.
Finalize bridesmaids' and groomsmen's attire; buy or pay deposit to hire.
Book your honeymoon.
Book a makeup artist and hairstylist if needed.
4 Months Before
Order your wedding cake.
Finalise the wedding day timelines, taking into consideration photographer input for photos
Plan your rehearsal; ensure everyone can attend and confirm access to the ceremony location.
Confirm decor details, like which flowers will be in season and available.
Inform your DJ of song requests if you added this feature onto your website, it helps to planning your and their music selection, always a talking point at weddings (good and bad)
2 Months Before
Set up your hair and makeup trial.
Write your vows if you're will require thesel.
Meet with your officiant to confirm ceremony content.
Send out formal invitations.
Buy gifts for the wedding party.
Choose your menu with your venue.
6 Weeks Before
Order or print all other stationery: menu, name cards, seating plan, order of ceremony.
Tasting session with your venue.
Enjoy your bachelorette party!
2 Weeks Before
Have your final dress fitting and make any last-minute alterations.
Finalize your playlist, including the first dance.
Confirm the photos your photographer should capture.
Follow up on any outstanding RSVPs.
Give your venue the final guest numbers.
Break in your wedding shoes.
Confirm the attendance of all suppliers, as well as any last requests.
1 Week Before
Complete all your waxing.
Pick up your dress if you haven't already.
48 Hours Before
Ensure all final payments have been made to your suppliers.
Confirm time of arrivals with all suppliers.
Ensure the wedding party knows when to arrive at the venue.
Day Before
Hold your rehearsal.
Get your nails done.
On the Day
Delegate tasks to the wedding party for anything to be done during the day.
Ensure the best man has the rings.
Pop some bubbly as you get ready.
Get married!
Advice: Sign agreements with all providers that you will engage with, especially the venue, caterers, photographers, ensure you have non performance clauses in the agreement, such as if Photographer does not deliver photographs, specify timelines in your agreements for everything as much as possible.
Enjoy Your Special Day
Adjust this timeline to suit your specific requirements, and we hope we helped shape your thoughts for your timeline through this article
