Countdown to the Wedding Day

You should start planning for your wedding as soon as possible, especially if you are marrying in the popular months of June, July or August. Popular suppliers tend to get booked up very quickly, so it pays to plan ahead! Our wedding day planner begins 12 months before the wedding day, with a wedding in mid-July shown as an example. The format can be adapted easily to suit any period and to reflect your own priorities.

12 months before the wedding (Mid July the year before the proposed wedding date)

Tell your parents and arrange for them to meet if they do not already know each other
Make a list of everyone to tell about the engagement
Notify family and friends
Arrange press announcements
Decide on style and type of wedding
Agree on a budget with your partner and families
Set a wedding date
Book the church or register office
Provisionally book the registrar if the location is a newly licensed venue
Choose your best man, bridesmaids, ushers and other attendants
Compose your wedding guest list in consultation with both families
Book your wedding cars
Choose and book the photographer and videographer
Book the reception venue
Decide the style of reception (sit down meal, buffet) and book caterers
Research and arrange the entertainment for the reception
Book the honeymoon, and make sure passports are valid
Start looking for your wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses
Take out wedding insurance

4 months before (Mid-March)

Decide on a style for your wedding stationery (invitations, orders of service, place cards) and order them or start making them
Choose and order your wedding rings
Meet and finalise the order of service with the priest or minister - making your choice of music and readings
Organise and book your flowers
Choose design and order your wedding cake
Arrange the hire of formal wear for the groom, best man, ushers and the fathers

3 months before (Mid-April)

Confirm the booking of the Registrar if applicable
Compile your wedding gift lift
Book hairdresser and beauty therapist
Book your wedding night accommodation
Finalise your honeymoon plans and check for any visas or vaccinations that may be necessary

2 months before (Mid-May)

Send out your wedding invitations at least six weeks before the wedding
Write thank you letters as soon as any gifts are purchased
Buy presents for the mothers, bridesmaids, best man, and any other attendants

1 month before (Mid-June)

Finalise the guest list and chase up any late replies
Arrange the seating plan and write out the place cards
Attend dress fittings, and make sure that the wedding clothes will be ready on time (they need to be ready at least one week before)
Advise caterers of the final guest numbers in writing two weeks before the wedding
Make sure the stag and hen nights are arranged

One week before (July)

Collect wedding dress, bridesmaids' dresses and morning suits
Wear in any new shoes
Final practice of hair and make up for the bride
Arrange with the best man to collect the orders of service either before or on the day
Have the rehearsal for the wedding ceremony
Make sure you have tickets, local currency, travellers cheques and passports for honeymoon