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The Ultimate 12-Month UK Wedding Planning Checklist
So you’ve said yes!
Now what?
Whether you’re still staring at your ring in disbelief or already Pinterest-deep in dress ideas, this guide is here to help you plan a wedding that feels like you.
Planning a wedding in the UK usually takes about 12 months, and that’s the timeframe we’re working with here. It gives you enough breathing room to enjoy the process, lock in your dream team, and handle the legal bits without last-minute stress.
This guide breaks the year down into easy chunks, helping you focus on just the right things at just the right time. You’ll find everything from supplier booking tips to what to do the day before, plus a free printable checklist at the end to keep on your fridge or phone.
Let’s take it step by step.
12+ Months Before the Wedding
This is the foundation stage, the big picture stuff. You’re setting the tone, picking the date, and making your first major decisions.
Set a rough budget
Before you start booking anything, decide on a comfortable overall budget. Talk to any family members who may want to contribute, and work out your priorities. Are you foodies? Obsessed with photography? Want a band over a DJ? Knowing where you want to splurge vs save makes the next steps easier.
Draft your guest list
Start rough. You don’t need the final headcount yet, but knowing whether you’re planning for 40 people or 140 will affect your venue choice, catering costs, and more.
Choose a season, then shortlist dates
Are you dreaming of a spring garden wedding or a cosy winter vibe? Think about seasonality, weather, and any meaningful dates. Keep flexibility in mind – you may need it depending on venue availability.
Start researching venues
Venues in the UK get booked early, especially for Saturdays from May to September. Tour a few and make a pros/cons list. Think about capacity, ceremony space, reception flow, and if they have any exclusive supplier policies.
Book your venue
Once you’ve found the one, get it secured. Most venues will ask for a deposit and signed contract to lock in your date.
Book your photographer & videographer
Wedding photographers and videographers (especially ones with a natural, documentary style like us!) tend to get booked 12–18 months ahead for popular dates. If photos and film are high on your priority list, don’t leave this too late.
Check the legal requirements
If you’re having a civil ceremony, you’ll need to give notice at your local register office at least 29 days before the wedding, but many couples do this well in advance. If you’re marrying in a church, speak to your vicar or priest early to understand what’s involved.
Hire a wedding planner (if using one)
9 to 11 Months Before the Wedding
This is when your plans start feeling real. You’ve got your date, your venue, and probably a few Pinterest boards overflowing with ideas. Now it’s time to get the core of your wedding team sorted and start adding shape to the day.
Book your celebrant, registrar or officiant
Time to secure the people who help bring your day to life. Think florist, caterer, band or DJ, maybe a stylist or decor hire. Ask around for recommendations or check their socials to get a feel for their work. If you’ve found someone you love, don’t hang about.
Book key suppliers
You don’t need a strict theme, but try to land on a look or feeling you’re going for. Cosy winter pub wedding? Rustic barn with soft greens and neutrals? Once you’ve got the general vision, it helps guide all the little decisions coming next.
Set your vibe, colours and theme
If you’re having a civil ceremony, you’ll need to book a registrar through the local council. If it’s a church wedding, this is when you’d meet with your vicar or priest and confirm the service. Want a humanist or independent celebrant? Get them locked in early. The good ones book up just like venues do.
Go dress shopping
If you’re wearing a wedding dress, now’s the time to start. Many boutiques work by appointment and dresses can take 6 to 9 months to arrive, especially if they’re made to order. Bring someone whose opinion you trust, wear nude underwear, and keep an open mind.
Book hair and makeup
If you’re using professionals, get your glam squad pencilled in now. Look for artists with a portfolio that matches your style, then book a trial for later. Bonus points if they’ve worked at your venue before.
Plan your engagement shoot
If your wedding photographer offers one, this is a great time to book it. It’s not just for photos, it helps you get comfy in front of the camera and makes the wedding day feel less awkward. Pick a spot that feels like you. your favourite woodland walk, your go-to coffee shop, or even your sofa at home.
Send your save-the-dates
If you’re having a summer wedding or inviting people from abroad, send these out now. It doesn’t need to be fancy, a printed card, a digital version, or even a simple email. Just make sure the date and general location are clear.
6 to 8 Months Before the Wedding
Book your transport
Sort out how you and your wedding party are getting to the ceremony and reception. Whether it’s a vintage campervan, black cab, or your mate’s cleanest car, get it reserved. Don’t forget transport for guests if the ceremony and reception are in different places.
Choose your bridal party looks
Pick outfits for bridesmaids, groomsmen or anyone else standing with you. Whether it’s matching dresses or mix and match suits, get your orders in early so there’s time for any adjustments.
Start ordering decor and signage
If you’re DIYing any signage, place cards or table bits, now’s the time to design and order. Same goes for personalised favours or props. Printing and shipping can take longer than expected, especially for handmade items.
Order your wedding cake
Find a local baker, taste a few flavours (the best part), and lock it in. Whether you want a traditional tiered showstopper or a stack of brownies, your baker will appreciate the early notice.
Book your honeymoon or minimoon
Once your date is set and flights are available, start looking. You don’t have to go straight after the wedding, plenty of couples do a quick minimoon then a longer trip later. Just make sure your passports are up to date and think about travel insurance.
4 to 5 Months Before the Wedding
This is when your vision starts coming together. Most of the big bookings are sorted, so now you can focus on the guest experience and how the day will actually run.
Finalise your menu and drinks
Work with your caterer on the full plan, canapés, mains, desserts, evening snacks, veggie options. If you’re supplying your own booze, figure out quantities and what your venue allows. If you’re doing a DIY bar, don’t forget the ice and glassware.
Meet with your photographer and/or videographer
Now’s a great time to chat through your timeline, any must-have group shots, or things you want captured on the day. If there’s a special moment planned, let them know now so they’re ready for it.
Order wedding rings
Buy or rent suits and accessories
Whether you’re after plain bands or something a bit different, give yourself time to browse, try on, and sort sizing. Engraving can take a few extra weeks, so plan ahead.
Confirm ceremony details
If you’re writing your own vows, start now. If you’re having a church or registrar led ceremony, they may need your readings and music choices by this point. Think about the entrance, the signing, the exit, how do you want it to feel?
Plan your playlist
Work with your DJ or band on the key tracks, first dance, aisle walk, last song of the night. You can even create a guest request section if you want people on the dance floor all night.
Send your invitations
1 Month Before the Wedding
It’s the home stretch. All the big plans are made, now it’s about double-checking the details and making sure everything is set to go.
Have your final dress fitting
Bring your wedding shoes and any accessories. Make sure the fit is perfect, and practice walking and sitting down to check comfort. If you’re wearing something else, like a jumpsuit or separates, still give it a full run-through.
Create a wedding day timeline
Work out when everything is happening, from hair and makeup, to first dances. Share it with your venue, suppliers, and key people like the maid of honour or best man. It doesn’t need to be minute by minute, just enough to keep things flowing.
Finalise guest list and table plan
Chase any missing RSVPs, lock in your numbers with the caterer, and finish the seating chart. Print or order name cards, menus and any signs you’re using.
Write your final checklist
Include things like what needs to go to the venue, what you need to bring on the day, and who’s responsible for what. Think decor, favours, tip envelopes, rings, vows, any last-minute items.
Book your beauty treatments
Now’s the time for waxing, facials, spray tans, lash tints or anything else that needs doing before the big day. Avoid trying anything new just in case your skin reacts.
Break in your shoes
Wear them around the house on carpeted floors. Even just ten minutes a day makes a difference.
Check in with your photographer and/or videographer
Make sure your wedding photographer and videographer they have your final timeline, group shot list, and any last notes. If you’re doing a first look, golden hour portraits, or a surprise during speeches, let them know.
1 Week Before the Wedding
You’re nearly there. This week is all about prep and peace of mind. The big stuff is done, now it’s just about making sure everything and everyone is in the right place.
Pack your wedding day bag
Include anything you might need throughout the day. Think lipstick, tissues, painkillers, mints, plasters, a phone charger, deodorant, and anything else that keeps you comfortable and calm. Put it in a small bag and hand it to someone you trust.
Prepare final payments and tips
Put any final cash payments or tips into labelled envelopes. Give them to your planner, maid of honour, or someone who can hand them out on the day so you don’t have to think about it.
Drop off items at the venue
If your venue allows, drop off everything that needs to be there ahead of time, table plans, favours, signage, spare shoes, your emergency kit, anything decorative. Make a list and check it off as you go.
Have a quiet night in
One night this week, block off an evening to do nothing. Put your feet up, have a long bath, order a takeaway, and switch your phone on silent. It helps to pause before the whirlwind begins.
Confirm arrival times with suppliers
One last round of check ins, confirm when each supplier is arriving and who they should ask for on site. Give them a contact number (not yours) for the day.
Get your wedding outfits ready
Steam or press anything that needs it. Double check accessories, underwear, cufflinks, and socks. Hang everything up with nothing missing.
Pack for the night
The Day Before the Wedding
This is your warm up. By now, everything should be in place, so the goal is to stay calm, soak it all in, and get yourself feeling ready.
Rehearse (if you're having one)
If you’re doing a rehearsal or walk-through with your venue or officiant, now’s the time. Bring anyone involved in the ceremony, bridesmaids, parents, anyone giving readings, and walk through the basics so everyone knows where to stand and when.
Lay everything out
Put your outfit, accessories, rings, perfume, and any keepsakes in one place. Do the same for your partner. If you’re exchanging gifts or letters before the ceremony, pop them somewhere safe too.
Charge your phone (and any others)
Fully charge your phone, and if you’re using anything like a speaker, Polaroid camera or wedding playlist device, get those charged as well. Then try to put it all down for a bit.
Drink water, eat well, rest
This sounds basic but it’s key. Stay hydrated, have a proper meal, and get to bed at a decent time. The aim is to wake up feeling good, not groggy, bloated, or dehydrated.
Have a moment with your people
Whether it’s your partner, your maid of honour, your parents, or just yourself, take a few minutes to sit quietly and take it all in. You’re getting married tomorrow. That’s huge.
The Big Day!
This is it. The big day. Your only job now is to be present, soak it all in, and enjoy every second. You’ve done the work. Let it unfold.
Eat breakfast
Don’t skip this. Even if it’s just some toast or fruit, you’ll need the energy. Weddings are long days and you probably won’t eat properly again until the reception.
Stick to the plan, loosely
Follow your timeline but don’t stress if something runs five or ten minutes late. Everyone’s there for you. It’ll all work out.
Delegate everything
Hand over your phone and your to-do list. Let your bridal party, coordinator, or a trusted friend handle the logistics. You shouldn’t be answering questions about centrepieces or taxi bookings.
Take little pauses
Step away for a few quiet moments with your partner, or even just by yourself. Look around. Breathe. These are the memories that last.
Trust your suppliers
You’ve hired people you trust. Let them do what they do best. You don’t need to manage the playlist, lighting, or food. Just be in it.
Be present
The day goes by fast. Try to notice the hugs, the music, the way your partner looks at you, the people who came just to see you happy. That’s the good stuff.
Free Printable: Your 12-Month Checklist
Want this list in a simple format you can stick to the fridge or tick off on your phone?
Download Your Wedding Checklist (PDF)
Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding can feel like a full-time job, but you don’t have to get it all perfect. The best weddings aren’t about timelines or place cards they’re about joy, connection, and people you love all in one place.
So take your time, go at your own pace, and don’t be afraid to throw the rulebook out the window if it doesn’t suit you.
If you ever want to chat about your wedding photography or videography, or just need some advice from a couple who’s been through it all we’re only a message away.
