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Plan Your Dream Wedding With This Ultimate Timeline Wedding Checklist!

So you’re engaged! Firstly – congratulations, this is such an exciting time! And secondly…do you know how to plan a wedding from start to finish? Fear not; I have you covered with this detailed timeline, including a printable timeline of tasks at the end of the post. This detailed wedding planning checklist – UK specific for legalities – covers everything you need to know to plan your perfect big day.

How Do I Plan a Wedding Without a Wedding Planner?

Wedding planning checklist UK | Side view of a bride and groom with a bouquet of flowers obscuring their faces.

Weddings are expensive. If you’re looking to save pennies, then you’ll likely want to plan your wedding yourself. But where do you start with the mammoth task of arranging such a momentous event when you’ve never before undertaken anything more taxing than preparations for a birthday shindig?!

Start with a good wedding checklist.

What is a Wedding Timeline ?

A wedding timeline provides an ordered schedule of all the tasks required to pull together a seamless event, which can be ticked off one by one.

The professional wedding timeline to help you plan your dream wedding without the help of a wedding planner. #weddingtips #weddingplanning #weddingchecklist #weddingadvice

As I’m sure you’re already figuring out, planning your nuptials is potentially a long, (long, long) monumental list of tasks. And while magazines full of pretty pictures are a fab place to start for inspiration, it can be quite a daunting undertaking – particularly if you’ve never before been involved in the process of planning an event on this scale.

Consider this post to be a metaphorical handhold from an expert on all things wedding.

Where Can I Find a Good Wedding Planning Checklist?

The wedding checklist (UK specific) in this post gives a clear and thorough breakdown of errands, by way of a comprehensive wedding planning timeline. There’s also a printable timeline of tasks at the end of this post.

Vintage Wedding Centrepieces

What Should Be Included on a Wedding Planning Timeline/Checklist?

Ideally, your wedding timeline will cover every item related to creating the wedding day of your dreams. It’s so easy to forget administrative tasks which may seem insignificant, but can actually be vital to the success of your event!

This wedding timeline is comprehensive enough to ensure nothing will be forgotten.

What Is a Normal Wedding Timeline?

A better question might be: how long does it take to plan a wedding?

You need a minimum of 28 days to legally organise a wedding in the UK, and – realistically – significantly longer to plan one. While it is possible to arrange a wedding in as little as several weeks, if you want to enjoy the process, I’d recommend giving yourself at least six to twelve months.

This affords reasonable time for research, planning (and achieving) your budget, and booking vendors. (Be aware that popular vendors can be booked out many months – and even years – in advance. This includes venues, photographers, entertainment, etc.)

Of course, the entire operation can become far more involved if your wedding is a big celebration. The extensive wedding timeline I’ve drawn up is designed to make it a less convoluted and more efficient process.

Wedding Timeline - Bride

Wedding Timeline – When to Do What

This largely depends on how long your engagement will be: an abundance of time means more choice available to you as to what approach you choose to take.

Essentially, the below agenda gives a suggested order of projects; but there is some admin that has critical deadlines which must be adhered to.

If you’ve opted to marry very quickly, there are certain requirements that must be met and it becomes important to follow the wedding timeline closely. If you’ve set a date, then you’ll already know the timescale you’re working with; if not – that is the place to start.

What is the Procedure in Planning a Wedding?

Once you have a date to work towards, the next steps to take – and crucially the ideal order in which to take them – are outlined below.

A scheduled wedding timeline to help you plan your perfect wedding day. This wedding checklist PDF is ideal. #weddingtips #weddingplanning #weddingchecklist #weddingadvice

Your Wedding Timeline

Note that although most people will work through this entire list, in actuality, the majority of suggestions are optional. Your wedding can be as complex or simple as your budget, vision and preferences permit.

To Do List – Wedding Timeline: First Tasks

  1. Decide wedding date.

Keep in mind that the date and the day of the week are likely to affect costs. And also how many invitations are declined.

  1. Work out your budget.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to both create and stick to a budget. Working to a super tight budget? Check out four ruthless ways to slash your wedding costs.

  1. Consider throwing an engagement party, funds permitting.
  1. Decide whether you will have a church wedding or civil ceremony.
If you wish to marry in church, there are regulations in place that may make it less than straight forward.
Wedding Timeline Checklist - Wedding Bouquet
  1. Start considering the wedding party and guest list.

The size of your wedding will inevitably affect your venue and budget.

  1. Collect wedding magazines.

Or use Pinterest to start getting an idea of themes, colour schemes – and perhaps most importantly – The Dress.

  1. Research wedding venues.
  1. Visit venues to enable you to select a favourite/s.
  1. Check chosen availability for your date.
  1. Check registrar availability for your chosen date.
  1. Secure each with a deposit – once both confirmed available.
  1. Research photographers/videographers/entertainment/florists/transport/caterers.
Note some venues will have in-house caterers who you’re obliged to use.
  1. Check availability and secure with deposit.
  1. Make final decision about wedding party and tell/ask the people involved! (Ensure your bridesmaids read this!)

Most will feel honoured to be a part of your special occasion – however, weddings are expensive and this is their opportunity to opt out.

Are you engaged and ready to start planning your wedding nuptials? This ultimate detailed wedding timeline checklist will guide you through the entire process from start to finish and help you to schedule every task from the hen right through to the ceremony and honeymoon.

Wedding Timeline; Six – Eight Months To Go

  1. If you’ve not already (as if you need reminding about this one) – go dress shopping!
  1. Start detoxing now.

Whilst I do not necessarily advocate it, if you do intend losing weight before your big day, now is the time to think about your eating habits and exercise plan. For guidance, check out this post.

  1. Begin thinking about a honeymoon budget/destination.

This is a good time to consider your gift list, if you wish to have one. It’s becoming very common and widely accepted as the new norm to request monetary bequests towards your honeymoon.

How to plan a wedding - Flowers
  1. Consider registering with retailers if you choose to request traditional wedding gifts.
  1. If you’re tech savvy, launch a wedding site.

This is a really fab way for people who are gifting cash to see where the money will be spent.

  1. Decide how you will invite guests and purchase invitations/buy materials for your DIY project.
  1. Purchase your dress and book alterations.

Dresses can be bought off the peg; but if you covet a dress made to order, including alterations, it usually takes around six months from first ordering the dress to having it fit perfectly.

  1. Send save the date cards.
  1. Start thinking about your style for the day.

Are you simply going to be yourself, or do you fancy channelling your inner Greta Garbo? This is your opportunity to go all out and emulate your revered heroine with a vintage wedding style.

  1. Shop for bridesmaids dresses and look at suits for groomsmen.
  1. Obtain menu options from caterers and start thinking about the options.

Bear in mind the limitations of pregnant or vegetarian guests and, of course, those with allergies.

Wedding Timeline - Bride and Groom Creating Heart With Hands

Wedding Timeline; Three Months To Go

  1. Choose and order wedding cake.
  1. Start shopping for bridal accessories (veil, tiara, jewellery, shoes, bag, underwear).
  1. Decide whether to use hair and make-up professionals.

If so, schedule trials. For help making up your mind, read our post about hiring a make up artist.

  1. Secure with deposit if required.
  1. Select your ceremony music and provide the registrar with your option/s.
Note if your wedding is non-religious, there are certain restrictions in place.
Wedding Timeline - Father of the Bride Linking Arms With Bride
  1. Finalise readings and submit to registrar for approval.
  1. Order/start hand-making favours.
  1. Finalise menu and flowers.

Don’t forget to include your photographer in the final numbers if they have accepted a meal. And be sure to request breakfast as an additional option if you’re getting ready at the venue (here’s why and how to get it right!).

  1. Purchase rings.
  1. Meet with the photographer.

It’s important that your photographer has a good idea of your expectations for the day, including any specific shots you require. It’s also a good opportunity to offer the obligatory wedding breakfast meal.

  1. Send playlist to band/DJ.

Do not underestimate how long it can take to put this together. (If you’re as particular as my husband and me at any rate!)

  1. Research and book/provide info to guests for nearby hotels.
Tip: it’s a good idea to slip a printed sheet of these details inside your invites.
Wedding Timeline - Bride and Groom's Hands on Wedding Bouquet
  1. Send invitations.

This can also take longer than you may anticipate as you will need to acquire addresses. Once posted, it’s imperative that you keep on top of the list of acceptances so that you can plan your tables in due course. And, of course, the numbers will also affect your budget.

  1. Plan hen/sten.

Do not delay – pinning down a date is nigh on impossible. (I highly recommend delegating this job to your bridesmaids!)

Wedding Timeline; One Month To Go

  1. Give Notice.
  1. Find a special gift for your hubby-to-be.
  1. Write speeches.

This may or may not apply to you (read this for help deciding!), but you may want to keep your finger on the pulse of your husband-to-be (point him here if he needs a hand)!

  1. Have final dress fitting.
  1. Pay final instalments.
  1. Chase RSVPs.
  1. Begin writing wedding vows.
  1. Begin assigning seating and making a table plan.

My thoughts are with you during what may just be the most stressful task in the entire wedding planning process…

  1. Purchase wedding party gifts.
Wedding Timeline - Bridesmaid's Feet

Wedding Timeline; Two Weeks To Go

  1. Finalise wedding vows.
  1. Have your future spouse’s wedding gift engraved, if required.
  1. Complete table plan.

Good luck! You deserve a large glass of vino when you have this tied up!

  1. Arrange final visit to hairdresser.

Don’t go for anything too drastic – just in case…

  1. Collect your dress.

Eeeeek!

A wedding timeline with step by step directions to planning your dream wedding. #weddingtips #weddingplanning #weddingchecklist #weddingadvice
  1. Finish any DIY projects.
  1. Burn your entrance and wedding breakfast music onto disc, and ensure it’s working.
  1. Book a massage/mani/pedi for the day before your wedding

Go on – you deserve it!

Wedding Timeline; The One Week Countdown

  1. Touch base with all suppliers and ensure deliveries of cake and flowers are arranged.
  1. Delegate wedding party with tasks for the Big Day itself, and the following day.

For example, ferrying the cake, entrance music, and table plan to the venue, and collecting accoutrements the next day/returning suits.

  1. Break in your shoes.
  1. Pack for your honeymoon.
  1. Make arrangements for airport run.

Just make sure the person due to take you does not have a hangover rendering them incapable – not fun at the eleventh hour…

That’s it! Good luck – and enjoy. <3

Wedding Timeline - Bride and Groom

(For advice about the day itself, check out our wedding day checklist.)

Identifying and prioritising the tasks involved with planning a wedding can be an overwhelming chore in itself. I put this wedding timeline together to seamlessly guide you through that process.

Your wedding should ultimately be precisely what you and your husband-to-be want it to be. Whether that’s classy and conventional or means you flout tradition, the ceremony and reception should be a reflection of your joint personalities and styles.

By its nature then, the above list is not intended to be exhaustive. It is, however, a comprehensive starting point for the bewildered bride. I hope it allows you to feel confident in how to plan a wedding, and managing the project competently and efficiently – so you can get on with being your intended’s serene sweetheart.

Wedding Checklist PDF

Download your UK wedding checklist PDF here:

If you found this post helpful and you’re confident you now know how to plan a wedding from start to finish, please share this wedding planning checklist (UK specific) with your engaged friends!

Kate

Tuesday 23rd of February 2016

That's great if you're doing something a little less formal - I imagine it would save on a lot of arguments!