Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, but it can also be overwhelming. From choosing a venue to sending out invitations, each task requires careful thought and organisation. To help you stay on track, we’ve created a comprehensive wedding planning timeline, detailing everything you need to do and when to do it. Follow this guide to ensure a smooth and stress-free path to your wedding day.
12-18 Months Before the Wedding
Set Your Budget
Establish a budget early on, considering all aspects such as venue, catering, attire, and entertainment. Prioritise your spending based on what’s most important to you.
Choose a Date
Select a few potential dates and consider seasonality, availability of key guests, and any significant events or holidays that could impact attendance. The last thing you want is to coincide with the Melbourne Cup race or AFL Grand Final where vendors such as hair and makeup artists or caterers may be booked out very early on.
Create a Guest List
Start drafting a guest list to get an idea of the number of attendees. This will help in choosing a suitable venue and catering options.
Hire a Wedding Planner
If your budget allows, hiring a wedding planner can significantly ease the stress. They can help with vendor recommendations, contract negotiations, and overall coordination.
Book Your Venue
Popular venues can book up quickly, so secure your location as soon as possible. Visit multiple venues to compare what they offer in terms of space, services, and ambiance.
Free Tools for Early Stage Wedding Planning:
The Knot (www.theknot.com) is a fantastic website that provides a comprehensive suite of free resources to assist couples in planning their weddings, including:
Wedding Checklist: A customisable checklist that helps you keep track of tasks and deadlines.
Budget Planner: A tool to help you manage and allocate your wedding budget effectively.
Guest List Manager: Allows you to organise your guest list, track RSVPs, and meal preferences.
Wedding Website Builder: Create a personalised wedding website to share details with your guests.
Vendor Directory: A database of local vendors, complete with reviews and contact information.
Wedding Vision: Helps you define your wedding style and priorities.
9-12 Months Before the Wedding
Choose Your Wedding Party
Decide who will stand by your side on your big day. Consider family, close friends, and those who have played significant roles in your life.
Start Dress Shopping
Begin your search for the perfect wedding dress. Custom dresses can take several months to make and alter, so give yourself plenty of time.
Book Key Vendors
Secure your photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, entertainment and hair and makeup artists. Meet with each vendor to discuss your vision and ensure they can deliver what you’re looking for.
Send Save-the-Dates
Send out save-the-date cards to your guests. This gives them ample time to make travel arrangements and schedule time off.
Create a Wedding Website
A wedding website is a great way to keep your guests informed about the event details, including the schedule, accommodation options, and your registry.
6-9 Months Before the Wedding
Plan the Ceremony
Meet with your celebrant to discuss the structure of your ceremony. Decide on readings, vows, and any special rituals you want to include.
Arrange Transportation
Book transportation for you, your wedding party, and guests if needed. Consider options like limousines, vintage cars, or even a party bus.
Book a Hotel Block
Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. Negotiate a group rate and provide this information on your wedding website.
Start Planning the Honeymoon
Decide on a destination and begin booking flights, accommodations, and activities. Ensure your passports are up to date if traveling internationally.
4-6 Months Before the Wedding
Finalize the Guest List
Narrow down your guest list and collect addresses. This will be crucial for sending out invitations.
Order Invitations
Choose your wedding invitations and order them. Don’t forget to order additional stationery like menus, programs, and place cards.
A great free resource for online wedding printables, including invitations, is Canva. They offer a wide range of customisable wedding templates that you can use for invitations, save-the-dates, thank-you cards, and more. The platform is user-friendly and allows you to personalise designs to fit your wedding theme and style.
You can access Canva's wedding printables by visiting www.canva.com and searching for wedding invitations or other wedding-related printables in their template library.
Schedule Hair and Makeup Trials
Book trials with your hair and makeup artists. This will help you finalise your look and ensure you’re happy with the results.
Select Attire for the Wedding Party
Choose the outfits for your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and any other key members of the wedding party. Ensure they have enough time for alterations.
Register for Gifts
Create a wedding registry and include a range of items at different price points. Share the registry information on your wedding website.
2-4 Months Before the Wedding
Send Invitations
Mail out your wedding invitations. Request RSVPs at least a month before the wedding to get an accurate headcount.
Finalise the Menu
Meet with your caterer to finalise the menu. Schedule a tasting if possible to ensure the food meets your expectations.
Order the Cake
Choose a bakery and design your wedding cake. Schedule a tasting to decide on flavours and finalise the design.
Plan the Rehearsal Dinner
Book a venue and plan the details of your rehearsal dinner. Send out invitations to those who are participating in the rehearsal.
Arrange for Rentals
If your venue doesn’t provide certain items like chairs, tables, or linens, arrange to rent them. Ensure everything matches your theme and colour scheme.
1-2 Months Before the Wedding
Final Dress Fitting
Have your final dress fitting and ensure all alterations are perfect. Bring along your shoes and any accessories to see the complete look.
Create a Wedding Day Timeline
Draft a detailed timeline for the wedding day, including when each activity will take place. Share this with your vendors and wedding party.
Confirm with Vendors
Reach out to all your vendors to confirm details and timings. Make any due payments and provide them with the wedding day timeline.
Write Your Vows
If you’re writing your own vows, now is the time to finalise them. Practice reading them aloud to ensure they’re the right length and convey your feelings perfectly.
2-4 Weeks Before the Wedding
Finalise Seating Chart
Once all RSVPs are in, create your seating chart. Consider relationships and dynamics to ensure guests are comfortable.
Pack for the Honeymoon
Start packing for your honeymoon. Make a checklist of essentials and ensure all travel documents are in order.
Prepare Payments
Prepare final payments for vendors. Set timed bank transfers or place cash in labelled envelopes to hand out on the day of the wedding.
Delegate Tasks
Assign tasks to trusted friends or family members. This could include overseeing the guestbook, managing gifts, or coordinating transportation.
1 Week Before the Wedding
Confirm Details with Vendors
Double-check all details with your vendors and ensure everyone is on the same page. Provide them with any last-minute updates.
Relax and Pamper Yourself
Take some time to relax and pamper yourself. Consider a massage, facial, or a day at the spa to de-stress before the big day.
Pack a Wedding Day Emergency Kit
Include items like safety pins, band-aids, makeup touch-up products, needle and thread, nail and lash glue, and pain relievers. This kit can save the day if any minor issues arise.
The Day Before the Wedding
Attend the Rehearsal and Dinner
Run through the ceremony with your wedding party and celebrant. Enjoy the rehearsal dinner and take this time to relax with close friends and family.
Get Plenty of Rest
Try to get a good night’s sleep. You’ll need your energy for the big day ahead!
The Wedding Day
Start the Day with a Healthy Breakfast
Eat a nutritious breakfast to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.
Follow Your Timeline
Stick to the timeline you’ve created to ensure everything runs smoothly. Trust your vendors and wedding party to handle any issues that arise.
Enjoy Every Moment
Most importantly, savour each moment. Your wedding day is a celebration of love, surrounded by those who care most about you. Enjoy it to the fullest.
By following this detailed timeline, you can ensure that every aspect of your wedding is meticulously executed. Happy planning!
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