The Ultimate 12-Month Wedding Planning Checklist

Congratulations on your engagement! If you can’t wait to embark on your wedding planning journey, rest assured you're in the right place. From securing your venue to curating your wedding gift list and sending out invitations to your loved ones—we've created a step-by-step wedding planning guide to guide you through the countdown. Make the process less overwhelming with our 12-month wedding timeline and tackle all the important elements of your special day with structure and ease.

While the usual engagement period is 12 to 14 months, every couple's wedding planning journey is unique. If your big day is less than a year away, follow a simple wedding checklist and focus on the tasks that apply most to you. We recommend starting with your wedding venue, invitations, planners, wedding suppliers, and entertainment—the five key things for a wedding that need to be booked promptly.

First things first, celebrate your engagement with friends and family and cherish this once-in-a-lifetime moment before diving into wedding preparation and ticking off your free wedding planning checklist.

Now is the time to craft your perfect wedding vision on Pinterest. Explore themes, colour schemes, and décor ideas. Pin your favourite details from the Real Wedding blogs or draw inspiration from our curated Pinterest boards.

Creating a dedicated wedding board on Pinterest will not only help you envision the big day, but it will also provide a clear roadmap for the months ahead. Take your time, and don’t forget to step back if you feel overwhelmed.

Planning your wedding is such an exciting time. So we know that diving into the nitty-gritty of wedding insurance might not be the most thrilling aspect of your wedding checklist. But after investing time and money in orchestrating your big day, the last thing you want is to grapple with supplier or venue issues just weeks before the wedding. We recommend protecting your engagement ring and wedding plans by considering wedding insurance.

Selecting and booking the wedding venue that reflects you two as a couple is one of the crucial moments of your wedding planning. The wedding location will have an impact on almost every other aspect of your wedding. Including your budget, guest count, chosen theme, and floral arrangements.

Our tip: View your preferred options and select a wedding venue that aligns with both your wedding requirements and budget. Keep in mind that popular locations tend to fill up fast. So secure your preferred choice early in the wedding planning process to avoid disappointment.

Speaking from our couples’ experience, hiring a skilled wedding planner can elevate your wedding day enormously. And help you focus on fun things to plan for a wedding, like wine and menu tasting! A wedding planner will become your right-hand person throughout the process, managing everything from venue selection to budget tracking and logistical details.

But if your funds don’t quite go that far, consider hiring an on-the-job coordinator to ensure a stress-free lead-up to your big day.

Whether choosing the venue's in-house caterers or an external team for your garden marquee wedding, don’t be afraid to be creative and make your wedding feast uniquely yours. Many wedding caterers provide complimentary tasting sessions, allowing you to sample and plan your menu for the big day. Remember to take into account your guests' dietary needs for a diverse and well-rounded selection. For wedding catering advice, read tips from our friends at Doggart & Squash, specialists in weddings and events.

If you're unsure about the quantity of drinks for your wedding or seeking inspiration for your wedding bar, be sure to explore our guide on "How to Plan Your Wedding Bar" provided by our friends at Marlo Wine, Drunken Jockeys, and Nyetimber.

Creating the ideal wedding guest list involves thoughtful consideration. If only you could invite each of your nearest and dearest, life would be so much easier. Whether envisioning a grand celebration or an intimate affair with family members and close friends, the number of guests has an impact on many aspects of your wedding planning process.

Our advice: sit down with your partner to envision your day. Consider the venue capacity, budget, and roughly how much you would like to spend on each guest. Are your parents and your partner’s parents contributing to your wedding day? It's part of wedding etiquette to offer all involved some invitations.

Next step on your checklist for a wedding: it’s time to have a fun conversation with your partner and decide on what you want the look and feel of your special day to be. Use your Pinterest wedding board as a starting point. Share your ideas and thoughts on the colour palette and overall design for a cohesive and visually appealing wedding atmosphere. This sets the tone for décor, attire, and other essential elements of your wedding essentials list.

The most exciting part of the wedding list for the bride - it’s time to say yes to the dress! Custom-made bridal dresses typically take between six and nine months to make, and you need to allow time for alterations ahead of your big day. So make sure you start early in the wedding planning process. 

Whether you have a clear vision or are still exploring, finding your perfect wedding dress should be a stress-free and enjoyable experience. So take a day off work to browse through various bridal boutiques and wedding dress designers. Try on various styles until you discover the one that suits you best. Once you've made your perfect choice, experiment with veils, jewellery, and accessories to complete your bridal look.

Make sure to read our Real Wedding blogs to get inspired by our beautiful brides wearing some of the best British wedding dress designers, including Miss Bush Bridal, Louise Selby, Emma Victoria Payne, or The Mews. 

You’ve booked a wedding venue and picked your photographer and caterer. Perhaps you even have your wedding dress already. With nine months leading up to your special day, now is the time to start curating your list of wedding presents. A wedding gift list is a curated collection of items, experiences, and cash contributions you wish to receive as gifts from your wedding guests to celebrate your marriage.

Also called a wedding list, a wedding registry, or a bridal registry, a wedding gift list is not only a fun and exciting experience for you and your partner to build your new life together. It also acts as an easy and flexible guide for your guests to choose presents they know you will love and also need.

Whether it's tableware, bed and bath wedding gifts, or contributions to your art and honeymoon funds, your wedding gift list reflects your aspirations as a couple. The options for what you can add to the gift list are unlimited, so have fun with it!

So you confirmed your wedding date, venue, and guest list. It’s time to mark another task off your wedding organisation checklist: let the wedding guests know you’re getting married! Send save-the-date cards early to allow guests to plan and ensure a strong turnout. Include both your and your partner's names, the wedding date, venue details, and a note indicating that a formal invitation will follow in due course.

Make planning easy for your guests by creating a wedding website with information, venue details, and RSVP options. Don’t forget to introduce your wedding gift list on your website; we create a unique URL for you to share once it’s ready.

If you're navigating the wedding planning process without a wedding planner, you’ll likely need to consider booking wedding rental items when planning your wedding checklist. Depending on your chosen wedding theme, you may want to upgrade your venue's furniture, rent beautiful linen, specialty chairs, draping, or even secure a dance floor. We highly recommend confirming these details with wedding rental suppliers at least 7 months before your special day to guarantee a seamless wedding planning experience.

Start your wedding stationery preparations six months before your special day. Whether you're hiring a professional wedding stationer or embarking on a DIY adventure, ensure ample time for designing and printing your wedding invitations, menus, personalised signs, and orders of service. We'd recommend designing wedding stationery that reflects both of you, so let your creative juices flow—follow your wedding inspiration, consider matching your save the dates, or opt for something different but complementary. Booking a calligrapher can add an elegant and personal touch too.

When creating wedding invitations, make sure you include a brief sentence informing family and guests about your wedding gift list. Our wedding list advisors are always happy to help with the wording if needed. You can also use our complimentary cards to let your guests know you have a gift list at The Wedding Present Company.

Let your bridesmaids experiment with different options, showing that you value their opinions. When choosing your bridal party look, ensure everyone feels comfortable and confident in their chosen attire—they'll be wearing it in front of your crowd. And, of course, don't forget to consider accessories to complete their perfect look.

Ensure a seamless experience for your guests by arranging wedding transport to and from the venue. Most importantly, book transportation for you and your partner in style; whether it's a wedding bus, a classic limo, or a vintage convertible, feel free to get fully creative with your transport choice.

The groom is the first one to walk down the wedding aisle, so make the first impression on wedding guests a good one. When choosing between a black tie, morning suit, or lounge suit, consider the formality of your big day, and always focus on fit and function.

Whether you’re planning to elope in Europe or more far-flung countries are on your mind, avoid last-minute stress by including the handling of the wedding legalities in your wedding planning timeline. Some countries require copies of your birth certificates at least three months in advance, and you might need to get your paperwork translated in advance too.

Start shopping for your wedding undergarments after your first dress fitting. It's best to wait until this point, as your initial fitting will reveal whether you need sleek shapewear or supportive lingerie to complement your dress. Make sure you opt for a seamless and comfortable undergarment fit to feel your absolute best on your special day.

At this point in your wedding planning timeline, you should have decided who will be making a wedding speech. Whether it's the bride, groom, or other special speakers from your friends and family, make sure everyone is well-informed about their roles and has ample time to craft a memorable speech.

With a few months left until your wedding, it’s time to also think about your wedding readings. If you’re having a religious wedding in the church, Bible verses are often an obvious choice, but there are plenty of nonreligious options, too. You can also add a personal touch or ask our designated readers to pick their own. Just make sure they have plenty of time and guidance to create something that aligns with your vision.

You should finalise your wedding order of service and readings two to one month ahead of your big day to avoid last-minute hassle with printers.

Wedding guest favours are small tokens of gratitude for your guests, thanking them for celebrating your special day with you. How much you spend on wedding favours is your personal choice, but no matter your price point, opt for gifts that are thoughtful and memorable.

However, as daunting as creating a seating plan sounds, it's key to remember that this is your special day. Your guests are genuinely excited to be a part of it, so take a moment to relax and avoid unnecessary stress—you've already come this far!

Securing a marriage licence and obtaining your wedding certificate is the official, legal side of tying the knot, but it is also the part people are least familiar with. In terms of the wedding planning timeline in the UK, remember that in England and Wales, you must provide 28 days' notice to the Register Office before the marriage can occur. This notice must also mention the location of the marriage.

As you approach the final two months of your wedding planning journey, we suggest reaching out to your wedding suppliers to confirm all the details. This step ensures that everything is on track for your big day, allowing you to enter the last phase of your countdown with peace of mind.

The wedding vows stand out as one of the most heartfelt moments in the ceremony, leaving you and your dearest and nearest in happy tears and sniffles. While you have the freedom to create your own, the way you write your vows usually ties in with your religion or culture. And most of the time, the husband will say his first.

Whether you choose a personal or traditional route, the method of creating your wedding vows is an entirely personal decision.

Give a gentle nudge to those RSVP stragglers. Chances are, their invitation might have slipped through the post. Once you confirm your final guest count, make sure your catering and seating plans are spot-on to make your wedding day experience seamless.

With just a month to go until your big day, it's time for that final fitting! Why not bring along your friend or bridesmaid? Not only does it provide invaluable support during this crucial moment, but it also adds a bit of excitement to your final wedding preparations. Plus, it's a great chance for them to learn the ins and outs of bustling your dress if needed.

Schedule a call or meeting with your photographer to discuss specific shots or moments you want to capture during the celebration. It’s your special day, so be as specific as possible about what you do and don't want, but also trust their creative vision. After all, you chose them for a reason.

With just a few days left before your big day, it's also the perfect time to clear your to-do list and focus solely on wedding festivities. Indulge in final beauty and grooming appointments, treat yourself to a pre-wedding massage, or even consider booking a couple’s massage. It's an excellent way for both of you to unwind from wedding stress and relax before the big day.

Our tip: Set aside a moment to write a note for your partner, sharing your excitement and anticipation for the upcoming celebration of life together.

Congratulations! Your special day is finally here. Drop off decor items at the wedding venue, and make sure to go over roles and schedules with your bridal party. Now that all that wedding preparation and creative planning have come to an end, it's your time to relax and cherish this special moment. So indulge in a hearty meal with your close ones, keep off your feet, and enjoy an early night's rest. Don’t forget to lay out your wedding outfit and accessories for a stress-free morning. We wish you the most magical day ahead and can’t wait to hear more about it!

This concludes our step-by-step 12-month wedding checklist timeline. You're now ready to embark on your wedding planning journey with confidence and ease. Don't stress if things deviate from the plan; the key is to enjoy the process! For additional planning advice on weddings and wedding gift lists, visit the wedding planning section on our blog.