The essential wedding planning checklist: When to do what
You’ve said “YES” and now you’re faced with planning one of the biggest celebrations of your life! Fear not, whether you’re dreaming of a grand affair in a historic castle or a cosy gathering at your local pub, this essential wedding planning checklist will keep you on track without driving you completely bonkers. Let’s break down this wedding planning malarkey into manageable chunks, shall we?
Table of Contents
If you aren’t quite ready for this, let’s go venue hunting!
12 months – 2 years before
Set your budget (and actually stick to it)
Before you fall in love with that £15,000 venue when you’ve only got £8,000 for the entire wedding, sit down with your partner and anyone else contributing financially to have an honest chat about numbers. Remember that the average UK wedding costs around £20,000-£30,000, but wonderful weddings happen on every budget. No essential wedding planning checklist would be complete without the suggestion that you forget the big wedding, get married in a registry office and blow the budget on a honeymoon!
Choose your dream team
Decide who you’d like standing beside you on the big day. In the UK, we typically have only a few attendants, often just a best man or woman and a maid or man of honour, plus perhaps a couple of bridesmaids/ushers and adorable little ones for flower girls and pageboys.
Book your ceremony venue
Whether you’re after a traditional church wedding, registry office, or licensed venue, the popular spots book up faster than Glastonbury tickets. For religious ceremonies, you’ll want to speak to your local vicar/priest/rabbi. For civil ceremonies, contact your local registry office even if you’re using a different licensed venue. Head here if you are thinking outdoor ceremony.
Choose and book your reception venue
In Gloucestershire & The Cotswolds, this is often the same place but if not, now’s the time to get it sorted, particularly if you are planning on using a marquee or tipi.
From country houses and hotels to restaurants, barns, and marquees in your parents’ garden – secure your space early, especially if you’re eyeing a summer Saturday wedding. Remember to check if they offer exclusive use or if you’ll be sharing with the regular Saturday punters!
Book the registrar
If you’re having a civil ceremony, you’ll need to officially book the registrar through your local council. This can be done up to two year in advance in Gloucestershire and popular dates fill quickly. Act early unless you want to be stuck with an 11:30am or 3:00pm ceremony!
9-12 months before: Getting serious
Book your key suppliers
Now’s the time to secure those in-demand professionals: photographers, videographers, caterers (if not included with your venue), and bands/DJs. Here’s some Gloucestershire suppliers to start you off.
Start dress shopping
Allowing 6-9 months is wise. Don’t forget to factor in time for alterations closer to the day. There’s no reason to follow convention, especially if you’re wearing something you already own.
Block accommodations
If you have guests traveling from afar, research nearby B&Bs, hotels and Airbnbs. Many venues offer preferential rates for wedding guests, so enquire about room blocking.
Create your wedding website
A central place for all the details your guests will need – from directions to gift lists to local taxi numbers (essential for that 1am getaway when the reception ends). Just build it and update when necessary so you don’t have to contact each person individually.
6-9 months before: Details emerging
Send save the dates
Particularly important if you’re marrying during the summer season, bank holidays, or near Christmas when people’s calendars fill quickly. A simple card or email with the date and location is sufficient. Something fun like ‘RSVP’ with a selfie keeps the excitement flowing!
Choose your wedding attire
Time to sort suits – whether hiring morning suits, buying high street tailoring, or splashing out on something bespoke.
Book your honeymoon
If you’re heading somewhere exotic or during peak season, booking early often secures better rates. Don’t forget to check passport validity and visa requirements.
Order your wedding cake
From traditional fruit cake to modern alternatives like cheese towers or doughnut walls – book your cake maker now.
Meet with your florist
Discuss your vision, seasonal availability (British-grown flowers are increasingly popular), and book their services. Some of the best florists book up to a year in advance.
3-6 months before: Getting real
Send your invitations
Traditional British etiquette suggests 8-12 weeks before the wedding, but sending them around the 3-month mark gives people plenty of time to plan, especially if they need to book accommodation and/or childcare.
Plan your menu
This has to be one the best things on your essential wedding planning checklist. Schedule tastings with your caterer to finalise your wedding breakfast menu. Don’t forget to collect dietary needs from guests with your RSVPs.
Buy your wedding rings
Allow time for resizing and engraving if desired.
Sort your gift list
Whether you’re using a department store like John Lewis or requesting charitable donations – set it up and share details with guests on your wedding website.
Book your stag and hen dos
Traditionally organised by the best man/woman and maid/man of honour, these have evolved from a night at the local to weekend getaways. Edinburgh, Liverpool, and Brighton remain UK favourites, while Prague, Barcelona, and Ibiza call for those seeking sunshine.
1-3 months before: The countdown begins
Apply for your marriage license
You must ‘give notice’ at your local registry office at least 29 days before your wedding. Bring proof of address, ID, and payment (currently £35 each). You must hold your ceremony within 12 months of giving notice.
Have your final dress fitting
Make sure you bring the shoes and underwear you’ll wear on the day. Walk around in it, pretend to lift up the bouquet and make sure you are fully comfortable.
Finalise the schedule
Create a detailed timeline from morning preparations through to the last dance, and share with your suppliers and wedding party. Your photographer and videographer might have extra things they need so make sure you ask!
Plan your table seating
This might require diplomatic skills worthy of the UN. Good luck!
Write your speeches
In UK weddings, tradition dictates speeches from the father of the bride, the groom, and the best man – though many couples now include the bride and maid of honour too. In Scandinavian tradition, almost anyone can speak so make sure you allow plenty of time during the wedding breakfast.
2-4 weeks before: Nearly there!
Confirm final numbers with your venue and caterer
Chase any missing RSVPs – there’s always someone who forgets!
Have your final consultations with suppliers
Confirm timings, expectations, and any last-minute changes.
Break in your wedding shoes
Wear them around the house while hoovering – dancing until 2am in brand new shoes is a recipe for blisters!
Collect your wedding clothes and accessories
Make sure everything fits and you have all accessories ready.
Create a wedding day emergency kit
Include plasters, safety pins, paracetamol, mints, and a mini sewing kit – someone will need something! Here’s your go to list of what to do on your wedding morning!
The week of: It’s happening!
Pack for your honeymoon
Don’t leave this until the night before when you’ll be busy with rehearsals or welcome drinks.
Drop off any venue decorations
Most venues allow you to deliver items a day or two before.
Confirm transportation
Whether it’s vintage Rolls Royces, red London buses, or simply taxis – confirm times and pickup locations.
Get some beauty sleep
Easier said than done, but try to relax and get rest before the big day.
Remember that something will probably go slightly awry – the best person might forget the rings, it might rain during your outdoor photos or someone might have one too Aperols during the reception. But none of that matters. You’re marrying the love of your life, surrounded by your favourite people, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Now let’s get in touch with that photographer and get a Zoom meeting booked in!
