A timeline of events from the moment you are engaged to the day you are married

From Yes To I do: The ultimate step-by-step wedding planning checklist.

So you’ve said Yes. What next? 

At this stage it can suddenly seem a little daunting, as you begin to realise that bringing your wedding dreams to life is going to take time, energy and some serious planning.

Most couples take around 12 months from getting engaged to tying the knot, but a deep breath and a cup of tea are all that are needed right now, as we walk you, step-by-step, through a checklist of the main points you’ll want to consider before your big day.

Step 1: Budget

This is a vital factor, and lots of your other decisions like venue, dress and size of guest list will be based on this.

Step 2: Dates and venues

Setting the date well in advance is key. Explore options for venues as many places get booked up quickly, and if you need a wedding licence or insurance, you’ll want to apply for them in plenty of time too.

Photographers and musicians will usually need lots of notice as well, so factor this in as you begin to make choices, and get them confirmed too.

Step 3: Your wedding scheme

Will your wedding have a theme? What style best reflects you as a couple? What kind of atmosphere do you want to create? Getting clear on your wedding scheme from the outset is important as it will inform every other choice you make. 

Flowers, favours, decor – ideas will emerge naturally when you have a clear scheme in mind. 

Step 4: Choosing your wedding party

Will you be having bridesmaids and groomsmen or a bridal brigade and friends of honour? Deciding on this important aspect of your wedding upfront is a great idea so you have the perfect people prepared and ready to support you both on the day. 

Step 5: Guest list

Who do you want to be there to witness your nuptials and celebrate with you? Perhaps you’ll have an intimate ceremony for those who are closest, and invite more friends to join you later in the day? Begin to explore different options at an early stage so you can come to final decisions as soon as possible.

Also, if you’re inviting guests who’ll need to travel to celebrate with you, you might want to consider block-booking rooms in a hotel near your chosen venue with lots of time to spare.

Step 6: The perfect dress to suit

No doubt you’ll already have ideas for the wedding dress of your dreams, and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy being open to inspiration. Search for ideas online, visit wedding fairs, and shop around. Take a trusted friend with you to advise, and to keep the whole process light and fun. 

Dress fittings, alterations and made-to-measure tailoring for those wearing suits can also take time, so remember to take this into account.

In terms of the rings, the perfect wedding bands will be unique to you as a couple, and so enjoy the process of exploring all the different options available whilst bearing in mind bespoke pieces will take longer to design, fit and create.

Shoes, accessories and your wedding party outfits will be chosen to complement your own outfits, as will hair and make up choices, so are all elements you’ll consider a little further down the line.

Step 7: Honeymoon

Whether you’re intending to honeymoon in a far-flung destination, or prefer a romantic staycation nearer home, booking early means everything is in place and is one less thing you’ll have to think about.

Dig out your passport too and check your documents are in order. The name on your passport must match the one you use when you book your travel, so if you’re changing your name after your marriage, you have up to three months in advance to apply.

Step 8: Save-the-dates

You want everyone to be at the right place at the right time, and this is where your save-the-dates come in. This might be a beautiful card your guests will receive in the post or an Instagram video that spreads the word, before formal invitations are sent out later.

Your more formal invites will ask guests to RSVP, so you’ll need to make sure you time these right so you can have all the information you need to make final decisions about numbers, your seating plans and so on.

Step 9: Food, catering and the cake

Whether you go for a five-course feast, hog roast or an informal summer serve-yourself picnic, take time to explore all your options. 

Book in for a chat with different suppliers, go for tastings, or have conversations with the family friend who is a whizz in the baking department so you’re sure that this most delicious of elements is in place with plenty of time to spare.

Step 10: Wedding website and gift list

Not everyone will feel the need, but creating a wedding website is a great way to communicate all the important details you want everyone to know, as well as being a space to host photos and fun videos in the run up to your nuptials and beyond.

It’s also the perfect place for a gift-list register, or for information and links to your favourite charity so that family and friends can donate. 

Step 11: The ceremony

Getting clear on what is important to you as a couple in terms of the wedding ceremony itself is crucial. You’ll want to be discussing ideas with each other, as well as with your celebrant or officiant, pretty early on so you can start planning, choose readings and music, and write vows if you choose to craft your own.

Step 12: Enjoy

This is absolutely the most important step of any wedding planning checklist, and the one you’ll want to ensure is part of every other single step you take.

Make time to relax and unwind as often as possible between the excitement of getting engaged and the joy of being married. Savour every moment, have fun and allow your friends and family to support you as you get closer and closer to the beautiful day when you both finally get to say ‘I do…’.