Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting things you'll ever do — and one of the most overwhelming. Whether you're newly engaged or knee-deep in venue research, this ultimate wedding planning checklist will help you stay organised, calm, and on track every step of the way.
12+ Months Before the Wedding
- Set your overall budget and agree who is contributing
- Write your initial guest list
- Choose your wedding date (check for bank holidays and clashes)
- Book your venue — ceremony and reception
- Start researching photographers and videographers (the best ones book up fast)
- Choose your wedding party — bridesmaids, groomsmen, best man, flower girls
- Begin dress shopping (allow 6–9 months for alterations)
- Discuss suit style with the groom — hire or buy, and what look you're going for
- Give notice of marriage at your local register office — legally required in England and Wales. See GOV.UK guidance on getting married for full details.
9–12 Months Before
- Book your photographer and videographer
- Research and book your caterer if not included with the venue
- Choose your florist
- Book your band or DJ
- Send save the dates — our Floral Save the Date Card and Minimalist Save the Date Card are both personalised instant PDF downloads
- Start planning your honeymoon and book flights/accommodation
- Set up a wedding website or shared folder for guests
- Book suit fittings for the groom, best man, and groomsmen
6–9 Months Before
- Order your wedding dress
- Book hair and makeup artists
- Choose and order bridesmaid dresses
- Confirm suit hire or purchase for the groom and groomsmen
- Plan the ceremony — readings, music, vows
- Book the officiant or registrar
- Arrange wedding insurance
- Start planning the menu with your caterer
- Research wedding favours and table décor
3–6 Months Before
- Send formal invitations (include RSVP deadline)
- Book transport — wedding car, guest shuttles
- Arrange accommodation for out-of-town guests
- Plan the rehearsal dinner
- Order wedding cake
- Buy wedding rings
- Arrange wedding night accommodation
- Book a final dress fitting
- First suit fitting for groom and groomsmen
- Start planning the hen do and stag do — book venues, activities, and send invites
1–3 Months Before
- Chase outstanding RSVPs
- Finalise guest numbers with caterer and venue
- Create your seating plan
- Write your vows if doing personal vows
- Plan the order of the day and share with suppliers
- Arrange gifts for the wedding party — bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen
- Break in your wedding shoes!
- Confirm all supplier bookings in writing
- Final suit fitting for groom and groomsmen
- Have the hen do and stag do! 🎉 — stay organised with our Hen Do, Stag Do & Wedding Bundle Planner
2 Weeks Before
- Confirm final guest numbers
- Deliver final payment to suppliers
- Pack for your honeymoon
- Delegate day-of tasks to trusted people
- Have your final dress fitting
- Collect suits if hiring
The Week Before
- Confirm timings with all suppliers
- Prepare an emergency kit (safety pins, stain remover, painkillers, snacks)
- Get a good night's sleep — you've earned it
The Day Before
- Set up décor if allowed early access to the venue
- Attend the rehearsal
- Have a relaxed evening with your closest people
- Charge your phone!
- Groom: lay out suit, shoes, and accessories ready for the morning
- Bride: hang your dress and prepare your accessories, shoes, and something borrowed!
On the Day
- Eat breakfast — seriously, both of you!
- Give rings to the best man or maid of honour
- Have someone manage supplier arrivals
- Bride: get your hair and makeup done, then into that dress — this is your moment! 💍
- Groom and groomsmen: get suited up early and enjoy the morning
- Enjoy every moment — it goes faster than you think ❤️
Take the Stress Out of Planning
Download our Printable Wedding Planning Checklist — an instant-download PDF that keeps all your wedding to-dos, supplier contacts, budget tracker, and timeline in one beautiful place. Print as many copies as you need and plan your perfect day at your own pace.
Planning the hen do or stag do too? Our Hen Do, Stag Do & Wedding Bundle has everything you need in one handy download.
Browse our full range of printable wedding stationery at Reggie & Co — from planners and checklists to save the date cards and invitations, all instant PDF downloads ready to print at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start planning my wedding?
Ideally 12–18 months before your wedding date, especially if you have a specific venue in mind. The most popular venues and photographers book up 12–18 months in advance, so the earlier you start, the more choice you'll have. That said, a beautiful wedding can absolutely be planned in 6 months or less if you're flexible.
Do I need to give notice of marriage in the UK?
Yes — if you're getting married in England or Wales, you must give notice of marriage at your local register office at least 28 days before the wedding. Both partners need to give notice separately. You can find full details on the GOV.UK marriages and civil partnerships page.
When should I send save the dates?
Send save the dates 6–12 months before your wedding. If you're getting married on a bank holiday weekend, during peak summer, or if many guests are travelling from abroad, aim for the 12-month end. Our Floral Save the Date Card and Minimalist Save the Date Card are both instant PDF downloads you can personalise and print at home.
When should wedding invitations be sent?
Formal wedding invitations should go out 6–8 weeks before the wedding, with an RSVP deadline of 3–4 weeks before the big day. This gives you enough time to finalise guest numbers with your caterer and venue.
Do I need wedding insurance?
Wedding insurance isn't a legal requirement, but it's strongly recommended. It can cover you if a supplier goes out of business, if the venue has to cancel, or if illness prevents the wedding from going ahead. Policies typically cost £50–£300 depending on the level of cover — a small price for peace of mind on such a significant investment.
What's the difference between a save the date and a wedding invitation?
A save the date goes out early — often 6–12 months before — to let guests know the date and location so they can make arrangements. It doesn't include all the details. The formal wedding invitation follows later (usually 6–8 weeks before) and includes the full ceremony and reception details, RSVP instructions, and any other information guests need.
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