The Wedding Checklist

Have you recently booked your wedding venue, and are unsure of what you need to do next? Our wedding planning guide lets you know exactly what needs doing when, to relieve the stress of planning your big day.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Perfect Day

12-18 months before

Book your Registrars if you are opting for a Civil Ceremony – the perfect ceremony time is typically 2:00pm / 2:30pm!
Research key suppliers (i.e., photographers, florists, décor, entertainment etc.)
Select your Bridal Party
Make a guest list

12 months before

Book your photographer and / or videographer
Begin wedding dress shopping
Invest in wedding insurance (check the fine print –  not all insurance covers Barns!)
Arrange food tastings with your Caterers

11 months before

Finalise your guest list and send out your ‘Save the Dates’
Plan your décor
Book your Florist and discuss your bridal flowers / centrepieces.
Begin looking for Bridesmaid dresses

TOP TIP

Flowers can be reused throughout the day such as moving your decorations for the ceremony to the top table or using bridesmaids’ bouquets as part of the centrepieces.

10 months before

Choose your Ceremony Music – you will need four songs in total. One for the entrance, two for signing, and an exit song.
Order your wedding dress
Book transportation (if you are getting married in a church)

9 months before

Plan your Honeymoon
Search for your Bridal Accessories (shoes, jewellery, hairpieces etc.)
Order your Bridesmaid dresses

8 months before

Purchase your wedding bands
Order your Wedding cake
Book your DJ / Bands

7 months before

Send out your invitations – make sure to ask your venue for a timeline of the day to help you when producing these.
Book your bridal Hair & Makeup Artist

Check with your venue to see when they require final numbers by and set the RSVP date a month in advance of that. This gives you breathing room to chase people if necessary!

6 months before

Choose the Groom & Groomsmen’s attire
Plan your stag and hen parties
Arrange a catch-up meeting with your wedding venue

5 months before

Choose your First Dance Song
Book accommodation for yourself and any of your guests
Look to arrange giving Notice of Marriage (if you are opting for a civil ceremony)

4 months before

Have your Hair & Makeup Trials
Plan your ceremony – select any readings and write personal vows if opting to do so.
Select your guests to be your witnesses