A 12-Month Wedding Planning Checklist

Before you start

Twelve months is a comfortable timeline for most weddings, and many London couples start earlier for popular Saturdays between May and September. If you have less time, the order below still works; you'll just move through it faster and may need more flexibility on dates and suppliers.

Three decisions shape everything else, so make them first: your budget, your approximate guest count and your preferred season. Every venue, supplier and design choice follows from those three.

12+ months before

• Agree an overall budget, and who is contributing what
• Draft a guest list, even a rough one: it decides the size of venue you need
• Choose a season and two or three possible dates
• Decide whether you want help, and how much. See full, partial or on-the-day planning
• Shortlist venues, check capacity and catering rules, and arrange viewings
• Book the venue and, if separate, the ceremony venue or registrar

9 to 12 months before

Book the suppliers that take only one wedding a day and sell out first:

• Caterer, if your venue doesn't provide one, and arrange a tasting
• Photographer and videographer
• Band or DJ, and ceremony musicians
• Wedding planner or on-the-day coordinator, if you haven't already
• Officiant, celebrant or religious ceremony arrangements
• Send save-the-dates, especially if guests are travelling from abroad

6 to 9 months before

• Decide on the look and feel, and book a florist and stylist
• Choose your wedding outfits and allow time for alterations
• Book hair and make-up, with a trial
• Book transport for you and, if needed, guests
• Reserve hotel room blocks near the venue for guests
• If marrying at home or in a marquee, book the marquee, power, toilets and furniture now. Our marquee and home wedding checklist covers what's needed

4 to 6 months before

• Order invitations and stationery
• Book the cake or dessert table
• Plan the ceremony: readings, music and order of service
• Give notice of marriage at your local register office, if you're having a civil ceremony (check current timings with them, as rules apply)
• Plan any pre-wedding events, such as a mehndi, sangeet or rehearsal dinner

2 to 4 months before

• Send invitations, with an RSVP date about six weeks before the wedding
• Finalise the menu with your caterer, including children's and dietary meals
• Agree the drinks plan: reception, toasts, wine with dinner and the bar
• Buy wedding rings
• Plan the running order for the day in outline

The final 4 to 6 weeks

• Chase outstanding RSVPs and confirm final numbers with the venue and caterer
• Collect dietary requirements and allergies for every guest
• Finish the seating plan
• Write the final running order, and share it with every supplier
• Confirm every supplier's arrival time, access, contact number and final payment
• Walk through the venue with your planner or coordinator and the venue team
• Hand over décor, place cards, favours and signage, labelled, to whoever is setting up

The week of the wedding

• Give final numbers to anyone who still needs them
• Prepare final payments and tips in labelled envelopes
• Pack an emergency kit: safety pins, plasters, painkillers, phone charger, umbrella
• Pick one person to take supplier calls on the day, so it isn't you
• Rest, eat and hand the day over

If you'd like someone else to hold this checklist, Nelle plans weddings across London and the Home Counties, from full planning to on-the-day coordination.