Your Wedding Planning Timeline: A Calm Guide to a Stress-Free Year

Planning a wedding can feel like a juggling act. There’s a lot to think about — venues, suppliers, outfits, paperwork — and the internet can make it seem like there’s one “perfect” timeline you have to follow. Truth is: there isn’t.

Every couple is different. Every wedding is different. What I want to give you here is a gentle guide — a timeline to help you see what usually needs to happen, and when. Think of it as a roadmap: you can take shortcuts, you can take detours, but at least you’ll know the way.

And because we’re in the UK, I’ve included notes on the legal side of things too (with differences between England/Wales and Scotland). That’s often the bit people forget about until late in the game!

12+ Months Before: The Big Decisions

Set your date (or a rough season if you’re still flexible). Book your ceremony and reception venue. These go fast, especially in peak summer. Write your guest list. Even a first draft will help with budgets and venue size. Book your photographer and videographer. The good ones get snapped up early. Think about insurance. It’s not glamorous, but it’s peace of mind.

Legal note:

In England & Wales: you must give notice of marriage at least 29 days before your wedding. In Scotland: you submit your Marriage Notice between 3 months and 29 days before your date.

(Links to official gov sites at the end of this post — because no one wants to mess up the paperwork.)

9–12 Months Before: Building Your Team

Choose your band or DJ. Book caterers if your venue doesn’t provide food. Confirm your officiant or celebrant. Start dreaming up themes, colour palettes, and the kind of vibe you want the day to have.

6–9 Months Before: Outfits, Invites & Flowers

Dress shopping. Dresses can take months to order and alter, so give yourself time. Suits. Often quicker to sort, but don’t leave it until the last minute. Book your florist. Save the Dates (if you’re sending them) can go out around now.

4–6 Months Before: The Details

Send your wedding invitations (earlier if you skipped Save the Dates). Book your makeup artist and hair stylist. Do a trial if you can. Order your cake and think about transport for the day. Finalize your gift list or honeymoon fund. Book accommodation blocks for guests if needed.

2–3 Months Before: Pulling It Together

Plan the day’s timeline, when the ceremony starts, when the meal is served, when you’ll sneak away for golden-hour photos. Confirm who’s giving speeches and readings. Pay off final balances with suppliers. Print place cards, menus, and signage. Schedule a rehearsal if your ceremony allows it.

1 Month to 1 Week Before: Final Touches

Chase up RSVPs and complete the seating plan. Have your final dress/suit fittings. Break in your shoes (yes, really!). Confirm timings with every supplier. Pack an emergency kit (plasters, lipstick, safety pins).

And, just as important, take some time to yourselves. A walk, a nice dinner, a weekend away if you can. You’ve done the work; now give yourselves a breather.

The Wedding Week

The registrar will meet you (separately) on the day to check your details and paperwork. Trust your team — photographer, suppliers, venue — to do what you hired them for. Pause, look around, and take it in. It’ll fly by, but those small moments of stillness are the ones you’ll remember.

After the Day

Collect décor and gifts (ask a family member or friend to help). Your marriage certificate will arrive by post (keep it safe!). Send out thank you cards. Relive the day through your photos and film.

Quick Links to Legal Paperwork

England & Wales: Giving Notice of Marriage

Scotland: Marriage Notice Forms

A Final Word

This isn’t about ticking every box “on time.” It’s about keeping the planning steady so you’re not overwhelmed in the final weeks. If you do one thing early, make it the legal paperwork, everything else can bend to fit your day, your way.

If this has given you some clarity for your planning, you can read more about me or see how other couples approached their weddings on my Stories page. When you’re ready, say hello. I’d love to hear about your wedding.