The Ultimate Wedding Planning Timeline (Month by Month Guide for UK Couples)
So, you’re engaged, congratulations!
Now you’ve drunk the prosecco, sent pictures round to all your friends and family, and the reality is setting in. Where do we even start?
Captured in Oxford by Isha Photography
Planning a wedding in the UK can feel overwhelming at first; with so many venues and suppliers to choose from, not to mention figure out you budget and timeline… But with a clear plan and the right advice, the process can be exciting, enjoyable and NOT stressful.
This ultimate month-by-month wedding planning timeline for UK couples will guide you from your engagement all the way to “I do.”
And if it still feels like a lot, then maybe this is your sign to consider hiring a planner or on-the-day coordinator to help you. Why spend so much money on the day, and nothing to alleviate your stress for the whole year leading up?
Captured by Ankit Govind
12+ Months Before: The Foundations
Set your budget: Decide what you’re comfortable investing and outline priorities.
Choose your wedding planner: If you want expert support, booking early ensures they’re available.
Find out more about the process of working with a wedding planner.
Draft your guest list: Rough numbers will shape your venue search.
Secure your venue + date: Many popular UK venues (especially in London and the Cotswolds) book up 18+ months in advance.
9–12 Months Before: Key Suppliers
Book your photographer/videographer: The best suppliers book up quickly.
Find your caterer (if not included with the venue).
Secure entertainment: Bands, DJs, or live performers.
Choose your celebrant or registrar: if you are getting a registrar, make sure to lock in the time of your ceremony as this impacts the whole day.
Book your florist & décor: these suppliers will help you figure out the aesthetic of the whole day and how to tie it all together.
Mother of the Bride helps with dress ribbons. Captured by Matthew Ellacott Photography.
6–9 Months Before: Details Take Shape
Choose your dress/outfits: Bridal gowns can take 6–8 months to arrive.
Think about design: Moodboards, colour palettes, and floral inspiration. These are great to share with your newly secured suppliers!
Arrange guest accommodation (especially important for Cotswolds weddings with limited hotel space).
Send save-the-dates if you haven’t already.
4–6 Months Before: Personal Touches
Book hair & makeup artists: make sure you confirm timings based on when your ceremony is and how many bridesmaids might be getting hair & make-up also.
Order your cake: literally one of the best parts of wedding planning.
Organise transport: for both guests and yourselves.
Schedule tastings + menu trials: especially important to get these sorted if you are giving guests menu choices, you’ll need to give them info for this in their full invitation.
Hire a partial wedding planner: if at this stage all the details are starting to mount up, consider hiring a partial wedding planner who can take over the reins so you can sit back and just eat cake!
Find out more about the different wedding planning services available.
Beautiful wedding cake at the Manor by the Lake.
Cake by Beckie Chapman Cake Design
2–4 Months Before: Finalising the Plan
Send your invitations: allowing time for RSVPs.
Write your vows + ceremony details: do not leave this till the couple of weeks before!
Choose accessories, shoes, and final touches: these really bring your full look together.
Confirm rental items: think linens, furniture and decor. A lot of venues can provide these, but often at an extra cost.
Hire an on the day coordinator: if you opted out of full or partial planning support, now is the time to secure your on the day coordinator, because you don’t want your suppliers asking you where the decor is, what time the food needs to be served, or where they’re supposed to be on the day!
Find out more about the different wedding planning services available.
1 Month Before: Countdown
Confirm timings with all suppliers: creating a timeline to share to all of your suppliers will help alleviate pressure on the day.
Create your on-the-day schedule: or ask your planner to do this.
Final dress fittings: take no chances, make sure it fits before the morning of!
Break in your wedding shoes! Practise your first dance around the house in them!
Be present on the day
Make sure you hand off all those details to your wedding planner or on-the-day coordinator, so you can be in the moment for every second of your day.
1–2 Weeks Before: The Essentials
Final guest numbers to caterer + venue.
Place table plan + seating arrangements: leave this as late as your stationer will allow, there are always a few drop outs in the few weeks leading up to the day.
Confirm speeches + readings: get these printed out, you don’t want people reading off their phones…
Pack your wedding day essentials bag: think about the day before, day after, and each different outfit you will need. It’s not just the dress!
The Day Before your wedding
Rehearse if needed (especially if you’re having a church or complex ceremony).
Hand over to your planner or coordinator.
Enjoy a quiet evening, tomorrow is your wedding day!
Why a Planner Makes This Timeline Effortless
While this guide shows what needs to be done, a planner ensures:
Deadlines are tracked for you.
Suppliers are booked at the right time.
You don’t miss crucial steps (like insurance, legal paperwork, or delivery timings)
You actually enjoy the months leading up to your wedding, instead of treating it like a second job.
Ready for a Stress-Free Wedding?
I help couples across London, the Cotswolds, and beyond bring their wedding vision to life without the overwhelm.
Enquire here to find out how I can support your day, and make this whole timeline feel effortless.
Click here to learn more about Emily.
