To plan the perfect wedding use our checklist to ensure nothing gets forgotten and that everything runs smoothly, right from the first days of planning to the final day.
Jenny Packham
12 months to go
Set the date, and decide on a budget. Then it’s time to plan your location, book your venue and work out your guest numbers. You must be prepared to be flexible, it’s important you stick with your dream venue, so you may have to move dates around.
Take out wedding insurance, this will cover you if there are any problems with suppliers running up to the big day.
11 months to go
You have an idea of numbers, but now is the time to write the guest list and send out the save the dates. It is important to get the date in your guests’ diaries now.
This month you should book your photographer. Ask friends for recommendations and make it a priority get to know your photographer, it will allow you to be more familiar with them on the day, meaning more relaxed and candid shots.
Now is the time to start thinking about your dress. Start by booking appointments at a range of bridal boutiques so you can get an idea of what styles and designers you like.
10 months to go
After researching bridal designers and having some initial appointments, you need to make a decision and buy the dress. Bespoke dresses will need at least six months for completion, and you must be able to allow time for alterations and delivery. Now is also a good time to look at shoes and accessories to complete your look.
Start honeymoon organisation, from budget to location, especially keeping in mind which countries have the best climate for the time of year you are planning to travel.
Entertainment will make your wedding day so it’s important to book this in early to avoid disappointment. Make a loose plan on timings and check that your venue doesn’t have any restrictions. Actual playlists can be fine-tuned closer to the time.
9 months to go
Now it’s time to start thinking about decorations and food. From your bridal bouquet to centrepieces, check seasonality of your favourite blooms, and discuss the colour scheme and look you would like to achieve with your florist. Firm up your food and drinks menu and have a taste testing with your caterers.
You have chosen the bridesmaids who will be at your side, so now you need to organise their dresses. Enjoy a day together shopping for them.
8 months to go
Choose your readings and music. Depending on the religion of the ceremony adapt these accordingly.
Order the wedding stationary. This covers everything from invites, envelopes, place cards, menus and the seating plan. By this stage you will have a colour scheme in place and will have a good idea of the style of day you are having, so these finishing touches will pull the event together.
7 months to go
Think about travel and get these vehicles hired now. From transporting guests to and from the venue to your own entrance and leaving car.
Settle on your cake, whether this will be a centrepiece or a simpler design and bear in mind flavours and icing.
6 months to go
Ensure that your fiancé and his ushers have picked out their suits. Pick your wedding rings and order wedding favours for the guests.
Finalise the order of the service and confirm your choir and any musicians for the service.
5 months to go
Now is the time to book a make-up artist and have a trial. Also why not choose a bridal fragrance, Jo Malone offers a special bridal service, choosing the scent for you and candles for your wedding day location.
4 months to go
Check your passport date, as it must have at least six months left on it from the date you want to travel. Also don’t forget any necessary visas or inoculations you will need for your honeymoon.
Hand over organisation of your hen party celebrations to your bridesmaids and enjoy stepping back and delegating this task.
3 months to go
Organise a rehearsal before the big day and make sure that the most important wedding party members will be available.
Send your wedding invitations out and start having regular facials to ensure your skin is in perfect condition.
2 months to go
Try on your entire wedding outfit and get anything extra that you have forgotten. Also book in for fake tans and manicures.
Confirm all of the arrangements with your suppliers, ensuring that they have timings and locations in writing. Create a list of these details and contact numbers and hand this over to a designated bridesmaid or usher so that you won’t be disturbed on your wedding day.
1 month to go
Try out hairstyles with your hairdresser, making sure you take the veil, tiara, or accessories you plan to wear. Have a final dress fitting with alterations.
Contact anyone who hasn’t responded to their wedding invitation and finalise numbers for the guest list, then plan the seating plan.
by Eliza Scarborough
