Wedding Planning Timeline

Planning a wedding can be very hard work and one of the first things to do is to sit down with your partner to discuss the kind of wedding you would like and can afford.

Start researching suppliers within your price range. You can do this by visiting wedding fairs, reading magazines and searching online wedding directories.
Create a list of things that need to be done and delegate tasks to friends and family so you wont be overwhelmed or stressed.

Since the average cost of a wedding is now more than 20,000 remember to track your spend carefully. This can be done by creating a detailed spreadsheet of all your wedding costs. Allow for contingencies just in case there are extras that you havent thought about.

Here is a 12 month timeline to help you plan for your wedding:

12 months
Set your wedding date and create a budget
Hire a wedding planner (optional)
Decide on the style/theme
If you are having a religious or civil wedding arrange asap
Create your guest list
Book your reception venue and entertainment
Choose your bridesmaids, best man and ushers
Look for wedding outfits for yourself plus wedding party allow time for alternations and fittings
Book your photographer and/or videographer
Decide on your honeymoon destination and book airline tickets and hotel
Check your passports and renew if necessary. Research if visas etc are required
Choose your cake maker and cake design
Look for accessories
Look and choose wedding rings
Book florist, hair and make-up stylist
Organise your gift list
Send out Save the Date cards (optional)

6 months
Finalise your guest list
Order your wedding invitations. Other items you may wish to order include order of service booklets, place cards, menu cards, favours, table numbers, table plan and thank you cards
Book transportation for wedding day
Buy gifts for best man, bridesmaids etc

4 months
Send out the invitations include a list of local hotels for guests who require overnight accommodation
Confirm your honeymoon booking

3 months
Give caterers your estimated number of guests
Make final alterations and fittings for wedding outfits
Buy or order a guest book for the wedding reception
Organise a hair and make-up trial appointment

2 months
Sort out your seating plan for the reception
Delegate organisation of hen and stag parties to your bridesmaids and best man

1 month
Finalise details with wedding suppliers
Make necessary arrangements for name / address change, if required
Write speech
Discuss final details of the day with wedding party