The Comprehensive Wedding Planning Checklist

1. Set Your Budget

• Determine how much you can spend and allocate funds to key elements like the venue, catering, dress, and entertainment.

2. Create Your Guest List

• Decide on the size of your wedding and draft a list of attendees.

3. Choose Your Venue

• Book your ceremony and reception venues early. Consider availability, guest capacity, and your theme.

4. Select Your Date

• Pick a date that works for you, your venue, and key guests.

5. Hire Key Suppliers

• Research and book vendors like caterers, photographers, florists, and entertainment.

6. Plan the Ceremony

• Choose between a religious, civil, or humanist ceremony. Ensure legal paperwork is completed (e.g., giving notice at your local registry office).

7. Pick a Theme and Decor

• Decide on a style or colour scheme and plan your decor accordingly.

8. Shop for Attire

• Choose your wedding dress, suits, and attire for the bridal party.

9. Send Invitations

• Design and send invitations well in advance, typically 6-12 weeks before the wedding.

10. Organise Accommodation

• Arrange for guest and bridal party accommodations if needed.

11. Plan the Day's Schedule

• Create a detailed timeline for the wedding day to ensure everything runs smoothly.

12. Arrange Transport

• Plan transportation for the bridal party and guests if necessary.

13. Prepare for Marriage

• Finalise vows, speeches, and any personal touches.

14. Confirm with Vendors

• Reconfirm bookings, timing, and details with all vendors a few weeks before.

15. Enjoy Your Day

• Trust your planning, delegate tasks to your wedding coordinator or trusted friends, and enjoy your special day!

The 30-5 minute rule for weddings refers to a time management guideline used to ensure the ceremony starts smoothly and on time:

• 30 Minutes Before the Ceremony: Guests should begin arriving at the venue. This allows time for them to find their seats, greet others, and settle in before the ceremony begins.

• 5 Minutes Before the Ceremony: The final preparations take place. The wedding party lines up, the officiant takes their place, and the music begins, signaling the ceremony is about to start.

This rule helps maintain a calm and organized atmosphere, ensuring everyone is ready for the special moment.

A realistic budget for a wedding in the UK varies widely depending on factors like location, guest count, and preferences. Here’s an overview of typical costs:

Average Cost:

• The average UK wedding costs around £18,000 to £24,000.

Budget Wedding:

• A smaller, more modest wedding can cost £5,000 to £10,000, achieved by reducing the guest list, choosing less expensive venues, or opting for DIY options.

Breakdown of Major Expenses:

1. Venue: £4,000–£7,000 (ceremony and reception combined).
2. Catering: £3,000–£5,000 (around £50–£100 per head for food and drinks).
3. Wedding Attire:
   • Dress: £1,000–£2,000.
   • Suit: £500–£1,000.
4. Photography/Videography: £1,000–£2,000.
5. Entertainment: £500–£1,500 (DJ or live band).
6. Flowers and Decor: £1,000–£2,500.
7. Invitations and Stationery: £200–£500.
8. Wedding Rings: £500–£1,500.
9. Transport: £300–£600.
10. Miscellaneous (favors, cake, etc.): £500–£1,000.

Tips for Budgeting:

• Prioritize: Decide what aspects are most important to you (e.g., venue, food, or photography).
• Off-Peak Discounts: Consider marrying during off-peak months or on weekdays for lower prices.
• DIY and Local Options: Incorporate DIY decor or hire local vendors to save on costs.

Ultimately, your wedding budget should align with your financial situation and personal preferences. Setting a realistic budget early will help ensure a stress-free planning process!

Starting a wedding planning checklist is an essential step to keep your preparations organized and stress-free. Here’s how to begin:

1. Set Your Wedding Date and Budget

• Decide on a tentative wedding date or season.
• Establish your overall budget and who is contributing.

2. Draft Your Guest List

• Create a rough list of guests to determine the size of your wedding.

3. Choose Your Venue

• Research and book venues for the ceremony and reception.

4. Decide on Your Wedding Style and Theme

• Decide on a theme, color palette, or overall vibe (e.g., rustic, elegant, modern).

5. Organize Key Vendors

• Identify and book priority vendors such as:
  • Photographer/videographer.
  • Caterer.
  • Florist.
  • Entertainment (DJ, band, or other).

6. Plan Attire

• Start shopping for wedding attire for the couple and bridal party.

7. Research Legal Requirements

• Check local laws for marriage licenses and prepare necessary paperwork.

8. Break Down Tasks by Timeline

• 12+ Months Before: Book venues, hire vendors, and finalize the guest list.
• 6–12 Months Before: Choose attire, send save-the-dates, and plan decor.
• 3–6 Months Before: Finalize details with vendors, order favors, and send invitations.
• 1–3 Months Before: Confirm RSVPs, create seating charts, and plan the schedule.

9. Use a Tool or Template

• Use a wedding planning app, spreadsheet, or printable checklist to keep track of tasks and deadlines.

10. Review and Adjust

• Regularly review your checklist and adjust based on progress and changes.

This step-by-step framework ensures you stay on top of every detail, making the planning process smoother and more enjoyable!

Six months before your wedding is a crucial time for finalizing major details and staying on track with your planning. Here's what you should focus on:

1. Finalize Key Details:

• Confirm Vendors: Ensure all major vendors (venue, caterer, photographer, florist, entertainment) are booked and contracts signed.
• Choose Attire: Purchase wedding attire if you haven’t already, and schedule fittings for the dress and suits.

2. Send Save-the-Dates:

• Send save-the-date cards to give your guests plenty of notice, especially if it's a destination wedding.

3. Plan Decor and Details:

• Finalize your wedding theme, colour palette, and decor choices.
• Book rentals (tables, chairs, linens, etc.) if needed.

4. Arrange Transportation:

• Book transportation for the wedding party and guests if required.

5. Create Your Gift Registry:

• Set up your gift registry and share it with guests.

6. Organize Your Wedding Day Timeline:

• Begin drafting a detailed schedule for the day, including ceremony and reception timings.

7. Research and Book Hair and Makeup Artists:

• Book trials with hair and makeup artists to ensure you’re happy with the look.

8. Plan the Honeymoon:

• Finalize honeymoon details, book accommodations, and check passports if travelling abroad.

9. Arrange Accommodations for Guests:

• Reserve a block of hotel rooms or provide accommodation options for out-of-town guests.

10. Manage Finances:

• Review your budget and ensure you’re on track with payments and savings.

By addressing these tasks six months out, you'll be well-prepared for the final stretch of wedding planning!

The number of bridesmaids varies widely and depends on personal preference, the size of the wedding, and cultural or family traditions. Here’s a general guide:

Typical Range:

• Small Weddings: 1 to 3 bridesmaids.
• Medium-Sized Weddings: 3 to 5 bridesmaids.
• Large Weddings: 6 or more bridesmaids.

Considerations:

1. Personal Preference:

   • Choose people you feel closest to, such as siblings, close friends, or family members.

2. Wedding Size:

   • The number of bridesmaids often aligns with the guest list size. A smaller wedding may call for fewer attendants.

3. Practicality:

   • Managing a large bridal party can be challenging and may increase costs for attire, bouquets, and gifts.

4. Cultural Traditions:

   • In some cultures, larger bridal parties are the norm, while in others, having just a maid of honor is typical.

Key Tip:

There’s no "right" number—choose what feels right for you and matches the style and scale of your wedding!

Yes, 12 months is plenty of time to plan a wedding! With a year to prepare, you can tackle each aspect of the planning process methodically and enjoy the journey without feeling rushed.

To start a wedding planning checklist:

1. Set a budget to guide your decisions.
2. Pick a date and venue early.
3. Draft a guest list for size and budget planning.
4. Book key vendors like planner, photographers, and caterers.
5. Choose a theme to guide décor and style.
6. Make a timeline to track tasks and deadlines.

Stay organized with a planner or app to keep everything on track!

Here’s the order to plan a wedding:

1. Set a budget
2. Pick a date
3. Book a venue
4. Create a guest list
5. Hire key vendors (planner, photographer, caterer)
6. Choose a theme
7. Shop for attire
8. Send save-the-dates
9. Plan décor and menu
10. Finalize the timeline
11. Send invitations
12. Celebrate!

40 days before a wedding:

1. Confirm all vendor bookings.
2. Finalize the guest count and send to caterer.
3. Schedule a final dress fitting.
4. Create a detailed timeline.
5. Prepare seating arrangements.