Getting married is something that a lot of us daydream about from a pretty young age. When the planning process becomes a reality, however, it can suddenly all become a bit too much, and it’s crucial that you stay organised from the very beginning.
Getting a timeline together early on can make that a whole lot easier. From choosing a date and booking a venue to practising your vows, here’s how you can navigate the planning process in as calm and collected a manner as possible.
One year +
There are a few things that you’ll want to start thinking about at least a year in advance. These include more general aspects of the wedding, like your rough budget and vision for the overall experience, and slightly more specific elements like a guest list and location.
Wedding venues like Heaton House Farm also get booked months or even years in advance, and you’ll want to get one locked in as early as possible. To do this, you’ll also need to choose a date, which can be much harder than expected.
6-12 months out
From around 12 to 6 months before the wedding, you’ll want to start planning some other specific elements. This might include getting key vendors sorted out like a Wedding Photographer, musicians, florists and caterers, and getting your wedding dress and tux tailoring process started.
You’ll also need to finalise the guest list and send out a ‘save the date’ so that everyone is free for the big day. Doing this as early as possible is crucial, especially if you’re picking a popular time of year like midsummer.
3-6 months out
Roughly 3 to 6 months prior to the big day, you can start making your website, make a registry, and send out the official wedding invitations. Make sure that you create an easy option for people to RSVP, so that you can get a better idea of numbers!
You can also start to properly plan the ceremony, and book things like accommodation and group transport. Now could also be a good time to book your honeymoon, so that you don’t end up spending an arm and a leg on flights and accommodation.
The last couple of months
In the last month or two, you can chase up people who haven’t RSVPd, finalise dress and tux fitting requirements, and make sure that all the vendors are prepped and ready to go. You’ll likely start to feel the stress ramp up, but it’s important to stay as calm as possible.
Final weeks and days
The last weeks and days will likely be a lot of dashing around making sure that everything is in place and sorting out last-minute issues. Make sure that you delegate tasks properly to your family members and closest friends – you need to get all the help you can! Focus on getting some sleep and relaxing, and try to enjoy the big day itself.
Your exact planning timeline will obviously depend on the kind of wedding you’re trying to create and a whole range of other variables. However, this general guideline should help you to think about what you want to do and when – all that’s left is to start early and enjoy!
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