Wedding timeline: what to do, and when

Book what is scarce first: the date, the venue and the caterer, often a year ahead. Then come the other suppliers, the invitations four to six months before, the replies two months before, and finally the seating plan and running order in the last few weeks.

Twelve to nine months before

• Set an overall budget and an approximate number of guests: the two decide everything else.
• Choose the date and book the reception venue.
• Book the caterer, and the officiant or the town hall.
• Warn loved ones who are coming from far away.

Nine to six months before

• Photographer, music, florist, decoration: the best suppliers get booked early in high season.
• Outfits.
• The guest list, household by household, with addresses.
• Accommodation to offer guests.

Six to three months before

• Send the invitations, with the reply deadline.
• Tasting and choosing the menu.
• Preparing the ceremony: running order, texts, speakers, music.
• Wedding rings, hairstyle, trials.

The last two months

• Remind the guests who have not replied.
• Give the caterer the final number of covers.
• Make the seating plan.
• Write the running order for the big day and send it to each supplier.
• Have a rain plan and name a point person on site.

This timeline is not a rule

A wedding can also be organised in six months, or in three. The order, though, does not change: whatever depends on availability is booked first, whatever depends on the number of guests is decided last.

The detailed figures and their sources: Supplier prices.