The excitement of planning a UK wedding starts as soon as the engagement ring is on! Although each couple’s schedule is unique, a 12- to 14-month engagement is the best length of time to spread out chores and ensure everything is well thought out.
This comprehensive, month-by-month wedding planning checklist is designed to help you make every choice matter and is filled with professional advice.
12 Months Before The Wedding
- Set a realistic wedding budget based on UK average costs and allocate funds to key categories like venue, catering, and attire.
- Draft your guest list, prioritising close family and friends.
- Choose your wedding date, considering public holidays and seasonal weather, then book your venue. Keep in mind that popular UK wedding venues often book over a year in advance.
- Decide whether to hire a UK wedding planner to help navigate local customs and suppliers.
- Choose your wedding theme and style, reflecting your personalities and the UK setting.
Pro tip: Use a shared digital document or wedding planning apps to track budgets, guest lists, and vendor contacts efficiently.
9-11 Months Before the Wedding
- Book a local UK wedding photographer and videographer, such as Big Day Productions, known for natural, unscripted coverage across the country.
- Confirm your caterer and arrange a tasting session. Make sure your choices are aligned with your overall theme.
- Begin shopping for your wedding attire.
- Select bridesmaids’ dresses and groomsmen’s attire, keeping in mind the seasonal weather.
- Design and order your wedding invitations, including RSVP details.
Pro tip: Create a wedding website to keep your international guests informed about travel, accommodation, and event details.
6-8 Months Before the Wedding
- Finalise your guest list and collect postal addresses for the invitation mailing.
- Confirm your caterer and menu, including dietary requirements.
- Book your florist and discuss floral arrangements suited to the season.
- Plan ceremony details and hire an officiant authorised to conduct UK weddings.
- Book hair and makeup artists with experience and schedule trial sessions.
Pro tip: Ask your photographer for packages including a second shooter, drone footage, and quick photo turnaround to capture every moment beautifully.
4-6 Months Before the Wedding
- Send out your wedding invitations.
- Arrange attire for the bridal party, including fittings and accessories.
- Book wedding day transportation, considering traffic and weather conditions.
- Schedule final dress fittings to ensure a perfect fit.
Pro tip: Consider a ‘wedding dress rehearsal’ to test comfort and mobility. If any alterations are needed, adjust your wedding planning checklist.
2-3 Months Before the Wedding
- Confirm your final guest count for caterers and venues.
- Finalise all supplier bookings, including entertainment and equipment rentals.
- Create a detailed wedding day timeline.
- Arrange seating plans.
Pro tip: Designate a trusted friend or wedding planner as your day-of contact to manage any issues.
One Month Before the Wedding
- Obtain your UK marriage licence or banns according to local regulations.
- Break in your wedding shoes to avoid discomfort.
- Confirm the wedding day schedule with all vendors.
- Write your personal vows if applicable.
Pro tip: Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like safety pins, blotting paper, and mints for last-minute fixes.
Wedding Week: Final Preparations
- Pack an overnight bag for the wedding night.
- Prioritise rest and avoid new beauty treatments that could cause reactions.
- Schedule a ‘golden hour’ photo session with your photographer to capture stunning natural light images.
FAQs
What legal documents are required to get married in the UK, and when should I arrange them?
You need to give notice of your marriage at your local register office at least 28 days before the wedding. Depending on your location, you may also need to obtain a marriage licence or have banns read. It’s important to start this process about one month before the wedding to ensure all paperwork is in order.
What are some tips for managing unpredictable UK weather on the wedding day?
Plan for rain or shine by booking indoor backup venues or marquee options. Provide umbrellas or stylish rain capes for guests if the ceremony is outdoors. Choose attire and footwear suitable for potentially wet or chilly conditions, and discuss weather contingencies with your vendors, especially photographers and caterers..
How can I accommodate guests travelling from abroad to a UK wedding?
Creating a wedding website with detailed travel, accommodation, and local transport information is very helpful. Consider arranging group transport from airports or train stations and recommending nearby hotels with group rates. Sending this information well in advance helps international guests plan their trip smoothly.
Big Day Productions: Your Partner for Your UK Wedding
Big Day Productions offers comprehensive UK-wide coverage with no extra travel fees. Our combined photography and videography packages offer exceptional value, providing a seamless team that captures every moment following your wedding planning checklist. Contact us to learn more!
