Planning a wedding involves dozens of decisions, bookings, and deadlines spread across 12-18 months. The challenge is not just finding the right suppliers but booking them in the right order and at the right time.
This timeline is based on a typical 12-month engagement. If your timeline is shorter, focus on the earliest items first and work forward. If you have longer, you simply have more time to research and compare options before committing.
12 months before: the foundations
Set your budget. Before you book anything, agree on a total figure and how it will be divided. The average UK wedding in 2026 costs between £20,000 and £35,000, but your celebration should reflect your priorities, not national averages. Decide what matters most to you and allocate accordingly.
Book your venue. This is the first booking for a reason. Your venue determines your date, your guest capacity, your style, and the logistics for every other supplier. Popular Dorset and Hampshire venues book 12-18 months ahead for peak season Saturdays. If you have a specific venue in mind, check their availability before setting your heart on a date.
Book your photographer and videographer. The best photographers and videographers in your area book up quickly, especially for summer Saturdays. Booking early gives you the widest choice. We recommend booking your videographer at the same time as your photographer so both teams can coordinate from the start.
9-10 months before: the key suppliers
Book your caterer (if your venue does not provide catering). If your venue is a blank canvas, your caterer is the next critical booking.
Book your florist. Popular florists book up 9-12 months ahead. Share your venue, colour scheme, and style preferences so they can begin planning.
Book your entertainment. Bands, DJs, and other entertainment acts for peak season dates should be secured now.
Start dress shopping. Wedding dresses typically take 4-6 months to order and may need several fittings. Starting now gives you comfortable lead time.
6-8 months before: the details
Send save-the-dates. Give guests enough notice to keep your date free, especially if you have people travelling from abroad.
Book your cake maker. Popular cake designers book 6-9 months ahead.
Choose your bridal party. Ask your bridesmaids and groomsmen if you have not already.
Start planning your ceremony. If you are having a religious ceremony, meet with your officiant to discuss readings, music, and the order of service. If you are having a civil ceremony, research your options for personal touches.
Book your wedding cars or transport.
4-6 months before: pulling it together
Send invitations. Give guests at least 8 weeks to respond, ideally 10-12 for destination guests.
Book hair and makeup. Arrange a trial session to test your look before the day.
Plan your honeymoon. Book flights and accommodation for the best availability and prices.
Meet your videographer. This is a good time to have a detailed conversation about your wedding day timeline, key moments you want captured, and any specific requests. At EKO, we use this meeting to understand your story, your style, and your priorities so we can plan our coverage accordingly.
Finalise your menu with your caterer. Confirm dietary requirements from your guest responses.
2-3 months before: the countdown
Confirm all supplier bookings. Contact every supplier to reconfirm dates, times, and arrangements.
Write your vows if you are doing personal vows. Give yourself enough time to refine them without rushing.
Plan your seating arrangement. Work from your confirmed guest list.
Arrange your wedding rehearsal if your venue offers one.
Pay final balances. Most suppliers require final payment 4-8 weeks before the wedding.
Share your timeline. Send your finalised wedding day schedule to all suppliers so everyone knows where they need to be and when.
1 month before: final preparations
Final dress fitting.
Confirm guest numbers with your venue and caterer.
Prepare your wedding day emergency kit: sewing kit, painkillers, plasters, tissues, breath mints, phone charger.
Break in your wedding shoes. Wear them around the house for a few evenings so they are comfortable on the day.
Brief your bridal party on the day's schedule and their responsibilities.
The week before
Confirm arrival times with all suppliers.
Prepare tips and cards for your suppliers if you plan to give them.
Delegate. Assign a trusted family member or friend as the point of contact for supplier queries on the day so you can focus on enjoying your celebration.
Relax. The planning is done. Trust your suppliers, trust your choices, and look forward to the best day of your life.
If you are at the start of your planning journey and want to discuss wedding videography, we are always happy to chat. No pressure, no obligation.
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