The Ultimate Simple Wedding Planning guide

01 CONGRATULATIONS YOU’RE ENGAGED

Now that you’re engaged, it’s time to get planning. Wedding vendors and suppliers get booked up very quickly, so the earlier you start planning, the better.

As you embark on this exciting journey toward your special day, it's essential to have a clear plan in place.

This guide will walk you through the process of planning your wedding, step by step, ensuring that you don't miss any important details.

This comprehensive guide not only covers each aspect of planning a wedding but also provides a suggested timeline to help you stay organised and ensure that you have ample time to make informed decisions and enjoy the journey leading up to your wedding day.

The timelines are mere suggestions, adjust these according to your own wedding, and be sure to plan ahead.

02 GETTING STARTED

Celebrate Your Engagement (Immediately)

Before diving into wedding planning, take the time to savor your engagement. Share the joyous news with family and friends, relish in the moment, and bask in the love you share as a couple.

Set Your Budget (2-4 weeks after engagement)

Your wedding budget will serve as the foundation for all your planning decisions. Discuss with your partner how much you're comfortable spending and allocate funds to different aspects of your wedding. (See Budget Planning items later)

Create a Wedding Vision (2-4 weeks after engagement)

Envision your dream wedding together. Think about the atmosphere, style, and ambiance you want to create. Decide on an overall theme and color palette that reflects your personalities and preferences.

Assemble Your Planning Team (1-2 months after engagement)

Consider hiring a wedding planner or coordinator to guide you through the process. They can help you make informed decisions, offer expert advice, and handle logistical details. Start researching potential vendors as well.

Choosing your Wedding Party (1-2 months after engagement)

Now is a good time to think about and choose who you want to be in your wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc). They are very useful when it comes to getting tasks done in the planning.

They are your people to go off and plan your stag and/or hen parties.

03 SETTING THE STAGE

Decide on your Wedding Date (12-14 months before wedding date)

Choosing the right wedding date is a pivotal decision. Consider factors like the season, meaningful dates in your relationship, and the availability of key guests. Keep in mind that flexibility with your date can be helpful in securing your preferred venue and vendors.

Choose Your Venue (12-14 months before wedding date)

The venue you select will set the tone for your celebration. Visit various venues to find one that aligns with your vision and fits your budget. Ensure you enquire about pricing, packages, and available dates.

Secure Your Photographer and Videographer (10-12 months before wedding date)

Among your top priorities should be booking a skilled photographer and videographer. They play a crucial role in capturing the memories of your special day. Schedule meetings with potential candidates to discuss your vision and specific moments you want to be documented.

Other vendors and suppliers can service multiple weddings on the same day. When a photographer or videographer is booked out, their whole day is devoted to one wedding, so they get booked up quickly.

Remember your photographer and videographer are your most valuable and valued supplier as they capture the memory of all other suppliers as well as the entire day.

Your Honeymoon (10-12 months before wedding date)

Think about where you’d both like to jet off to after your wedding day. The honeymoon can take up a large portion of your wedding budget, so giving yourselves time to book and pay this off can be difference between going on a honeymoon you really want or settling for just about anywhere.

Even if you’re going to organise this now, it doesn’t mean you have to go away immediately after the wedding. Give yourselves the time you need.

04 DEFINE YOUR STYLE

Explore & Finalise Your Wedding Theme and Colour Palette (8-10 months before wedding date)

With major vendors in place, it's time to solidify your wedding theme and colour palette. These choices will guide everything from your attire to your décor. Share these decisions with your florist and decorator to create a cohesive look.

Shop for Wedding Attire (8-10 months before wedding date)

Begin shopping for your wedding attire, including your wedding gown, accessories, and the groom's attire. Don't forget to consider attire for your bridal party. Allow ample time for fittings and alterations.

05 BUILD YOUR DREAM TEAM

Select Your Key Vendors (8-10 months before wedding date)

With your date, venue, and photography team secured, proceed to book other key vendors, such as the caterer, florist, cake, stationers and entertainment.

Carefully review contracts and make necessary deposits. Maintain open communication with vendors to ensure they understand your vision.

Hire a Wedding Planner or Coordinator (8-10 months before wedding date)

A wedding planner or coordinator can be a tremendous asset in navigating the planning process. Share your wedding goals and vision with them to ensure they can help you bring it to life.

06 GUESTS & INVITATIONS

Create Your Guest List (8-10 months before wedding date)

Compile a list of everyone you want to invite, keeping in mind the capacity of your chosen venue and your budget. This list will help estimate catering needs and invitation quantities.

Design and Send Invitations (6-8 months before wedding date)

Design invitations that align with your theme and colour palette. Send them out to guests with clear RSVP instructions. Keep track of responses to finalise catering and seating arrangements.

07 CEREMONY, RECEPTION & EVENING

Plan Your Ceremony (6-8 months before wedding date)

Work closely with your chosen officiant to create a personalised ceremony that reflects your love story. Coordinate any special rituals or traditions you want to include. Consider scheduling a rehearsal.

Reception Planning (6-8 months before wedding date)

Begin planning the logistics of your reception and evening celebrations. Create a seating plan, arrange for guest favours, and draft a timeline for the evening. Ensure you've accounted for speeches, first dances, and the cake-cutting ceremony to maintain a smooth flow of events.

08 FINAL COUNTDOWN

Beauty and Grooming (2-4 months before wedding date)

Schedule hair and makeup trials for yourself and your bridal party. Confirm beauty appointments to ensure everyone looks their best. Incorporate skincare routines or treatments if desired.

Confirm Vendor Details (1-2 months before wedding date)

Reach out to vendors to confirm all details and logistics. Share your day-of contact list, including your wedding planner or coordinator's information. Double-check arrival times, setup requirements, and special requests.

Have a Romantic Date (1-2 months before wedding date)

With all the hectic wedding planning, why not spend some quality time together before you finally say “I do”. Just the two of you to reflect on all the planning, and to look forward to your wedding day.

Stag & Hen Parties (1-2 months before wedding date)

Those days of having a stag or hen party the night before the wedding are over. For your well being, not to mention health and safety, it’s a good idea to keep the event well away from the wedding date.

09 IT’S YOUR WEDDING DAY

Relax and Savour the Moments

Trust your planning and enjoy your wedding day. Take moments to be present with your partner and guests, cherishing the love and joy surrounding you.

You’re Creating New Memories

It’s you and your photographer and videographer now. Rely on them to capture every special moment. Trust their expertise to create lasting memories of your wedding day.

10 POST WEDDING MATTERS

Reflect and Celebrate (Immediately after the wedding)

After the whirlwind of planning and the excitement of your wedding day, take time to reflect on your journey as a newlywed couple. Celebrate the beginning of your married life together.

Send Thank-You Cards (1-2 months after the wedding)

Show appreciation to your guests by sending thank-you cards. Personalise your messages and express your gratitude for their presence and support.

Consider using photos from your wedding day for thank you cards.

YOUR WEDDING PLANNING CALENDAR

Download and Print Here

YOUR WEDDING PLANNING BUDGET CHECKLIST

Create a spreadsheet or use an online calculator and consider the budget items below.

Remember, the specifics of what you'll need to pay for can vary widely depending on cultural traditions, personal preferences, and the scale of the wedding. It's always a good idea to start with a budget and adjust based on what's most important to you and your partner.

Venue:
- Rental fee for the ceremony and reception locations.
- Insurance, if required by the venue.
Attire:
- Bridal gown and alterations.
- Groom's suit/tuxedo.
- Bridesmaids' dresses.
- Groomsmen attire.
- Accessories: shoes, jewellery, ties, cufflinks, etc.
- Lingerie and undergarments.
- Hair and makeup services.
Food & Drink:
- Catering or buffet for the reception.
- Wedding cake and/or dessert.
- Alcohol and beverages.
- Corkage fees, if applicable.
Decor & Rentals:
- Flowers for bouquets, boutonnieres, centrepieces, and decorations.
- Decorative items: candles, table numbers, signage, etc.
- Rental items: chairs, tables, tents, linens, dinnerware, etc.
Entertainment & Media:
- Photographer and/or videographer.
- DJ or live band.
- Photo booth or other entertainment for guests.
Stationery:
- Save-the-date cards.
- Wedding invitations and RSVP cards.
- Ceremony programs.
- Menu cards.
- Thank you cards.
- Postage.
Ceremony:
- Officiant's fee or donation to the place of worship.
- Marriage license.
- Ceremony musicians or equipment rental.
Rings:
- Engagement ring.
- Wedding bands.
Transportation:
- Limousine, vintage car, or other transportation for the bridal party.
- Shuttle service for guests, if necessary.