Ebury planning timeline
One of the first steps to take when planning your wedding is to set the date. Closely followed by the wedding venue and the time of day. Almost all elements of your wedding day will hinge on these elements, even including the style of the dress.
Peak wedding season runs from May through to September with Saturdays being the most popular days. If economising is a concern, consider selecting a weekday between October to February.
8-12 months before
Think about the time of year you would like to get married, choose the date and time of day
Consider the size and style of your wedding
Decide on your budget and roughly divide up, using our budget planner
Write your guest list
Finalise your venue choice for the ceremony and reception
Start your wedding dress search
Start looking at florists, wedding photographers, wedding cakes, wedding stationery, musicians and honeymoons
Arrange the first meeting with your priest, rabbi or minister, or book your registrar
Hire a wedding planner if required
6-8 months before
Purchase all your wedding stationery
Select your attendants, including best men, bridesmaids, flowergirls and pageboys
Decide on your choice of wedding dress
Hire your florist
Hire the caterer if this isn't provided by your wedding venue
Hire your wedding photographer
Order your wedding cake
Send out your 'save the date' cards if relevant
Hire music for your ceremony and reception
Book your honeymoon and make sure passports are valid
Organise your wedding insurance
4-6 months before
Organise your gift list
Book your first night accommodation
Order the groom’s attire
Choose and order your attendants attire
Purchase your bridal lingerie (you’ll wear during your dress fittings)
Reserve any rental equipment – chairs, tables, marquees
Book your transport
Choose and order your wedding favours
Choose gifts for your wedding party
Book hair and make-up artists
2-4 months before
Choose your ceremony readings
Discuss the service and vows with your vicar or registrar
Write your wedding vows if you choose
Choose your hymns and or ceremony music
Meet with your caterer to finalise the menu
Decide on any decorations
Decide on your floral arrangements with florist
Book your dress fittings (with shoes and lingerie)
Choose and order your wedding rings
Send out the invitations
1 month before
Arrange your marriage licence
Order programmes of service
Write you speeches
Confirm photographer and band etc.
Clarify details with florist and caterer
Book your final dress fittings
Book rehearsals for your hair, veil and make-up
1-2 weeks before
Pick up the final accessories including tights and underwear
Organise the table plan and write place cards
Book a pet sitter!
Collect your dress and those of your attendants
Confirm final guest numbers with venue
Confirm honeymoon arrangements
Pack for honeymoon
Confirm reception arrangements
The day before
Arrange for the groomsmen's suits to be collected
Manicure and pedicure (tidy nails with a neutral shade always works well)
Treat yourself to a massage
Write thank you’s to attendants
Confirm transport arrangements
Decorate your wedding venue
And on the day
Allow extra time for everything
Finally - relax, maybe with a glass of wine and enjoy!
