Planning The Perfect Wedding Timeline

May 2, 2021

The Perfect Wedding Planning Timeline

All couples plan a little differently for their wedding day…

Some brides are simply spreadsheet queens and hubby to be is so happy for her to be in charge of all the planning. One party, usually the bride, may have a Wedding Diary with absolutely everything in it – from nice to haves to absolutely have to haves! …. with colour boards and photos of every aspect of the wedding from the “Save the Date cards” to the sparklers or fireworks as they exit and board their appropriately coloured blush pink limo!

On occasion, I have only dealt with the groom – right up to and including the wedding day – and it’s not been that he doesn’t also have a big job, he’s just better at check-lists!  And sometimes, neither have a check-list and it’s in their heads.  A little dangerous but, hey, it works for some!

Personally, I’m a list queen of note and would not sleep at night if I didn’t know exactly where I was with each and every couple I was marrying – their likes, their dislikes, their love-story, their future plans, the feel of their ceremony, who the important family members are, whether they want the ceremony ‘unplugged’ and so on – making sure the guests know what is expected of them and what their expectations are.

No matter which category you fit into, this Wedding Planning Timeline may give you insight into something you overlooked. or just remind you that you are on the right track!

12 – 18 Months – “We can’t wait to get started and plan our dream day!”

–  First coffee date with Vivienne Celebrant to confirm wedding date & time
–  Check out venues
–  Choose your wedding gown  [preferred @madewithlovebridal & @emmy-mae-bridal] –  Book your venue before you lose your date
–  Set a budget
–  Book your photographer [preferred @figtreepictures, @saltmedia.au, @missophotography].  And DJ/band
–  Book your wedding décor stylist  [preferred @coastalevents, @satinweddings.gc]

9 Months – “Wow! Still a lot to think about and organise!”

–  Meet & book a florist… may I suggest @twigsflorist.varsitylakes, @floralsandco @flowersbykaren
–  Finalise guest list
–  Go for a food & wine-tasting at your venue
–  Make enquiries with cake makers
–  Shop for his suit & bridesmaids dresses

6 Months – “Our big day is fast approaching!”

–  Order jewellery & accessories (including wedding rings)
–  Finalise, print & send wedding invitations
–  Start planning your honeymoon
–  Arrange transportation (car, buses etc)
–  Arrange guest accommodation
–  Go shoe shopping
–  Book any rental items (love light-up letters, fairy-lights, wising well etc)

3 Months – “Seriously – where did the last 3 months go?”

–  Book hair & makeup trial
–  Confirm your cake order
–  Buy your wedding shoes…. And break them in!
–  Dancing lessons…. this is fun!
–  Buy wedding favours – or make them yourself
–  Organise gifts for the bridal party
–  Schedule fittings for the bridesmaids

6 Weeks – “That’s just 42 days – yes, F.O.R.T.Y T.W.O. DAYS!”

–  Second meeting with me – and I think I’m getting more excited than you!
–  Collect your dress & all outfits
–  Start designing your seating plan
–  Put together a playlist for your DJ/band
–  Start writing speeches
–  Create a timeline of the day to make sure there’s breathing space
–  Choose the readings (I can help with this) & the readers
–  Have a pre-wedding photo shoot [preferred @seanreefmanphotography, @becpattinsonphotography]

4 Weeks – “Okay, some deep breathing needed now”

–  Start writing your personal wedding vows (very happy to help you with these too)
–  Call any non-RSVP guests
–  Confirm your reception seating plan & send it to your stylist
–  Make final arrangements with florist
–  Book spa & nail treatments

1 Week – “We’re great! It’s all come together and we are soooo excited!”

–  Rehearsal at your Venue or pre-dinner venue with your wedding planner
–  Finalise speeches & vows
–  Put together a set of something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue
–  Contact all vendors and confirm their arrival and/or start time
–  Allocate on the day tasks to bridal party

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