Wedding planning can feel like spinning a hundred plates at once. There are venues to visit, suppliers to book, dresses to try, and decisions to make at every turn.

Knowing what needs to happen — and when — is the difference between a planning experience that feels overwhelming and one that feels manageable.

Here’s our straightforward guide to the most common timing questions couples ask.

---

Question 01

---

When Should We Start Planning?

Ideally, give yourselves around 12–18 months if you can. This gives you the widest choice of venues and suppliers — particularly for popular dates in spring and summer.

That said, smaller or more flexible weddings can absolutely come together in 6–12 months. The key is knowing your priorities early so you can focus your energy in the right places.

Question 02

---

What Should We Book First?

Your venue. Full stop. Your venue determines your date, your guest numbers, your catering options, and often your overall aesthetic. Everything else flows from that decision.

Once that’s secured, focus on key suppliers who book up quickly: your photographer, then your videographer if you want one.

Question 03

---

When Should We Book Suppliers?

A useful guide:

• 12–15 months out: Photographer, videographer, and venue (if not already done)
• 9–12 months out: Florist, entertainment and live music
• 6–9 months out: Hair and makeup, stationery
• 3–6 months out: Wedding cake, transport, favours
• 1–3 months out: Final dress fittings, confirm all supplier details, create your day timeline

Question 04

---

When Should I Buy My Wedding Dress?

Around 9–12 months before the wedding is a good starting point.

Some dresses can take several months to arrive, followed by alterations.

If you’re working to a shorter timeline, sample sales and off-the-rack options can provide alternatives.

Question 05

---

When Should We Send Save-the-Dates?

Generally, 6–12 months before the wedding.

Destination weddings may benefit from giving guests even more notice.

Question 06

---

When Should Invitations Go Out?

Around 3–6 months before the wedding gives guests enough time to organise themselves while keeping the details relatively fresh.

Question 07

Around 3–6 months before the wedding, start locking in the finer details.

This can include décor, menu choices, signage, favours and other personal touches.

Question 08

---

When Should Dress Fittings Happen?

A useful guide is to start fittings around 2–3 months before the wedding.

Final supplier meetings generally take place around 4–6 weeks before, while a final venue walkthrough is often useful around a month beforehand.

Question 09

---

When Should We Create the Wedding Day Timeline?

Around 6–8 weeks before the wedding.

Work with your planner and key suppliers to map the day from getting ready through to the final dance.

Everyone should understand where they need to be and when.

Question 10

---

What Should We Do During the Final Week?

Keep it simple.

Confirm your suppliers, prepare an emergency kit, pack for your honeymoon and make sure the final practical details are handled.

Then step back.

You’ve done the work.

Question 11

---

What’s the Biggest Timing Mistake Couples Make?

Trying to do everything at once.

Wedding planning works best when broken into stages.

Don’t worry about decisions that don’t need to be made yet.

Focus on what’s important now.

---

Your Wedding Timeline Is a Guide, Not a Rulebook

Every wedding is different.

Your timeline should help you feel organised, not pressured.

Prioritise what matters, leave room for flexibility and remember that wedding planning is supposed to be exciting.

---