Getting engaged is such an exciting moment, but it’s completely normal to wonder what comes next. The good news is, you don’t have to do everything at once. And with 12 to 18 months being the standard timeline from engagement to your walk down the aisle, you can plan your wedding in a way that feels calm, organised, and actually enjoyable. This guide breaks it all down step by step, from the first celebrations to the final countdown, so you can savour the journey as much as the day itself.
The First 3 Months: Just Breathe and Enjoy It
Cristina IlaoMonth 1: Celebrate Properly
Before you even think about venues or guest lists, take a moment to actually enjoy being engaged. Tell the people closest to you first, soak up the excitement, plan your engagement party and let it feel special. This is such a once-in-a-lifetime chapter, don’t rush past it. You will never get this exact season back, so treat it as something to savour rather than something to tick off.
Month 2: Do the Little Practical Bits
This is a good time to have your ring resized or, if needed, to have it insured for peace of mind. Start taking stock of your prospective budget and resources to lay the groundwork. Nothing glamorous, but it’s one of those small tasks that makes you feel quietly organised without diving straight into spreadsheets. If family members are contributing, start those conversations early and kindly. Clarity now prevents tension later. You don't need exact numbers yet, but you do need honesty about what feels comfortable.
Month 3: Start Talking About the Big Picture
Now you can start having those early chats with your partner: What kind of wedding do we want? Big or small? Summer or winter? City or countryside? And yes, it’s also time for the first draft guest list. Not the final version, just a rough idea, because your numbers will shape everything else. This is also a good moment to talk about priorities. Is it the food, the music, the photography, the setting? When you know what matters most to both of you, decisions become much easier down the line.
Months 4–6: The Dreamy Detail Planning Stage
Jayne Lindsay PhotographyMonth 4: Gather Inspiration
This is the fun part. Start saving ideas, whether it’s Pinterest boards, Instagram folders, or just screenshots in your camera roll. Think about the vibe: Romantic? Modern? Rustic? Black tie? Laid back garden party? No major decisions are needed yet, but it doesn't hurt to dream and make sure you and your partner are aesthetically aligned.
Month 5: Start Looking at Venues
Once you have a rough guest count and style in mind, you can start venue hunting. Venues tend to book early, especially the most sought-after ones, so this is a great time to explore options, visit showcases and schedule viewings. Bring a notebook, ask loads of questions, and trust your gut. The right venue really does feel different.
Month 6: Book the Venue and Set the Date
This is your first big “we’re doing this” milestone. Once the venue is secured, everything else starts to fall into place. You officially have a date, you have a rough idea of the vendors' proximity, and suddenly, it all feels real in the best way. Take a quiet moment together after signing the contract. Mark it with dinner or a celebratory glass of something. These mini milestones deserve acknowledgement.
Months 7–9: Locking in the Key People
Cristina IlaoMonth 7: Book Your Photographer and Music
Photographers and bands are usually snapped up well in advance, so once you’ve chosen your date, these are top priority. Pick people whose work you love, but also people you genuinely click with. They’ll be around you all day, so personality matters. Have proper conversations with them about how you want the day to feel. Relaxed and documentary style, or more editorial and posed? Lively dance floor or acoustic ceremony? The clearer you are, the better they can deliver.
Month 8: Save the Dates and Styling Ideas
Now’s the time to send save-the-dates and settle on your invitation designs, especially if you’re planning a weekend wedding or have guests travelling. You can also start thinking about décor, flowers, and your overall wedding look. Nothing needs to be final, but it’s a lovely stage for creativity.
Month 9: Wedding Party and Outfit Planning
Ask your bridesmaids, groomsmen, or whoever you want by your side. And if you’re wearing a wedding dress, this is the moment to start shopping. Dresses often take months to arrive, and fittings come later, so early is always better. Keep an open mind when trying things on. Many people fall for a style they never expected. Comfort is key. You should feel like the best version of yourself, not like you are playing a part.
Months 10–12: The Details Start Coming Together
Tess FollettMonth 10: Tastings and Food Decisions
This is such a fun checkpoint, because suddenly you’re talking about menus, cocktails, and cake flavours. Book tastings, think about what feels like you as a couple, and don’t overcomplicate it. Guests remember good food and a good atmosphere far more than fancy extras.
Month 11: Décor, Flowers, and Rentals
Now that your vibe is clearer, it's time to work on vendors. You can confirm florists, décor pieces, lighting, and any rentals you need. This is where things start looking like an actual wedding rather than just a plan in your head. Ask to see mock-ups or sample arrangements if possible.
Month 12: Legal Requirements and Ceremony Planning
A gentle reminder: make sure you know the legal steps in your area, because some paperwork must be completed months in advance. You can also start thinking about ceremony details, readings, music, and whether you want anything personal woven in.
Months 13–15: The Organised Era
Jayne Lindsay PhotographyMonth 13: Check In With All Vendors
Just because you've booked them doesn't mean your vendors can be left to the wayside until days before the wedding. Touch base with everyone you’ve booked. Confirm timings, ask any lingering questions, and make sure nothing has changed. It’s like a tidy-up of your planning that helps you feel calm. Create a master document with contact details and payment schedules so nothing slips through the cracks.
Month 14: Seating Plan and Timeline
Historically, this has not been everyone’s favourite job, but it’s doable, I promise. Start your seating plan, map out your wedding day schedule, and think through the day's flow from ceremony to last dance. You'll be glad you put in the work now, rather than panicking on the day. Leave a little breathing room in your timeline. A wedding day always moves quickly.
Month 15: Final Guest Numbers
RSVPs should be coming in, and you’ll be able to give your final numbers to the venue and caterers. This is often the point of no return where couples go, “Oh wow, it’s actually happening.” Double-check dietary requirements and accommodation lists. These small confirmations make the day smoother for everyone involved.
Months 16–18: The Countdown Chapter
Emily B PhotographyMonth 16: Final Fittings and Trials
You're in the final stretch now: final dress fittings, hair and makeup trials, and those last little outfit details all happen around this time. This is also the point that brides will panic and try to cram in as many beauty treatments, workout classes and crash diets in before it's too late. Our big piece of advice is to avoid anything that hasn't worked in the last six months.
Month 17: The Finishing Touches
Write your vows if you’re doing personal ones, organise wedding day transport, pack emergency kits, and sort any welcome bags or guest extras. Keep it simple. The day will be beautiful because it’s yours, not because every tiny detail is perfect. Hand over responsibilities to trusted friends or family so you are not fielding questions all morning.
Month 18: Wedding Month
This is the moment to step back. Delegate what you can, trust the plans you’ve made, and let yourself enjoy it. The goal isn’t to host the most flawless event imaginable; it’s to marry your person in a setting surrounded by love. Eat the food, hold hands, look around the room and take it in. And afterwards, don’t forget to send thank-you notes, write vendor reviews, and take a quiet second to let it all sink in.
- Gráinne