Planning your dream wedding is one of the most exciting moments of your life, but let’s be honest, it can also feel overwhelming at times. With so many details to manage, from selecting the perfect venue to choosing a wedding print theme, it’s easy to see how things can get complicated.
That’s why we’ve created the ultimate wedding checklist and planning timeline, designed to guide you step by step along the way, from 12 – 24 months before the big day all the way to the day after. Whether you’re a bride, groom, or a wedding planner, this straightforward guide will help you stay organised and ensure no detail is overlooked as you prepare for your special day.
Let’s turn your wedding vision into reality, smoothly and stress free.
12 – 24 Months to Go
When couples get engaged, many quickly dive into wedding planning to secure their dream venue and ensure their favourite vendors are available for the big day. Exactly how long you’d like to have to prepare is down to what fits best for your plans and budget.
The 12 to 24 months before the wedding are all about laying the groundwork and creating your full wedding to do list. This is the perfect time to focus on the bigger picture, setting the foundation, and locking in key details to bring your vision to life.
- Establish Your Budget
Your budget is the backbone of your wedding plans, start by deciding how much you’re comfortable spending. Remember to leave some wiggle room for any unexpected costs that might pop up along the way.
- Decide on a Date and Venue
Choosing your wedding date and booking your venue early are key steps to creating your perfect day. Securing your venue not only ensures you get the space you’ve been dreaming of but also helps set your overall timeline in motion.
- Book Key Vendors
Secure your photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, band or DJ, and officiant early—these professionals are in high demand and book up quickly. Don’t wait to lock in the best for your special day!
- Determine Your Style & Theme
Classic, rustic, bohemian—what’s your wedding style? Choosing an aesthetic helps bring everything together, from your colour palette to the décor. It makes planning simpler and ensures every detail feels cohesive and just right for your big day.
- Assemble Your Wedding Party
Ask your closest friends and family to join your wedding party. After all, you’ll need solid support for the months ahead! Consider adding thoughtful, personalised touches to your bridesmaid proposals, think custom postcards, delicious treats, and relaxing pampering items.
- Explore Wedding Stationery Themes
Do you prefer trendy colour palettes or classic hues? Does timeless calligraphy inspire you, or is bold, modern typography more your style? Before choosing your stationery, grab a free Sample Pack from us to explore our quality stocks and finishes first hand, including best-selling products, luxury wedding papers, and radiant Foiling finishes.
8–12 Months to Go
Now that the big decisions are made, it’s time to fill in the details.
- Plan Your Save the Date Cards
Ensure your guests can mark their calendars by sending out Save the Dates early. It’s an easy way to give everyone plenty of time to plan and look forward to your special day! You might want to send these even earlier if you have everything booked or are planning a destination wedding.
- Find Your Wedding Outfit
Whether you’re picking out a show-stopping gown or a perfectly tailored tuxedo, it’s a good idea to start shopping early. This gives you plenty of time for fittings and any needed alterations, so everything looks and feels just right.
- Create a Guest List
Decide how many guests you’d like to invite and start gathering their contact details. Keeping a spreadsheet is a simple and effective way to stay organised, making the whole process smoother and stress-free.
6–8 Months to Go
At this stage, things are moving forward, and you’ll want to begin catering to the finer details.
- Choose Bridesmaid/Groomsmen Outfits
Make sure everyone in your wedding party orders their attire with plenty of time for fittings. Planning ahead will help everything go smoothly and ensure a perfect fit for the big day!
- Think About Honeymoon Plans
Start planning your post-wedding getaway by choosing your dates and booking your accommodations. It’s an exciting step, and getting these details sorted early will help you enjoy a smooth and stress-free trip!
- Plan Your Ceremony and Reception Details
Decide on your wedding day timeline and start outlining details like the processional order and reception flow.
4–6 Months to Go
This is the perfect time to tackle those important decisions you’ve been putting off.
- Design Your Wedding Stationery Suite
Select beautiful designs for your Wedding Invitations, Menu Cards, Table Plans and Place Cards. Be sure to set clear deadlines to your RSVP cards to keep everything on track!
- Finalise Your Décor Plans
Work closely with your florist and décor team to confirm the details. From string lights to custom centrepieces, make sure every element reflects your vision perfectly.
- Send Wedding Invitations
Get your invitations in the mail and start tracking RSVP responses as they come in.
- Stag & Hen Do Final Touches
Make sure your bridal party stays on track with those final touches for your special celebrations. Bring your wedding theme to life during pre-wedding events with custom prints that add a personal touch. From Stag Do T Shirts to personalised Hen Bags & Menus, these small extras can make a lasting impression.
2–3 Months to Go
With just a couple of months to go, it’s time to focus on those last important details to ensure everything is perfect. Here’s a helpful checklist to keep you on track:
- Arrange Transportation
Book transportation for yourself, your wedding party, and any guests who may need it on the big day.
- Have Hair and Makeup Trials
Try out different styles so you can confidently choose the perfect look for your wedding day.
These small steps will help ensure your big day runs smoothly and stress-free!
- Plan the Menu
If your caterer offers tastings, now’s the perfect time to finalise your food and drink menu to match your vision. Consider creative ways to present it on the day—like menu cards or personalised cocktail lists added to Strut Card stands. These small touches can make a big difference!
4 Weeks to Go
The countdown is on—it’s time to focus on the final details! Let’s make sure everything is ready for your big day.
- Make it Legal
Depending on the type of ceremony you choose, you might need to arrange a separate civil ceremony at your local registry office to make your commitment legally binding, an important final step!
- Confirm All Vendors
Take a moment to double-check your bookings with each vendor and share a clear, detailed timeline to ensure everything runs seamlessly.
- Write Your Vows
If you’re planning to exchange personal vows, now’s the perfect time to put your thoughts into words and speak from the heart.
- Extra Touches
With just one month to go, now is the perfect time to revisit your wedding to do list and consider adding those little extras that will make your day unforgettable. Think about touches like a Guest Book, Wedding Door Hangers, or reserved seat signs—small details that will make your celebration truly one of a kind.
2 Weeks to Go
The final two weeks are all about getting everything in place and feeling ready.
- Final Fittings
Try on your outfit one more time to make sure it fits perfectly and you feel great.
- Pack for the Honeymoon
Start packing for your post-wedding getaway so you’re ready to relax and enjoy!
- Create a Shot List for Your Photographer
Write down all the special moments and must-have shots you want captured to make sure nothing is missed.
1 Week to Go
The big day is almost here—let’s make sure everything is ready to go!
- Confirm Your Guest Count
Double-check your final headcount and share it with your venue and caterer to keep things running smoothly. Any last minute tweaks to your Table Plan? No problem, we offer next day delivery on selected options.
- Pack an Emergency Kit
Put together essentials like safety pins, pain relievers, and tissues to handle any last-minute surprises with ease.
2–3 Days to Go
- Delegate Tasks
Lean on your wedding party or trusted friends by assigning them specific responsibilities. It’s a great way to make sure everything runs smoothly without you having to do it all.
- Double-Check Vendor Timelines
Take time to review the final plans with your vendors. This step helps clear up any uncertainties and ensures everyone is on the same page for the big day and they follow your Order of the Day plan.
Wedding Signs
The Day Before the Wedding
- Take a Moment to Relax and Reflect
Start your day by embracing the excitement ahead. Take time to reflect, attend your rehearsal, and enjoy meaningful moments with your loved ones.
After the Wedding
- Send Thank You Notes
Take a moment to show your gratitude to everyone who helped make your day unforgettable by sending thoughtful thank you notes through personalised postcards or Wedding Thank You Cards, whichever option your guests will appreciate the thank you and reminder of your special day.
- Preserve Memories
Cherish the special moments by preserving your favourite snapshots in frames, Canvas Prints or Photo Books you can share with your closest family and friends.
Your Turn to Say “I Do”!
Wedding planning can feel like a big task, but with this handy list you can create personalised Wedding Checklist Notepads, to keep everything under control. The secret to a smooth and stress-free process? Staying organised and starting early.
If you’re searching for custom stationery or need a helping hand with those final details, Printed.com is here to support you every step of the way. Visit our Wedding Print department to discover how we can help bring your wedding dreams to life!