Wedding Guide

Wedding Planning Checklist UK

8 min read
·
Weddings

Planning a wedding in the UK involves dozens of moving parts across 12 months or more. This checklist breaks down what to do and when, so nothing gets left until the last minute.

12 months before

  • Agree a total budget and track all spending from day one
  • Set your preferred date and a backup date
  • Agree your approximate guest list size
  • Choose your venue and confirm availability
  • Book your registrar or celebrant (registrars in England and Wales book up early)
  • Start researching photographers, as they are often the first to go
  • Book your photographer once you have visited and reviewed portfolios

9–12 months before

  • Book your caterer if the venue does not provide in-house catering
  • Book your DJ or live band
  • Start researching wedding dresses or suits. Allow time for alterations.
  • Book hair and make-up artists
  • Research florists and request quotes
  • Start a wedding website to share key information with guests

6–9 months before

  • Send save-the-date cards to all guests
  • Book the wedding cake
  • Choose your wedding party and ask them officially
  • Arrange accommodation for out-of-town guests
  • Research and book a videographer if required
  • Book transport for the day
  • Start planning your honeymoon and check passport validity

3–6 months before

  • Send formal invitations with RSVP deadlines
  • Book any additional entertainment: photo booth, magician, caricaturist
  • Confirm all vendor bookings and contracts
  • Research wedding insurance. It is worth the investment.
  • Plan the ceremony order of service
  • Arrange wedding favours
  • Confirm dietary requirements with your caterer

1–3 months before

  • Confirm final guest numbers with all vendors
  • Create a detailed day timeline and share it with all vendors
  • Arrange all licences required (bar licence, entertainment licence)
  • Confirm the order of first dance, speeches, and cutting of cake
  • Book a final dress fitting
  • Arrange a rehearsal if you have a complex ceremony

Week of the wedding

  • Confirm arrival times with all vendors
  • Prepare a contact sheet with every vendor's phone number
  • Prepare an emergency kit (safety pins, stain remover, spare stockings)
  • Delegate the vendor contact role to a trusted person on the day
  • Prepare payment for any vendors paid on the day
  • Get a good night's sleep

Frequently asked questions

What should I book first for a UK wedding?

Book your venue and registrar first, as they fill up earliest, especially for Saturday dates. Your photographer and caterer should follow immediately after.

How much does a wedding cost in the UK?

The average UK wedding costs £20,000–£30,000, though this varies enormously based on location, guest numbers, and choices. Weddings in London tend to cost more than those in the East of England or Midlands.

Should I get wedding insurance?

Yes. Wedding insurance typically costs £100–£300 and covers you if a key supplier becomes insolvent, a venue closes unexpectedly, or extreme weather forces postponement. It is money well spent.

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