How to plan a wedding in 3 months
Three months is enough for a wedding you'll love, as long as the big decisions happen in the first fortnight and the rest stays simple. Here's the order to do it in, written for UK weddings.
Yes, three months is enough. Book your venue and your registrar or officiant in the first week or two, book your notice of marriage appointment straight away (notice must be given at least 29 days before the day), then lock in the few suppliers that matter most to you. Keep everything else simple.
Month 1: the big decisions
Weeks one to four. Everything else hangs on these, so get them done quickly.
Agree your budget and guest numbers
A rough headcount tells you which venues are possible, so settle it first.
Check the legal requirements
Notice rules and timings depend on where you live and the type of ceremony.
LegalBook your venue
Ask about short-notice and weekday dates, which are often easier to get.
ReceptionBook your registrar or officiant
Confirm the date in writing as soon as the venue is held.
CeremonyBook your notice appointment
Do it straight away. Notice has to be given at least 29 days before the wedding, and appointments can be scarce.
LegalTell your guests the date
A quick message or email now; the invitation can follow.
Guests & StationeryBook your photographer
One of the first suppliers to fill up, so ask who has your date free.
Photography & Video
Month 2: lock in the details
Weeks five to eight. Book the rest, and keep each choice simple.
Give notice of marriage
Attend your appointment in person, with the documents the register office asks for.
LegalSend your invitations
Digital or printed, with a clear RSVP date.
Guests & StationeryChoose your outfits
Look at ready-to-wear and sample pieces: made-to-order can take four to six months to arrive.
AttireSort food and drink
If your venue doesn't cater, look for a caterer who can work to short notice.
ReceptionBook flowers, music and cake
Keep the list short and ask for simple, seasonal options.
FlowersPlan the ceremony
Readings, vows and music, agreed with your registrar or officiant.
Ceremony
The final month
Weeks nine to twelve. Final numbers, final fittings, one timeline.
Chase RSVPs and confirm numbers
Send the final headcount and dietary needs to your venue and caterer.
ReceptionPlan the seating
Top table first, then keep friends and family groups together.
ReceptionGo to your outfit fitting
Take the shoes and underwear you'll wear on the day.
AttireWrite your speeches
Personal beats perfect.
ReceptionShare one timeline
One schedule for every supplier and the venue, with an emergency contact.
Transport & LogisticsPack a wedding-day emergency kit
Plasters, safety pins, a phone charger and snacks.
Transport & Logistics
What to keep, and what to let go
It's your call, but on a short timeline these are where your time goes furthest, and the easiest things to drop.
Worth keeping
- A venue you both love
- A photographer you trust
- The legal paperwork, done early
- Good food and drink
- Time with each other and your guests
Fine to let go
- Printed save-the-dates
- Custom, made-to-order stationery
- Elaborate décor schemes
- A long list of extras and favours
- Everything matching perfectly
Don't leave notice of marriage late
In England and Wales, you give notice in person at your local register office at least 29 days before the wedding. Appointments can book up, so book yours as soon as you have a date. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own processes, so check with your local registration office early.
Common questions
Can you plan a wedding in 3 months?
Yes. The key is making the big decisions in the first couple of weeks – venue, registrar or officiant, and your notice of marriage appointment – then keeping everything else simple.
What should you book first for a 3-month wedding?
Your venue, then your registrar or officiant for the same date, then your notice of marriage appointment. Almost everything else follows the date.
What if the wedding is even sooner than 3 months?
The same order works, you just move through it faster. Check the notice of marriage first: in England and Wales it must be given at least 29 days before the wedding, and Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own processes.
