The UK wedding planning checklist

Agree your budget

Settle on a total you're both comfortable with, and who's contributing, before you fall for anything.

Check the legal requirements

Notice rules, fees and timings depend on where you live and whether the ceremony is civil or religious.

Draft your guest list

A rough number now tells you which venues are realistic. Don't start cutting yet.

Shortlist and visit venues

Go in person and compare like with like. If the ceremony will be there too, check the venue is licensed for weddings.

Book your venue

Read the contract and cancellation terms, then pay the deposit. Almost every other booking follows this date.

Decide on your officiant

Registrar, celebrant or religious minister – each gives you a different kind of ceremony.

Book your officiant

Confirm the date and fee in writing. Popular ones book up a year ahead.

Research photographers

Ask to see full wedding galleries, not just the highlights, before you compare prices.

Research caterers

If your venue doesn't cater, shortlist caterers who handle dietary needs without fuss.

Book your photographer

Agree what you'll get, when you'll get it and who holds the print rights.

Book your caterer

Tastings first, then lock in menu options, estimated numbers and the payment schedule.

Choose your wedding outfits

Made-to-order outfits can take four to six months to arrive, plus time for alterations.

Choose your wedding party

Pick the people who'll actually help, and ask them early.

Send your save-the-dates

Once the date and venue are fixed. Especially useful if guests will need to travel or book time off.

Book your florist

Look for a style that suits your venue and the season you're marrying in.

Research bands and DJs

Watch live footage rather than the showreel, and check what space and power they need.

Book your band or DJ

Confirm set times, and check the venue's sound rules and finish time.

Book your ceremony music

Live or recorded – agree pieces for walking in, the signing and walking out.

Choose your cake

Book a tasting. Flavour matters as much as how it looks.

Book hair and makeup

Book a trial so you and your stylist agree the look well before the day.

Choose your invitation design

Keep the invitation simple and put the longer details on a wedding website.

Book your notice appointment

Register offices get busy, so book early. Notice has to be given at least 29 days before the wedding.

Shop for wedding rings

Allow a few weeks for sizing, engraving or bespoke work.

Plan your transport

Work out who needs to be where, and add buffer time for traffic and photos.

Book your wedding-night stay

Somewhere close to the venue keeps the end of the night easy.

Plan your décor

List what the venue provides, what you're hiring and what you're bringing yourselves.

Plan the ceremony with your officiant

Readings, vows, music and the order of events. Ask for a draft to look over.

Choose readings and readers

Pick the words, then the people, and give your readers plenty of notice.

Finalise the menu

Note allergies, dietary needs and a children's option.

Order wedding party outfits

Confirm sizes and leave time for alterations once they arrive.

Share places to stay

Point guests to nearby accommodation, or reserve rooms at the venue.

Draft your day-of schedule

From getting ready to the last dance, with buffer time built in.

Send your invitations

Eight to ten weeks before is a good guide – early enough to plan around, late enough not to forget. Set a clear RSVP date.

Give notice of marriage

Attend your register office appointment. It has to happen at least 29 days before the wedding.

Choose your first-dance song

Let your DJ or band know exactly which version you want.

Write your must-have shot list

Keep it to the moments you'd hate to miss, and list family group photos with full names.

Go to your first outfit fitting

Take the shoes and underwear you'll wear on the day.

Order on-the-day stationery

Order of service, signs, menus and place cards, matched to your invitations.

Confirm delivery times

Flowers, cake and décor: when each arrives, who sets it up and when it's collected.

Chase missing RSVPs

A quick text or call works faster than another email.

Confirm your final numbers

Send the final headcount and dietary needs to your venue and caterer. Late changes can cost.

Plan the seating

Start with the top table and work outwards.

Write your speeches

Start sooner than you think you need to. Personal beats perfect.

Check in with every supplier

Arrival times, contacts and what's still to pay, all in one list.

Go to your final fitting

Walk, sit and dance in your outfit, with the shoes you'll wear.

Share the final timeline

One schedule for every supplier and the venue, with an emergency contact.

Pack a wedding-day emergency kit

Plasters, safety pins, painkillers, stain remover, a phone charger and snacks. Hand it to someone you trust.

Collect your outfits

Hang everything properly overnight.

Pack for the wedding night

A change of clothes, toiletries and chargers.

Get a good night's sleep

Wind down early and keep water by the bed.

Thank and review your suppliers

A short thank-you and an honest review help good suppliers keep going.

Order marriage certificate copies

You'll need certified copies if either of you is changing your name.

Update your ID and accounts

If you're changing your name: passport, driving licence, bank, employer and HMRC.

Send your thank-you cards

Keep a list as gifts arrive so nobody gets missed.