From 'yes' to 'I do!' - Your essential wedding timeline

Planning a wedding typically spans 12 to 18 months, So, if you're hoping to 'ring' in 2025 by giving/receiving that big shiny rock to/from your ride-or-die (delete as appropriate), you could be looking at a spring 2026 wedding. While that may seem a long way off right now, time flies when you're having fun, as the saying goes. To help you mentally prepare for what you're about to let yourself in for, we've put together this timeline that makes it crystal (or should that be diamond?) clear what should be happening and when, as you embark on your wild ride to the alter.

Phase 1. Inspiration & vision (12–18 months before)

Start by dreaming up your wedding style and setting your priorities. Create Pinterest boards, browse Instagram or follow luxury wedding blogs and magazines like Vogue Weddings, Coco Wedding Venues blog or Under the Canopy.

• Key decisions

  • Define the overall vibe: modern glamour, timeless elegance, boho-chic, etc

  • Decide on a rough guest list size

  • Start researching venues, planners and budgets

    
    

• To do

  • Attend high-end wedding fairs like The National Wedding Show

  • Get social media inspiration from celebrity weddings or luxury event stylists

  • Have some initial conversations with wedding planners to clarify what's feasible

    

Phase 2. Venue and planner booking (12–14 months before)

Venue hunting begins. Tour estates, hotels or private properties, narrowing down options as you go. At this stage, you'll want to hire a wedding planner to manage the logistics and really push the envelope in terms of creativity and style.

• Key decisions

  • Finalise the venue - secure that exclusive-use property, private estate or future in law's garden

  • Choose a wedding planner who aligns with your vision

    
    

• To do

  • Visit websites of premium venues with virtual tours

  • Gather personal recommendations from friends or influencers

  • Research venue and planner packages designed for luxury events

Phase 3. Assembling the dream team (10–12 months before)

Time to book up those top-tier suppliers, including photographers, caterers, florists and stylists. For a bespoke wedding, this is also when you will consult designers for stationery or custom decor.

• Key decisions

  • Select the photographer and videographer, prioritising those experienced in capturing luxury events

  • Hire florists, lighting designers and caterers

  • Plan guest accommodations, especially if hosting on private land

    
    

• To do:

  • Gather recommendations from planners

  • Research Instagram portfolios of florists, stylists and other suppliers

  • Attend tastings and mock setups

Phase 4. Concept development (8–10 months before)

Work with your planners to solidify the wedding’s aesthetic, collaborate closely with stylists and suppliers to create a cohesive look and feel. Finalise key logistical details like timelines and guest communications.

• Key decisions

  • Finalise colours, themes and layouts

  • Order custom wedding attire and accessories for yourselves and the bridal party

  • Send save-the-dates with luxury stationery or digital animations

    
    

• To do:

  • Arrange designer consultations for custom dresses or suits

  • Work with planners and stylists to transform mood boards into tangible ideas

    
    

Phase 5. Midway planning & guest experience (6–8 months before)

We're about half way there now, excitement levels are bubbling! Focus on creating an unforgettable experience for your guests, consider entertainment, transportation and unique touches.

• Key decisions

  • Book entertainment, such as live bands, DJs, or performers

  • Arrange transportation for guests if the venue is remote

  • Start curating welcome gifts or favours

    
    

• To do:

  • Research luxury gifting brands for favours and welcome kits

  • Consult entertainment agencies specialising in high-profile events

Phase 6. Invitations and final details (4–6 months before)

It's getting real now! Send out formal invitations and finalise details like menus, seating plans and decor specifics. Start planning the rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch.

• Key decisions

  • Confirm guest RSVPs

  • Collaborate with caterers on a bespoke menu

  • Nail down decor elements like bespoke lighting or floral installations

    
    

• To do

  • Attend invitation consultations with calligraphers or bespoke stationery designers

  • Meet with caterers and florists for tastings and mock-ups

Phase 7. The final countdown (1–3 months before)

At this stage, you'll start to confirm all details, do walk-throughs with the planner and ensure your attire is ready. This is also when beauty treatments like facials or fitness regimens peak.

• Key decisions

  • Approve final timelines and vendor schedules

  • Finalise the order of service for the ceremony

  • Prepare for travel arrangements for guests (if needed)

    
    

• To do

  • In-person venue visits for final checks

  • Stylist consultations for day-of looks

    
    

Phase 8. The wedding week (1–7 days before)

OMG it's almost here! As you enter the final stretch, focus on enjoying the process. Vendors will set up at the venue and you'll oversee minor details while delegating to the planner

• Key actions

  • Host the rehearsal dinner or pre-wedding gathering

  • Welcome guests, especially if staying on-site

  • Relax with self-care appointments (massages, facials, etc.)

• To do

  • Coordinate with on-site teams and the planner

  • Prepare thank-you gifts for key contributors, like family or planners

    
    

Phase 9. The wedding day

This is it, everything the past 12 to 18 months have been leading to is about to become reality, told you it would come round fast! Focus on enjoying the day while the planner executes the vision. Guests will be guided seamlessly through the schedule and everyone will have an unforgettable experience from start to finish.

Phase 10. Post-wedding (1–2 weeks after)

Time to wind down, you'll relish sharing photos with your guests and hearing their stories from the day. You might host post-wedding brunches for guests who travelled in from afar.

• To do

  • Receive sneak peeks of the day from your photographers and videographers

  • Send thank-you notes or gifts to key people

By following this timeline you can blend meticulous planning with bespoke touches, ensuring every detail is both meaningful and perfectly executed. A wedding planner is often the key to keeping everything seamless!

You never know, instead of a lump coal in your stocking this year, Santa baby might just leave a sparkly boulder, so read on to make sure you're primed and ready to start planning the best day ever.