How to plan the perfect wedding step-by-step
Are you recently engaged and getting ready to plan the perfect wedding? I’m sure you’ve already been overloaded with all the questions – What sort of dress are you going to wear? Where are you going to get married? Who will be your bridesmaids? The questions are endless! It can all be quite daunting and overwhelming, and you may not know where to start.
But fear not – I wanted to provide a complete wedding checklist to help you get started 18 months before the big day. Our helpful timeline is the perfect step-by-step guide of what to book and when to do it!
Because I’m part of an amazing network of suppliers, I thought I would also give you some bonus supplier recommendations to help make that process that little bit easier!
18 months before….
The first stop is your venue, think about what you want from your wedding? If it’s a laid-back informal affair with BBQ catering and dancing all night, then maybe a barn venue such as FurthoManor would be perfect, allowing you to completely personalise your whole day. Whatever it is that you choose, make sure you think about yourself as a couple! The guest list is also important, as you need to consider how many people you need to comfortably accommodate (keep an eye on future posts and blogs on social media for a handy guestlist tool coming soon!). Lastly, book a celebrant or registrar to hold the ceremony. Personally, I always recommend a celebrant for that personal service, and Kelly Hawes comes highly recommended!
16-18 months before…..
Some of your key suppliers (and the ones that get booked up the quickest) are photographers, florists, stylists and stationers.
A photographer is important, as they are going to be with you and your guests for the whole day, taking photos when you are at your most emotional and capturing those special moments that will last a lifetime. Choose someone whose style you love, but also someone who you feel truly comfortable and at ease with. We always highly recommend Brad Gommon , as he has an incredible way of capturing emotion! In my opinion a wedding is made all the more beautiful by flowers, fear not by using the very best, such as Hayley from Bloomfields you can ensure yours are exactly what will best compliment you and your wedding!Of course, it goes without saying that by choosing Pink Peony Weddings all your styling, décor and stationery is taken care of – making us the last suppliers to source and liaise with! Our incredible packages make life so much simpler!
14-16 months before….
It’s time to start thinking about cake; will you go for something relaxed such as a dessert table or an 8-tier showstopper?! Either way, get in touch with Parul from Silverleafcakedesign and start arranging some cake tasting!
Next up is hair and make-up. Some couples decide to do this themselves, but we always recommend getting the professionals in! They know what products to use that will last all day and the very best techniques. No matter how many YouTube videos you watch, the professionals do it best. Our favourites to work with are Nicola from Bespoke Bridal and Sarah from Sarah Evans Make up.
Wedding hair by Bespoke Bridal
Finally, think about a videographer. Many couples say they aren’t having one, but I always believe it’s the one thing you absolutely won’t regret! It is priceless to be able to look back at your day. Adam from Creative Spark films is brilliant, and he will keep you smiling all day.
12-14 months before…..
Dress shopping…. aaaahhhh the most fun and also the scariest part. I bet what’s running through your mind is ‘what if you hate everything?!’ My top tip is visit Vicky at Love and Loved Bridal, as she has the most beautiful shop with the most exquisite collection of dresses; aside from that she is a truly lovely person and will help you find “the one”.
Now is also the time to start sending save the dates and to get your big day locked in with your friends and family. Again, we can help you with all of this!
For music, are you thinking of a band or DJ? Mike from DJ Readings always gets the party started and you can guarantee a full dancefloor all night! You are also going to have to start picking that piece of jewellery you will wear for the rest of your life. Jodie from Jodie Gearing can design and make you something truly special that you will forever be admired on your finger.
8-12 months before……
Ok, so we’ve focused a lot on the bride, but we can’t forget the groom and they will want to look dapper too. They definitely don’t have the same choice that the brides do, but we love the gorgeous modern choice of suits from Chimney formal wear.
Photo credit to Amy Murphy photography.
While we’re still on the subject of clothing, you also need to start thinking about bridesmaid dresses, from the high street to bridesmaid dress designers, the options are plentiful. Talk to your bridesmaids and see what they would be comfortable in; you need to consider what will suit one may not suit another!
It’s also easy to forget about the honeymoon which may seem like a distant dream! However, Penny from Suitcase travel can tailor-make the perfect trip that you will be so thankful for when the time comes. Lastly, now you have booked those hair and make-up artists, start getting booked in for trials and take images for inspiration!
Sandals, Antigua
4-8 months before….
Mmmmmm yum, food tasting; it’s the perfect excuse to try out delicious food and decide what you and your guests will be eating!
Then it’s time to let your hair down and celebrate with friends at your hen and stag dos, whether it’s Las Vegas or a cottage in the countryside, be sure to have the best time!
Now it’s getting real as it’s time to send those invitations out. With the expertise and guidance of Pink Peony Weddings, you will have a beautifully designed invitation that guests are going to love opening.
Is the idea of a first dance making you nervous? Or the thought of awkwardly swaying in the middle of the dancefloor brings you out in a sweat… if so contact Alison from For the love of dance , as she can teach you the steps to a brilliant first dance that will wow your guests.
1-4 months before….
There’s not long to go now. You should have all your RSVPs back by now and it’s time to sort your table plan. Many couples stress over this part but get a glass of wine, sit down and work on it together! Your caterers and stationer will need it to finalise all the designs and seating arrangements. We also have a handy spreadsheet to complete to make life easier once you book with us!
Illustrated table plan
Lastly, it’s time for that final dress fitting before the big day to get it looking perfect!
Then it’s time to sit back and relax and start looking forward to the wedding day! You have done all the hard work and it is nearly time to see it all come together!
Don’t forget to reach out if you are yet to get booked in – dates are filling fast, and we would love to hear from you!