Your Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist: Stress-Free Timeline & Supplier Tips (UK Edition)
June 1, 2025 — top tips
Need some helpful tips? check out my blogs which are filled with some awesome advice!
No stress, no fluff – just real talk, good vibes, and everything you didn’t know you needed.maybe with a few f-bombs
Your Guide To Your Perfect Day
Feeling like you need a glass of wine just thinking about planning your wedding?
Deep breath – I’ve got you.
I’m Emma – a Leicester-based wedding and family photographer, here to help make planning your big day feel a whole lot less overwhelming. Whether you're knee-deep in Pinterest boards or haven’t got a clue where to start, I’m here to guide you through it all.
From planning tips to on-the-day advice (and everything in between), I’ve got your back – so you can stress less and actually enjoy the build-up to your best day ever.
Let's get to it...
this is it!
The moment you’ve been dreaming about since you were a little kid playing dress-up with your mates (please tell me it wasn’t just me?) has finally arrived. There’s a shiny ring on your finger, and now… the wedding planning begins.
But then it hits you — shit, where do I even start? It’s exciting, yes, but also a bit daunting. You're suddenly expected to plan an entire wedding?!
Take a deep breath. Try not to stress - seriously. This can be fun. Get your partner involved, rope in your friends and family, and trust me, it’ll all fall into place.
Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, but this wedding planning checklist is designed to help you feel in control, organised, and even excited. Whether you’re 12 months out or in the final week, this UK wedding planning checklist and timeline will walk you through it all – no stress, just vibes.
✨ Need a little extra help staying organised?
Grab my free downloadable wedding planning spreadsheet – includes a guest list tracker, timeline, and checklist for all the essential stuff.
lets talk £ for a minute .. or 2
Budget!
Unfortunately it all comes down to money - How much of the savings are going into the wedding, be realistic with yourself (and each other). Wedding planning can cost as much or as little as you want them to. There's no "right" amount to spend, just what works for you.
In my opinion, a solid wedding budget to work with in the UK is around £15k–£30k. That gives you room for a beautiful day with all the important bits - without selling a kidney.
Just remember: it’s your wedding day. Don’t feel pressured to spend more than you're comfortable with. You can still have an unforgettable celebration on a budget - it’s all about priorities.
Let's go into a quick breakdown...
Venues
Venues are the most expensive. In 2025, they can range anywhere from £5k–£15k – I know what you're thinking, SHITTT. But hear me out – some include loads more than just the space.
Think:
On-site catering
On-site accommodation
Ceremony and reception areas
Tables, chairs, and linens
Bridal suite (for night before and night of!)
On-the-day coordination
Drinks packages
Dance Floor & Lighting
PA system or speakers for speeches/music
Licensed bar and bar staff
Parking and/or transport options
Insurance or security
Clean-up crew – major bonus!
Some even include little luxuries like post-wedding breakfast the next day, a tasting session for your menu, or late-night firepits with marshmallows!
Others might just be a blank space, so always check what’s included and what you’ll need to sort separately. These extras can make a huge difference when comparing prices.
For example – back in summer 2022, my venue cost £5k. It was a brand new venue just starting up, and while it was a blank canvas, it included full use of the space and on-site accommodation. A friend’s wedding – also summer 2022 – was £16k at a well-established venue that had been running for years. That price included the space and catering, but no accommodation.
Totally different setups, but both absolutely lush in their own way – it just depends what suits your vibe and what you value most.
catering
If not included in the venue, this could add a couple of 0s, some venues charge per head and that could be £80-£150 if not more.
Photography & Videography
On average, a photographer will cost around £1500 – same for a videographer. Some come as a duo, and some are hybrids (I don’t know how they do it either!). You can often get gorgeous albums included too (mine does 😉)
This is 100% something I recommend investing in. Memories fade – photos and film's don’t.
Styling
A top-tier stylist can be around £3k, but the stress-free vibes they bring? Priceless.
Entertainment
Whether it’s a DJ, live band, or a solo singer, this could be a mate who’s got a good Spotify game or someone who's been rocking weddings for years. Either way, set aside at least £500 for music and vibes.
Outfits
A wedding dress can cost anything from £500 to £3k, depending if you go off the peg or high end designer.
One way to cut costs? Trim the guest list, DIY what you can (invites/name places), and pay attention to when you get married – the time of year has a big impact on price (more on that below 👀).
12-18 months before the Wedding
This is the foundation of your wedding planning timeline – book key suppliers, choose your venue, and start bringing your vision to life.
✨ Feeling like you need a bit of backup to stay on top of it all? Download my free wedding planning spreadsheet to help track your guest list, budget, and timeline like an absolute boss.
where is the big day happening?
Venue
First things first - what’s the vibe? Are you dreaming of a chic townhouse, a rustic barn, a grand manor house, or a swanky hotel? Find a wedding venue that suits you and the vision you’ve got in your head.
Make time to visit a few places and get a proper feel for them. Do a good scout online, check reviews, and definitely ask what’s actually included in the price - things like in-house catering, tables, chairs, bar staff, or even a wedding coordinator can make a big difference.
The venue will most likely be the biggest part of your budget, so it’s worth weighing everything up. It is also what most remember! Those stunning arches, the ceremony room full of light, the beautiful gardens. It's what your guests will remember.
Also, think about where you’re getting legally married. Can you do the ceremony and reception all in one place? Or would you prefer a simple registry office ceremony followed by a reception elsewhere? (That option can save you a chunk of money.)
And with all this in mind - have a date in mind. Or at the very least, a month.
Are you thinking a summer wedding with (hopefully) sunshine and garden drinks? Or maybe autumn with all the gorgeous orange trees? Just remember: this is the UK. It can absolutely piss it down one minute and be 30 degrees the next. Plan for vibes, not guaranteed weather.
A quick note on timing and cost:
May to September is prime wedding season - it’s the busiest and often the most expensive.
Day of the week matters too. You don’t have to get married on a Saturday! Some venues offer big discounts for weekday weddings, especially Mondays to Thursdays.
Be flexible if you can - it might just free up more of your budget for other fun stuff!
Now would also be a great time to decide who’s in your wedding party - the lucky bunch who’ll be your bridesmaids, groomsmen, or whatever titles feel right for your crew.
These are the people who’ll be in it with you - not just for the planning stress and the last-minute “do we have enough chairs?” panic, but on the actual day too. You want people you trust to show up, keep the energy up, pin buttonholes, pass you tissues, and be the calm in the chaos. Basically, people who’ll handle things so you don’t have to.
Ask yourself:
- Who do you trust in a crisis?
- Who’s going to hype you up when you need it?
- Who won’t complain if they have to wrangle a relative or fix a wonky table setting behind the scenes?
Whether you want a big group or just one or two ride-or-dies - totally up to you. There’s no rulebook. Your wedding party might be your siblings, your uni mates, your cousin who’s basically your twin, choose the people who feel right for you.
Or don’t choose anyone at all. You don’t need a full crew if it’s not your thing. No pressure. No rules. Just do what feels good.
Just remember: quality over quantity. You’re not picking a squad for the sake of photos - you’re choosing the ones who’ll have your back from day one to dancefloor.
let's get booking some peeps!
suppliers
Once you've got your venue sorted and a rough date in place, it’s time to start thinking about the dream team - your suppliers.
Some suppliers (hi, that's me 👋) get booked up a year or more in advance, especially for peak season dates. So if there’s someone whose work you love, don’t wait around - get that enquiry in early!
Let’s talk photography for a sec.
Photos are literally the thing you’ll have to look back on forever - the laughs, the tears, the dance floor chaos, all of it. So choosing a photographer who fits your vibe is super important.
It’s not just about pretty pictures either (though yes, you’ll get plenty of those). It’s about having someone there who puts you at ease, blends in with your mates and fam, and catches the real, in-between moments as much as the big ones. If that sounds like what you’re after - hello, let’s chat 🖤
Anyway you're going to book me after reading this anyway so let's carry on ....
Here’s who you should be shortlisting and reaching out to around this stage:
Celebrant or registrar
If you’re going for a personalised ceremony, get your celebrant booked. If it’s through the council, get on it early - they go fast. Time of day will dictate this - Oh - and while we’re on the topic of timing, I highly recommend a midday ceremony, somewhere between 12–2pm. It gives you a lovely long day to enjoy with your guests, with plenty of time for mingling, eating, dancing, and all the good stuff.
BUT - keep in mind that if you’ve got six bridesmaids (or more!), that means a super early start. Hair and makeup takes hours when you’re getting everyone photo-ready. I went for a 1pm ceremony, and yep, that meant a 6am start... but it was so worth it. The rest of the day flowed beautifully and felt really relaxed. (Also 6 bridesmaids)
There’s loads more to chat about when it comes to timelines and how to structure your wedding day - but don’t worry, we’ll get into all of that in the next blog 😉
Caterers
If your venue doesn’t include food, explore your options now. Want a sit-down meal? Pizza van? There’s so much you can do.
Planner or stylist
If you’re having someone help with the design or logistics of the day, now’s the time to bring them in. Whether you want full-on planning support or just help styling everything to look ✨chef’s kiss✨ - there are so many amazing pros out there (The Wedding Attic *cough cough*) who can take the pressure off. Honestly, leaving it in the hands of someone who knows weddings inside and out can be a total game changer. It means less stress for you, and more time to enjoy the fun bits.
Videographer
These matter just as much as the photos. There’s something magical about seeing the movement, hearing the laughter, and watching it all unfold on screen like your very own movie. Imagine sitting on the sofa together, glass of wine in hand, watching it all back like a rom-com - yes please! If you’re on the fence, I always say: no one ever regrets having a wedding film, but loads of couples wish they had one after the fact. (Visions of Grace *cough cough*)
Other key suppliers to start thinking about now include hair and makeup artists, florists, and of course — the dress. And your bridesmaids' dresses too, if you’re having them! But check out my other blog for some epic suppliers
Start gathering inspo for the style you’re drawn to - Pinterest boards at the ready! Whether you’re into romantic, modern, boho, full glam, or something totally unique, having a rough idea of your vibe will make choosing suppliers and outfits so much easier.
And honestly - it’s never too early to go wedding dress shopping. Some dresses can take months to arrive and might need a couple of fittings, so getting the ball rolling early takes the pressure off down the line. Plus, let’s be real… trying on dresses is a pretty fun part of the whole wedding planning process! You are the bride to be let's find that perfect wedding dress!
Now, let’s talk guest list.
9-12 months Before The big Day ...
Hopefully after all that supplier booking madness, you've had a chance to breathe - because honestly, that’s just as important. Don’t let wedding planning take over everything. Make time for each other - go on a coffee date, hit the cinema, chill at home in joggers. Keep the love alive, not just the spreadsheets.
You’ve probably already got a rough idea of who’s coming, and who absolutely has to be there with you at the aisle. But if you’re still stuck on who makes the cut, here’s a little gem I saw when I was planning my own wedding:
Have you seen this person in the last year?
❌ No? Then sorry, you’re not coming.
✅ Yes? Then hell yes, get ready to party.
Will they make this wedding freaking awesome?
❌ No? Then sorry, toodles!
✅ Yes? Get those party shoes ready!
Will there be drama if this person is not invited?
❌ No? Sorry not invited!
✅ Yes? Maybe an evening guest? (We’re keeping the peace, not ruining the vibe.)
It’s brutal but fair. And when it comes to family politics? Well… ask yourself: do YOU want that person there, or are they just on the list because someone else thinks they should be?
If your mum insists her best mate from work needs an invite - cool, but she can pay for her. Or it’s a simple, polite “nope.”
(We could do a whole post on guest list drama - and maybe we will!)
In the meantime, get your RSVPs sorted and start sending them out, especially if you’re planning a weekday wedding. People will need time to book the day off, so the earlier the heads-up, the better.
Now will also be the best time to start looking at bridesmaids dresses and groom/groomsmens outfits. Some shops have a 16 week wait list but also try places like shein, ever pretty, jj house for bridesmaids. They have some stunning dresses for less than £40 each!
Start saving all the roses (or any flowers really) from your bunches now - birthdays, anniversaries, “just because” Tesco specials. Pull the petals off, chuck ’em in a plastic container with one of those sachets you get in shoe boxes (the little moisture sucker things), and pop it all in the attic or airing cupboard. Fast forward a few months and bam - free, eco-friendly, personal confetti. Your nan will be proud.
Think… more is more! You want that big, dreamy confetti shot? Go big on the petals. The more the better – trust me, it makes all the difference (and the photos are next level).
Or… what about bubbles? Seriously - so cute! Everyone gets way too into it, and the photos are adorable. Plus, no cleanup. Win-win.
The nik-naks of the day
3-9 months to go ...
Alright, most of your big bookings should be ticked off by now – go you! You’re basically a wedding planning machine at this point. Now it’s time for the fun stuff - the little details that make your day yours (and maybe drive you slightly mad in the process, but hey, worth it).
Start building your wedding bangers playlist
Every time a song comes on that makes you scream “OMG THIS IS MY JAM!” (whether you’re in the car, in the shower, or elbow-deep in washing up), whack it in a shared playlist. DJs are great, but they’re not mind readers - so if you want ABBA, followed by Stormzy, followed by the Grease megamix (absolute chaos, I love it), now’s the time to say so. Whether it’s floor-fillers, first dance tearjerkers, or a wild card your nan will lose her mind over - start curating the ultimate soundtrack to your day.
Accessories time!
Think jewellery, veil, hair bits, garter, and all the sparkly stuff. Or better yet, get your bridesmaids to buy you something as a prezzie – then every time you wear those earrings, you’ll get emotional and send them a soppy text. Win-win.
Shoes!
Let’s be honest - you’ll probably kick them off by the first dance anyway, so go for comfort over catwalk. If you love Converse, wear them. If you want fluffy slippers for the reception, no judgement here. Fancy shoes are fab, but being able to walk is better.
DIY decor gang – I see you 👀
That spare room is probably looking like Hobbycraft exploded in there. Glitter, ribbons, 47 mismatched jars... it’s chaos, but beautiful chaos. And when it all comes together on the day? You’ll feel like a creative genius.
Cake time
Your cake maker should have all the info by now, but let me give you one of my top tips: serve the cake as dessert. We did it. It was genius. Less waste, more cake, and if you pair it with ice cream? Oooft. It was epic!. Evening guests still got a slice, don’t worry. Some venues may not do this but always worth an ask!
Hair & makeup trials
Book ‘em in, babes. You want time to tweak the look if it’s giving “school prom 2006” instead of “glowy bridal goddess”. And if you nail it first time? Boom. One more thing ticked off and an excuse for a glam day out.
Rings!
Not the Frodo kind – the wedding band kind. If you haven’t already sorted them, now’s a good time to start browsing. And hot tip: January sales are where it’s at. We saved £500 on ours and still felt bougie as hell.
Special song moments?
Now’s a good time to think about music for key moments - like walking down the aisle, signing the register, walking back up the aisle (with your new hubby or wifey, eek!), and the first dance. Even if you’re not fully set on them yet, having a short list is helpful.
The countdown is on
1-3 months to go ...
Shit's getting real!! The countdown is on - everything's starting to come together. You can practically hear the wedding bells... and maybe your own slightly panicked internal screaming - but it’s FINE, you’ve got this.
Your dress should be with the seamstress about now, getting all those crucial tweaks - like keeping the girls securely in place (no one wants a surprise flash moment mid-dancing) and making sure the hemline is sorted so you’re not kicking the dress as you're walking. Elegance, but make it practical.
You’ll be having final meetings with your caterers and suppliers around now too - this is when you’ll be confirming allll the little details. Get your order of the day nailed down. Top tip: give yourself at least 1.5 hours between the end of the ceremony and food. You’ll thank me for that time to have a drink, chat to your guests, and get those lush photos in without being rushed. Your photographer (hi! 👋) will probably want to do a venue visit too, so we can scope out all the dreamy photo spots in advance.
You’ll also have your ceremony meeting with your registrar/vicar/celebrant. Don’t stress - it’s not scary. It’s just running through who’s walking where, saying what, and making sure no one accidentally ends up marrying the best man.
Now is also a PRIME time for a cheeky Etsy/Amazon binge think:
- Welcome signs
- Seating plan
- Guest book
- Lawn games (giant Jenga, O's and X's, Heck even football! Not just for the kids, promise!)
- Favours or cute little keepsakes
- Flower girl baskets
- Memorial bouquet charm
- Cake cutting knife (if venue doesn't supply one - plus a personalised one is so freaking cute)
- Cake topper
- Ring box
- Personalised dress hangers?
- Wedding party gifts
- Card Box
- Kids’ activity packs – with their names on (keep the mini guests entertained!)
- Place cards that double as keepsakes – acrylic, wooden, or mirrored with each guest's name
If you’ve hired a stylist, double check what they include - some will handle all your signage and décor dreams, others will leave it in your (probably slightly glue-covered) hands. Think wooden boards with vinyl lettering, clean white acrylic signs, or chalkboards with your own scribbles - honestly, so many styles to play with. I personally put my mum’s friend’s Cricut to the test styled on a acrylic board with a blush background, let’s just say... it was tedious but totally worth it (wine may have been involved).
Table Plan Time
Hopefully, by now, everyone’s RSVP’d (if not, now’s the time to start the polite-but-firm chases). Once you know numbers, it’s table plan time. Easiest way? Write each name on a scrap of paper, draw out your tables, and start playing musical chairs with it all – super satisfying and way less stressful than trying to picture it in your head.
Confetti Check
Got your confetti sorted? Double check with your venue what kind you can use – biodegradable is usually the go-to, and most venues won’t allow anything else. I'm obsessed with dried petals – they’re stunning in photos, totally eco-friendly, and you can make them yourself!
Remember back in the 9–12 months section when I mentioned saving petals from your bouquets? If you've been doing that (gold star for you 🌟), now’s the time to check your stash. If not - don’t panic! It's not too late. Just save any fresh petals you get your hands on, pop them into a plastic container with one of those silica gel sachets (like the ones that come in shoeboxes), and stash them somewhere dry like the attic. In a couple of months – boom! Beautiful, homemade confetti.
Just remember to take the sachets out when you’re bagging it up. I swear one hit me - ouch! Or even better -get some cute little baskets or sachets and have your littlest humans (flower girls, page boys, tiny cousins) hand it out before the big moment. Makes them feel super special and gives them an important role to play.
Or if DIY isn’t your vibe (or you just want to top it up), hit up Etsy or Amazon for a big ol’ bag. More is more when it comes to confetti! The best shots happen when there's a full-on confetti explosion - think colour, chaos, and pure magic. Your mates will be so jealous when they see those epic pics!
Final Bits – Paying Your Dream Team
As everything starts coming together, don’t forget to double check payment deadlines for your suppliers. Most will need final balances around the 1-month mark (some even earlier), so give yourself a little spreadsheet or reminder list to keep on top of it all. No one wants a last-minute panic or awkward convo!
Also, check your contracts if any of your vendors need a meal on the day - this is super common for photographers, videographers, DJs, etc. Make sure they’re either included in your final numbers for the caterers or that there’s a bar menu they can choose from ahead of time. No one can deliver their best work on an empty stomach!
Let’s Do This!
T-Minus 30 Days to “I Do”
This is it! The final countdown! You’re about to marry the absolute love of your life, and it’s all getting VERY real now. Everything is set... and if it’s not? Honestly - fuck it! At this point, adopt the “it is what it is” mindset or you’ll be pulling your hair out. No one needs that energy, especially you!
There’s not much left to do now other than treat yourself to a good ol’ pamper sesh. Nails? On point. Roots? Topped up. Skin? Glowing. Trust me, self-care is everything right now - you want to feel like your best self when you strut down that aisle.
Check your stash – any last-minute bits from Hobbycraft or The Range? Do one final sweep and make sure you’ve got it all.
Spoiler: You probably don't – because you’ve absolutely smashed this whole planning game. Go you! Now, put the pen down, step away from the to-do list, and go get pampered!
Weather check time!
Is rain creeping into the forecast? Whip out the cute brollies and chuck a pair of wellies in a bag - they make for fun and quirky photo ops (and save your heels from the mud).
33 degrees and blazing sunshine? Girl, get yourself the spray suncream - Aldi’s got your back with the good stuff. It’s lightweight, factor 50, and you won’t feel like a greasy chip. My go to on any sunny day!
Tan lines alert!
Strappy tops + strapless wedding dress = no, no, NO. Let’s not have weird tan lines in all your photos - your photographer will not thank you.
Chub rub prevention 101
Baby powder, anti-chafe balm, or (my personal fave) those goddess-level suck-in shorts - get them packed and ready to save your thighs. Comfort is QUEEN.
Pack your bags
- Hangover kit (Paracetamol, hydration sachets, snacks - you know the drill)
- Plasters (wedding shoes are gorgeous, but savage)
- Comfy PJs for the night before
- Sexy lingerie for the night of 😉
You made it – checklist conquered, planning boss level unlocked. Now go glow, sparkle, and fully soak in the magic, because this next bit? It’s the absolute best part. 🫶 Have the best freaking wedding day ever!!
Still got “find a wedding photographer” hanging on your to-do list? I might just be your gal. Drop me a message and let’s make some magic together – no phone calls necessary, pinky promise.
And hey, if this blog gave you a few laughs or lightbulb moments, pass it on to an engaged mate who needs a little wedding-planning boost! Keep an eye out for the next blog coming soon – wedding photography advice. I’ll be sharing all the best tips I’ve picked up over the years. It’s gonna be a biggy, so don’t miss it!
Need a bit of help staying on top of things? Download my free wedding planning spreadsheet – includes a budget tracker, guest list organiser and more!
Thanks for reading, you beautiful human.
Now let’s go make some magic together – I’m SO ready when you are!
Much Love,
Emma xx
