Wedding Planner
Preparing your personalised planning experience...
Every recommendation is verified against leading resources including The Knot, Zola, and professional wedding coordinators. An intimate garden wedding gets a different plan than a 300 guest black tie affair. The budget uses real industry percentages. The wording follows proper etiquette for both religious and civil ceremonies.
Planning Timeline
12+ Months Before
- Set your overall budget and discuss family contributions
- Draft your initial guest list. This determines venue size and catering costs
- Book your venue. This is the single most important early decision
- Hire a wedding planner or coordinator if using one
- Begin researching photographers, videographers, and caterers
9 to 11 Months Before
- Book photographer and videographer. They fill up fast
- Choose and meet your officiant
- Set up your wedding website with event details and accommodation
- Book your florist and share inspiration photos
- Schedule catering tastings
6 to 8 Months Before
- Send save the dates
- Book your DJ or band
- Decide on wedding party attire
- Plan your rehearsal dinner
- Create a weather backup plan for outdoor ceremonies
3 to 5 Months Before
- Order wedding invitations
- Book hair stylist and makeup artist
- Order your cake and schedule a tasting
- Purchase wedding rings
- Finalise ceremony readings and vows
1 to 2 Months Before
- Send wedding invitations 6 to 8 weeks before the date
- Contact non-responsive RSVP guests and finalise the guest list
- Submit final guest count to caterer. This is the point of no return
- Get your marriage license
- Prepare final vendor payments and tip envelopes
Final Week and Day Of
- Final meeting with coordinator and confirm all vendor arrival times
- Rehearsal with wedding party
- Follow your timeline, delegate tasks, eat, and enjoy it
- Send thank you cards within 3 months
Expert Planning Tips
Budget before you plan anything
Set your total budget and contribution sources before looking at a single venue. Planning before budgeting is the number one cited mistake by professional wedding planners.
Set your RSVP deadline strategically
Your RSVP deadline must be at least 2 weeks before your caterer needs final numbers. This gives you time to chase non-responders and submit accurate counts.
Reserve 5 to 10% as a buffer
Hidden costs including service charges, taxes, gratuities, overtime fees, and dress alterations average over 10% beyond initial vendor quotes. Budget for surprises.
Feed your vendors
A photographer who has not eaten since morning will not perform their best at hour eight. Vendor meals are cheaper than guest meals and are a worthwhile investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should you start planning a wedding?
Most weddings need 12 to 18 months of planning. Venues and popular photographers book 9 to 12 months out. For weddings under 6 months, focus on venue availability first and work backwards from there.
What is the average wedding budget breakdown?
Venue and catering together account for 40 to 50% of the total budget. Photography and videography take 10 to 15%. Flowers and decorations are 8 to 10%. Entertainment is 5 to 10%. Attire and beauty are 5 to 8%. Always reserve 5 to 10% as a contingency buffer.
When should you send wedding invitations?
Send invitations 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding date. Set the RSVP deadline at least 2 weeks before your caterer needs final numbers. For destination weddings, send 10 to 12 weeks before.
Do you need wedding insurance?
Wedding insurance is recommended. It protects against vendor no-shows, weather cancellations, and venue issues. The cost is relatively low compared to the total wedding budget and provides significant peace of mind.
What is the difference between "honour of your presence" and "pleasure of your company"?
Use "request the honour of your presence" for religious ceremonies held in a place of worship. Use "request the pleasure of your company" for civil ceremonies and secular venues. This is a traditional etiquette distinction that many formal invitations still follow.
Should you do a first look before the ceremony?
A first look creates a private emotional moment between the couple, provides better lighting for photos, and frees up cocktail hour so you can spend it with guests instead of taking photos. It does not diminish the ceremony aisle moment.