Congratulations on your engagement! If you’re anything like the many brides that we meet here at Briar House Barns, you will be riding high on the newly-engaged celebrations, but there may be that slight worry of how on earth you now go about planning that wedding day that you’ve always dreamed of! First of all, don’t panic!! You have plenty of time and we are here to help you every step of the way. There will always be non-negotiables or bespoke aspects to your big day, but as a general guide, and to help you get started on your planning, we have set out a handy 12 months to go guide below. You can treat it as a checklist when getting started in your planning and add to it as you need to. Don’t forget that our trusted suppliers and our dedicated wedding coordinator are here to help bring your wedding dreams to life!
12 months to go!
- Get clear on your budget and how much you can afford to spend (and save) before your big day
- Work out the size of your guest list
- Look at venues suitable for your number of guests, check availability and book
- Once your venue is secured, book your Celebrant, Registrar or religious ceremony
- Choose who you would like to include in your wedding party
- Make appointments at bridal boutiques to try on dresses
- Consider wedding insurance
- Discuss your priorities for what is most important to you both on your wedding day
- Decide on your style, colours and theme or start saving pictures on Pinterest and Instagram that you like
11 months to go!
- Book your wedding photographer
- Book your videographer or content creator
- Book a wedding planner, if not provided by your venue
- Try on wedding dresses
- Send out your Save The Date cards
10 months to go!
- Book your florist
- Book your caterer
- Book tableware hire, if not included with your venue or caterer
- Organise bar service and drinks, if not included within your venue package
- Order your dress
- Request wedding cake samples and book cake maker
- Register with a gift list company
- Book your honeymoon
- Give notice with your local Registry Office
9 months to go!
- Shop for Bridesmaids/Flower Girl/Page Boy outfits
- Book entertainment – DJ/Live Music/Photo Booth
- Order Stationery and Signage
- Book your Hairdresser and Make Up Artist
6 months to go!
- Arrange transport for the bridal party and any guests
- Consider any items you may need to hire – additional décor, props or entertainment
- Shop for accessories – jewellery, hair pieces, veil, shoes, underwear etc
- Purchase Bridesmaids accessories – shoes, jewellery, hair pieces etc
- Order/hire Grooms and male wedding party suits
- Confirm catering choices with Caterer
- Plan Hen and Stag Do’s (do this earlier if planning abroad)
4 months to go!
- Send out invitations
- Order wedding rings
- Book hair and make up trials
- Consider Grooms accessories – shoes, tie, cufflinks, handkerchief etc
- Order favours
- Purchase gifts for your wedding party
- Buy confetti
2 months to go!
- Book dress fittings and alterations if necessary
- Finalise ceremony – choose music, readings, order of service
- Finalise order of the day and confirm on the day stationery pieces – place cards, table numbers, seating plan, welcome sign etc
- Chase any RSVP’s not received
- Call all booked vendors to confirm details and balance due dates
- Organise pre-wedding photoshoot with your photographer
- Organise guest book
- Consider any extras that may be required – umbrellas, fans etc
1 month to go!
- Collect your wedding rings
- Send final guest numbers to venue and caterers
- Write your vows
- Write speeches
- Book any beauty, nail or spa treatments
- Have your Hen and Stag do’s
- “Break in” wedding shoes
- Confirm all supplier balances are paid
1 week to go!
- Collect wedding outfits,
- Have your engagement ring cleaned
- Finalise any On The Day timings with your venue
- Have beauty, nail and spa treatments
- Pack for your honeymoon
1 day to go!
- Deliver any décor or gifts to the venue
- Confirm roles with all of your wedding party
- Pack overnight things for wedding night
- Steam dresses and iron shirts
- Charge phones
- Get an early night!!
