12-month wedding checklist
With 12 months to your wedding, the first three moves are booking the venue, signing your photographer, and setting the guest list that drives both. Save-the-dates go out around 8 months, the gift list and wedding website by 6 months — and you must give notice at your local register office at least 29 days before the ceremony.
This checklist walks the whole plan from engagement to the big day. Print it, check things off — or move it into the planner, where due dates track themselves.
12 months before the big day
- Book your venue and lock the datePeak Saturday dates book out 12–18 months ahead — nothing is real until the deposit clears.
- Draft the guest listHeadcount drives the venue and 40–50% of the budget — list first, contracts second.
- Set the budget by category
11 months before the big day
- Book your photographer and videographer
10 months before the big day
- Book the caterer and the band or DJ
9 months before the big day
- Start wedding dress shoppingMade-to-order gowns take 4–6 months plus alterations.
8 months before the big day
- Send save-the-dates
- Launch your wedding websiteTravel details, accommodation options, and the gift list link all live here.
7 months before the big day
- Reserve accommodation blocks for out-of-town guests
6 months before the big day
- Set up your gift listHave it live before invitations post — guests start shopping early.
- Order invitations; book florist and cake tasting
4 months before the big day
- Post invitations with an RSVP deadline
- Book hair and makeup; schedule the trial
3 months before the big day
- Chase RSVPs and firm up the headcount
2 months before the big day
- Give notice at your local register officeLegally at least 29 days before the ceremony — book the appointment well ahead.
- Build the seating plan
The final month
- Confirm the vendor day-of timeline
- Give the final headcount and seating plan to the venue
Frequently asked questions
When should we send save-the-dates?
Around 8 months before the wedding — earlier (10–12 months) for destination weddings or bank-holiday weekends so guests can book travel.
When do we give notice for a UK wedding?
You must give notice at your local register office at least 29 days before the ceremony, and notice is valid for 12 months. Book the appointment a few months ahead — slots fill up in wedding season.
When should we set up our gift list?
By 6 months out, and definitely before invitations post. Guests start shopping as soon as save-the-dates arrive.