3-month wedding checklist
Three months out, planning shifts from booking to finalising: collecting RSVPs, building the seating plan, confirming the vendor timeline, and scheduling final payments. If you have not yet given notice at the register office, do it now — the legal minimum is 29 days before the ceremony.
If the big bookings are done, this list carries you through the final three months — so the last week holds nothing but the celebration.
3 months before the big day
- Set the RSVP deadline and start collecting responsesRing the stragglers — catering invoices are built on the final count.
- Give notice at your local register officeLegal minimum: 29 days before the ceremony, in person, with valid documents.
- Schedule the final dress fitting
2 months before the big day
- Build the seating planTables first, family diplomacy second — drag-and-drop in the planner.
- Hair and makeup trial
- Write the day-of timeline with every vendorPhotographer, DJ, florist, cake delivery — one shared timeline.
The final month
- Give the final headcount and seating plan to the venue
- Schedule final vendor payments
- Pack the emergency kit and name two point peopleTwo trusted guests who field every question on the day — so nobody brings them to you.
Frequently asked questions
What matters most 3 months before the wedding?
The final headcount: every vendor contract and the catering bill build on it. Set an RSVP deadline 8–10 weeks out and ring anyone who has not answered.
Is 3 months too late to give notice?
No — the legal minimum in England and Wales is 29 days before the ceremony. But register office appointments book up in wedding season, so make it your first call this week.
When should the seating plan be final?
About 3–4 weeks before the wedding, once RSVPs are in. Venues usually ask for the final floor plan 1–2 weeks ahead.