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Wedding planning timeline: 12 months to go
Quick answer: At 12 months agree budget, guests and date and book the venue; at 9 to 6 months book main suppliers and give legal notice no earlier than your venue is confirmed; at 3 months send invitations; in the final month confirm everything. Use the countdown tool for dated tasks.
This is a general timeline. Shorten it if your wedding is sooner: see how to plan a wedding in 6 months.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 12 months | Agree budget and guest numbers, choose a date or season, visit venues |
| 11 to 10 months | Book the venue, and the photographer and caterer if they book early |
| 9 to 7 months | Book officiant or celebrant, music, transport. Start looking at outfits |
| 6 months | Send save-the-dates if you use them, book accommodation blocks, plan the honeymoon |
| 5 to 4 months | Give legal notice (not more than 12 months before, and at least 29 days) once the venue is confirmed. Order invitations |
| 3 months | Send invitations with an RSVP date |
| 2 months | Menu and tasting, final fittings, plan the seating |
| 1 month | Confirm numbers and dietary needs, timings, payments and a contact list |
| Final week | Final fittings, collect rings and outfits, confirm transport and run through the schedule |
Legal notice rules: you must give notice at least 29 days before the ceremony, and hold the ceremony within 12 months of giving notice (GOV.UK).
Turn this into dates with the wedding countdown checklist.
Frequently asked questions
When should I send wedding invitations?
Many couples send them around 8 to 12 weeks before, with an RSVP date about a month ahead. Save-the-dates can go out 6 to 12 months before.
When should I give notice of marriage?
At least 29 days before the ceremony, and no more than 12 months before. You need to decide the venue first.
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Keep reading
- Wedding planning checklist UK
- How to plan a wedding in 6 months
- How many guests should you invite to a wedding?
- Wedding venue questions to ask
- When to send wedding invitations
Information checked November 2026 against the sources linked above. Rules and prices change, so check GOV.UK and your suppliers before you commit.