The question was popped, the answer was yes, and now it’s time to plan a wedding. Congratulations! 😊
Whether you’re super organised or unsure where to start, getting help from people who’ve seen a lot of weddings (yes, that’s us!) can make everything feel much easier.
That’s why we’ve created the ultimate wedding planning timeline. It includes everything you might possibly need, from now until you say “I do”. You can also download it as a document and make it your own. It’s easy to add notes and tick things off as you go.
A guide to help you plan your big day.
Read on, or download your ultimate wedding planning timeline now.
💍 Just engaged: start here
This is your time to dream big, explore ideas and lay foundations for the best day ever.
Celebrate!
- Share the news with friends and family – and the whole world if you want to!
- Plan an engagement party or just pop the fizz and soak up the excitement
- Consider booking an engagement photoshoot to capture the moment
Get clear on the big stuff
- Talk about your overall priorities – big bash or intimate gathering? Home or abroad? Formal or relaxed?
- Have an honest chat about budget – what can you spend and who might contribute?
- Draft a rough guest list – this helps with venue and budget decisions
- Think about preferred dates or seasons – winter wonderland or summer spectacular?
- Decide on ceremony type – church, civil, celebrant led, or something unique
- Agree on any must haves (e.g. live music, no speeches, epic food, a laid-back feel)
Start venue research
- Research venues and book viewings – do they get your vision?
- Check what’s included at each venue – co-ordinator, ceremony space, staff, glassware, cleaning costs… (all included at Wootton Park)
- Ask about date availability before falling in love with a place
Book early if you can, and lock in the date!
🌿 At Wootton Park, everything’s in one place – ceremony, reception, acres of outdoor space and beautiful countryside accommodation. Plus, you get your own wedding coordinator from day one. And fair, transparent pricing. Guaranteed.
Put your planning foundations in place
- Create a shared wedding email address
- Set up a planning document – like our downloadable wedding planning timeline
- Consider creating a wedding website (handy for sharing updates and RSVPs)
- Start a Pinterest board or shared folder for inspiration
- Begin budgeting with real numbers, including a bit of contingency
12+ months to go
Now it’s all about sorting the essentials that will shape your day.
Book your venue and set your date
- Finalise your guest list estimate – no need for a full headcount, but try to get close
- Ask how much flexibility you’ll have to personalise the day – from layouts and styling to food, drinks and entertainment
- Check for any venue restrictions, like sound limits and curfews
- Talk to your shortlisted venues about any extras you’re planning (think entertainment, open bar, pre-wedding accommodation) and check the small print for hidden costs
- Choose your venue and pay the deposit
- Book the registrar for your legal civil ceremony or, alternatively, get a church ceremony arranged (ceremonies can get booked up a long way ahead)
🌿 If you choose Wootton Park, you’re not just booking a venue – you’re creating a day that is completely personalised. Whether you fancy a relaxed barbecue, arrival by helicopter or something totally unexpected (pig racing, anyone?), our friendly team will help you bring your ideas to life.
Gather your crew
- Pick your bridesmaids, groomsmen, best people – whoever you want by your side
- Make a list of suppliers you’ll need – like a photographer, celebrant, florist and entertainment
- If you’re short on time, consider hiring a wedding planner (though with Wootton Park’s dedicated wedding coordinators, you might not need to!)
Start outfit shopping
- Choosing dresses and suits for the wedding party early on makes it fun and relaxing – and gives you more time for fittings and tweaks
- Don’t forget the extras – shoes, jewellery, fragrance, the works
Tidy up the admin
- Set reminders for deposits and deadlines
- Keep everything in one place – digital folder, wedding app, mega-spreadsheet or a good old-fashioned wedding binder
- Consider wedding insurance for peace of mind
9–12 months to go
You’re really getting into the fun stuff now – turning ideas into firm plans for an amazing celebration.
Snap up key suppliers
The good ones get booked up fast, especially at weekends in summer:
- Photographer and/or videographer
- Celebrant (they can’t marry you legally if you’re in England or Wales, but they’re still a great option for a personalised ceremony)
- Caterers – if you’re bringing in outside caterers, ask about menus and tastings
- Hair and makeup – secure your dream team early if there’s someone you love working with
Line up the entertainment
- Book your music for the day – think wedding band, DJ, acoustic set, special performances from friends and family (check sound limits at your venue first)
- Consider other fun extras, from photobooths and magicians to fairground rides and garden games – check out our magic makers for inspiration!
Help guests plan ahead
- Send ‘save the dates’ to guests to get your big day in their diary
- Reserve or block-book accommodation at your venue, and elsewhere too if you can
- Look into nearby hotels, B&Bs and group stays
- Share the info on your wedding website or by email – it will be especially handy for those travelling from far away
🌿 At Wootton Park we have a range of beautiful accommodation, including our 16th century farmhouse, former bakehouse, treehouses and glamping pods with hot tubs, and camping pitches. Plus, there are lots of options for stays in and around Stratford-upon-Avon.
Plan your grand entrance
- Book wedding day transport – classic car, campervan, horse and carriage, hot air balloon… the choices are endless!
- Ask your venue for ideas – here at Wootton Park, we’ve had couples arriving by rowing boat, and helicopters are another fun choice
Choose invitations and stationery
- Design or order your invitations and any extras (RSVPs, menus, signage)
- Check printing times and proofread carefully to spot any sneaky typos!
Get honeymoon plans rolling
- Talk about what kind of trip you’d both love – total relaxation, an active adventure, or a mini escape now with something bigger later
- Check passports and get them renewed if they’ll expire soon
- Decide whether you’ll head off straight after the wedding or take a few days to recover (and eat leftover cake)
6–9 months to go
Your plans are really coming together. Now you can focus on the special details that reflect you as a couple.
Finalise food and drink
- Book your menu tasting if you haven’t already – it’s great fun!
- Decide what you’ll serve during the day and in the evening – whether that’s a traditional wedding breakfast, a relaxed BBQ, or one epic twilight wedding feast
- Make a plan for collecting guest choices and any dietary requirements – your caterer or venue can usually help with this
🌿 Wootton Park couples often go for relaxed, crowd-pleasing options – think BBQs, wood-fired pizzas and grazing tables – but a formal three-course meal is absolutely on the table too (pun intended).
Start planning your ceremony
- Give notice of your marriage – this is a legal requirement, and you’ll need to book an in-person appointment at the registry office nearest to where you live
- Meet your celebrant or vicar, or contact your registry office to learn how the ceremony will work
- Choose readings, music and any personal touches – whether that’s a candle-lighting, a family member doing a reading, or even your dog as ringbearer
- Thinking of writing your own vows? Start jotting down ideas now
Send out your invitations
- Include all the essentials – RSVP details, accommodation info, dietary requirements
- Choose printed or digital, whatever works for you
Stamp your personality on the day
- Collect décor ideas and start any DIY projects, such as venue decorations and welcome boards
- Think about ways to personalise your day – custom readings, a memory table, meaningful music and fun activities you love (football, horseriding, rodeo…)
- Plan special moments for just the two of you – like a private vow reading, or time out together (at Wootton Park you can slip away for a private tour and photoshoot around the estate, in your very own Land Rover!)
Wootton Park Wisdom 💡
Some couples like to dress the venue with their own decorations – if that’s you, now’s a good time to start collecting or DIY-ing. We’re always happy to help coordinate set-up so everything’s ready when you arrive.
3–6 Months to Go
Everything’s clicking into place now. You’re ticking things off and keeping the momentum going.
Schedule beauty trials and treatments
- Book your hair and makeup trials – a chance to test out your look and feel confident for the big day
- Schedule any pre-wedding treatments, like facials, nails, haircuts and colour appointments
Check in with your suppliers
- Touch base with your photographer, celebrant and others
- Chat through timings, logistics and any info they need from you
- Order any rental items you need, like AV equipment or marquees
Make sure outfits and rings are good to go
- Book fittings and any alterations you need
- Make sure you’ve both got the extras – shoes, accessories, underwear, veil, cufflinks, fragrance…
- Choose and order your rings
- Start breaking in your shoes so they’re comfy on the day
Finalise flowers and styling
- Confirm details with your florist or stylist – including colours, set-up and timings
- Think about what happens to your flowers after the day (gifting, donations or take-home vases)
Plan your stag and hen parties
- Delegate this one to your best people and bridesmaids if you can!
- Chat about what you’d love – chilled spa day, wild weekend or a total surprise
- Set a date that works for your wedding party and gives everyone time to plan and budget
Add final touches to your ceremony and reception
- Confirm your ceremony music, readings and any special moments
- Plan any extras like confetti throws, sparklers or a group singalong
Pull together your running order
- Draft a simple schedule for the day – from morning prep to last dance
- Share it with your venue, coordinator,photographer and wedding party
Wootton Park Wisdom 💡
Your venue team is your secret weapon. If you’re getting married at Wootton Park, we’ll check in with you to make sure everything’s on track – and help with the final details, from timings to table plans.
2–3 Months to Go
Things are starting to feel real – and exciting. Time to add the finishing touches and lock in the details.
Start on your seating plan
- Decide on the overall layout – round tables, long banquet style, or a mix?
- Gather RSVPs and plan who’s sitting where
- Think about where you’ll sit, too – at a traditional top table with family or a sweetheart table for just the two of you?
Send out final info to guests
- Share key details like arrival times, transport options, parking and dress code
- Create your gift list (or honeymoon fund) and share that too
- Point people to your wedding website if you have one
Organise gifts and thank yous
- Make or buy gifts and cards for your wedding party, parents or anyone going the extra mile
Check in with your cake maker
- Finalise your cake design, flavours and delivery time
- If you’re providing a stand or topper, check if they need it in advance
Check honeymoon essentials
- Arrange currency, transport and airport parking
- Make sure you both know where your passports are – and double-check that they’re in date
1 month to go
You’re on the home stretch – and the excitement really ramps up!
Do final outfit checks
- Head to your final fittings and try everything on together – outfits, shoes, accessories
- Look in the mirror and soak it up – this is you, ready to walk down the aisle
- Make sure your outfit feels amazing and ready to go
Finalise guest details
- Chase up any lingering RSVPs
- Share final numbers with your venue and caterer
- Produce your final seating plan
Pamper yourselves
- Book in those feel-good appointments – nails, hair, brows, facials or massages
- Carve out some time to relax – go for a walk, watch a film, or spend an evening not talking about the wedding
Pack for the big day
- Gather everything you’ll need – outfits, accessories, rings, signage, décor, overnight bags
- Consider including a letter or small gift for your partner to open on the morning of the wedding as a special touch
- Put together a small emergency kit – include plasters, tissues, safety pins, deodorant, mints
- If you’re bringing anything to the venue (like table decorations or cake toppers), make a checklist and plan when to drop it off
1 week to go
You’re nearly there. It’s time to check the last few details and set yourself up for an incredible day.
Check the schedule one last time
- Confirm final timings and contact details with your suppliers
- Run through the final schedule with your wedding coordinator
- Make sure your wedding party knows what’s happening and when
Rest and recharge
- Make sleep a priority (even if you’re buzzing)
- Eat well, hydrate and keep some space in the diary for yourselves
On the Day
It’s finally happening! All the planning, dreaming and excitement has led to this moment. Now your only job is to have the best day of your life. 💕
A few last things
- Eat breakfast – you’ll need the energy for a long (and wonderful) day
- Give your phone or to-do list to someone else – you’re off duty now
- Allow extra time for getting ready – everything takes longer in a wedding outfit
- If you’ve written each other a note or exchanged a small gift, this is the moment to open it
- Drink water. It helps, promise
- Expect a few surprises – the unplanned moments often become your favourite memories