Your Complete Wedding Planning Guide

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re not sure what you should be doing when. One minute you’re choosing napkin colours, the next you’re wondering if you should’ve booked your photographer six months ago.

The truth? Wedding planning isn’t constant chaos. It has a rhythm.

At Luxe Wedding Studio, we guide our couples through planning in a way that feels intentional, calm, and well-paced — so you’re never second-guessing your progress or carrying unnecessary stress. This wedding planning timeline breaks the process down into clear, manageable stages, so you can focus only on what matters right now.

Setting the Foundation: The First 18 Months

12–18 Months Before Your Wedding

Foundations & Big-Picture Decisions

This stage sets the direction for everything that follows. When these foundations are clear, every future decision becomes easier.

Focus on:

• Clarifying your overall vision and priorities

• Establishing a realistic wedding budget

• Creating an initial guest list estimate

• Securing your venue and wedding date

What typically happens:

• You discuss what matters most to you — atmosphere, food, photography, guest experience

• You determine how many guests you’re comfortable hosting

• You book your venue (which influences logistics, styling, and timing)

• You engage your wedding planner early for guidance, structure, and supplier selection

• You begin styling conversations if hire items or installation florals are involved

• Save the Dates are sent (especially for destination or peak-season weddings)

• Wedding dress research begins — particularly important for custom or made-to-order gowns

• You decide on your wedding party and give them plenty of notice

Why this stage matters: These decisions impact availability, pricing, and the overall feel of your wedding. Getting them right early removes pressure later.

9–12 Months Before Your Wedding

Building Your Team & Refining Direction

With the foundation in place, planning becomes more creative — and more exciting.

Focus on:

• Booking key suppliers

• Developing your aesthetic direction

• Beginning ceremony considerations

What typically happens:

• You book high-priority suppliers such as your photographer, videographer, celebrant, caterer, florist, and hair & makeup team

• You refine your colour palette and styling vision

• You explore the structure and tone of your ceremony

• You decide whether you’ll host additional events (welcome dinner, rehearsal dinner, recovery brunch)

• Suit shopping begins, particularly for made-to-measure pieces

• You clarify what wedding party expenses will be covered (to avoid awkward conversations later)

Why this stage matters: Many premium suppliers book out well in advance. Securing your dream team early gives you confidence and flexibility.

An elegant flat lay of wedding stationery featuring deep green envelopes, botanical details, vintage stamps, and soft, romantic textures.

The Wedding Planning Schedule: 6 to 3 Months Before

6–9 Months Before Your Wedding

Detail Building & Guest Experience

This phase brings clarity and momentum — things start to feel real.

Focus on:

• Completing your supplier list

• Guest experience planning

• Early styling decisions

What typically happens:

• Remaining suppliers are booked (entertainment, transport, additional styling)

• Guest numbers are refined

• Ceremony and reception layouts are considered

• Invitation design and wording are explored

• Accommodation and transport logistics for guests are planned

• Wedding dress fittings begin once the gown arrives

• Wedding bands are selected and ordered

• Shoes are purchased to allow for accurate dress alterations

Why this stage matters: Decisions begin connecting — layouts inform styling, numbers inform budgets, and everything starts aligning.

4–6 Months Before Your Wedding

Confirmation & Communication

This is where everything starts to feel tangible.

Focus on:

• Guest communication

• Ceremony content

• Styling confirmation

What typically happens:

• Invitations are sent and RSVPs tracked

• Ceremony music, readings, and rituals are confirmed

• Styling elements are locked in

• Menu and bar selections are finalised

• Hair and makeup trials take place

• Wedding party attire timelines are checked

Why this stage matters:

Clear communication now prevents last-minute stress and ensures everyone is aligned.

An elegant wedding place setting combining warm neutral tones, natural textures, and refined gold accents.

The Final Countdown: 2 Months to Wedding Day

2–3 Months Before Your Wedding

Logistics & Structure

This phase is about organisation — not creativity.

Focus on:

• Final numbers

• Timelines and logistics

• Run sheet preparation

What typically happens:

• Final guest numbers are confirmed

• Seating plans are created

• Supplier details are finalised

• A detailed run sheet is developed

• Wet weather and contingency plans are locked in

• Final payments begin

• Beauty schedules are planned (hair, skin, nails, brows)

Why this stage matters: Strong planning here allows you to relax later, knowing nothing has been overlooked.

The Final Month

Refinement & Reassurance

The work is largely done — now it’s about confidence.

Focus on:

• Final confirmations

• Personal preparation

• Letting go

What typically happens:

• All suppliers are reconfirmed

• Final run sheet is distributed

• Emergency kits are prepared

• Wedding party roles are clarified

• Vows and speeches are finalised

• Attire, stationery, and styling items are packed

Why this stage matters:This is where you shift from planning to experiencing.

Wedding Week

Presence Over Preparation

At this point, planning gives way to trust.

Focus on:

• Rest

• Staying present

• Delegation

The Wedding Day: Embracing Every Moment

Your wedding day is the culmination of months of thoughtful planning. With a clear schedule and trusted vendors, you can focus on the joy of the moment.

• Morning preparations: Enjoy a calm start with hair, makeup, and light refreshments.

• Vendor arrivals: Ensure your planner or a trusted person coordinates vendor setup.

• Ceremony and celebration: Trust your timeline and soak in every detail.

• Post-ceremony: Allow time for photos and guest mingling.

• Reception: Celebrate with your loved ones, knowing every element has been carefully curated.

  
  

Beyond the Day: Preserving Memories and Gratitude

After the last dance, your wedding journey continues in meaningful ways.

• Send thank-you notes: Express appreciation to guests and vendors.

• Preserve your dress and keepsakes: Arrange professional cleaning and storage.

• Review vendor services: Share feedback and testimonials.

• Relive your day: Create albums and videos to cherish forever.

  
  

Wedding planning is not linear. You’ll move back and forth between stages — and that’s completely normal. This timeline exists so you never have to wonder “Should we be doing something right now?”And when you’re unsure, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

If you’d like support navigating your planning journey with clarity and calm, Luxe Wedding Studio is here to guide you every step of the way.