London Wedding Planner

Planning a wedding is fun and exciting, but it can also be stressful with so many things to organise. Life is very hectic these days, especially if you’re based in a city like London , so it’s important to stay organised to minimise stress throughout your planning.

Before you start planning in earnest you may want to consider devising a planning timeline, which should be a comprehensive list of wedding-related tasks with deadlines for completion. This will evolve over time, and will help you to keep on top of your to-do list as well as make sure you don’t forget anything important!

Start with the Basics
It can be daunting when you first sit down with a blank piece of paper in front of you and start to think about all the things you need to do. Don’t panic! Make a simple to-do list of the main planning tasks (e.g. book venue, book photographer) in a rough order in which they need to be completed. This will form your basic checklist, to which you can add more detail as you go through your planning. Update it regularly to include deadlines for paying suppliers and confirming order details.

The Wedding Checklist
Some of the main tasks that will feature in your timeline are:

1. Choose a wedding date and ceremony time

2. Draw up a provisional guest list and set your budget
It is important to set your budget before you start making wedding arrangements, so that you know exactly what you are working to. Your guest list will have a big influence on your budget and will determine the size of venue you require.

3. Book your venue(s)
If you require separate ceremony and reception venues, ensure both are available for your chosen date. Remember that if you are holding a civil ceremony you will also need to confirm the availability of the registrar.

4. Book your suppliers
Start researching suppliers after confirming your venue. Concentrate first on finding suppliers that only commit to one wedding per day and so have more limited availability (e.g. caterer, photographer, videographer, transport and entertainment).

5. Arrange wedding insurance
You will be spending a lot of hard-earned money on your wedding day, so as soon as you start paying deposits make sure you are covered for any unforeseen circumstances.

6. Choose your wedding dress
Make sure you allow several months for delivery and alterations. Most stores recommend ordering your dress no later than 6 months before your date, but you may need to allow longer if you are having a bespoke design.

7. Order bridesmaids dresses and book groomswear
Once you have chosen your dress you can choose your attendants’ outfits. Choose your bridesmaids’ outfits first and then look for groomswear with complementary colours.

8. Compile your guest list and order invitations
Allow several weeks for the preparation of your invitations, particularly if they are bespoke or hand-made. Factor in at least 2 weeks for writing and addressing your invitations, especially if you have a large guest list.

9. Book your wedding hair and make-up
Make sure you allow plenty of time to try out any new hairstyle or colour you may be considering for your wedding, and arrange trial hair and make-up sessions several weeks before the day.

10. Send out invitations
You should distribute your wedding invitations at least 10-12 weeks before your weddings; you may want to send your invitations out earlier if your wedding date is during a popular holiday period, but avoid sending them out too far in advance (i.e. no more than 4 months).

11. Confirm order details with suppliers where necessary
Add in deadlines for meeting with your suppliers to confirm details of your order (e.g. flower arrangements, menu choice, specific photograph shots)

12. Order additional stationery
Once you have your guest responses you can order the remainder of your stationery, such as orders of service, place cards, menus and your table plan.

13. Confirm wedding day arrangements with all suppliers and make final payments

For more detailed advice and professional tools to help you plan your big day, please see our DIY Wedding Planning Package .

Next month : Wedding Ceremonies

Photo Credit: Stephen Sutton Photography

You might also find interesting:

• Wedding Planning Advice – Budget Management
• Wedding Planning Advice – Wedding Ceremonies
• Wedding Planning Advice – Finding Your Venue (Part 2)
• Planning Advice – Finding Your Suppliers