Wedding Planning Timeline
A lot of our wedding couples panic that they might miss a crucial element of their wedding day. This timeline, along with our Wedding Manual, should hopefully eliminate any of those worries.
We have started the timeline from when you have fallen in love with the venue and want to pay your deposit to book your wedding with us, usually 12-18 months prior to the wedding. However if you have less time, not to worry, it just means you have to be more decisive and spend less time on Pinterest!
INITIAL STEPS
Read & sign our ‘Wedding Terms & Conditions’ and return to Sparth House
Check your registrar/ church can fit you in on your chosen day at a suitable time
Research wedding insurance
12 MONTHS PRIOR/ ONCE YOU HAVE BOOKED WITH US
Book registrar asap!
Research suppliers ie. photographer, florist, invitations, cake, decor, music, hair and makeup
Book wedding insurance - we encourage all couples to get this
Book photographer / videographer (they always book up the first!)
Book music for the day and evening ie. bands/ string quartets etc
Create a Pinterest board to start collating your wedding ideas, this is the best way to show suppliers exactly what you want
Send ‘Save the Dates’
12 month payment to Sparth House (a total of 25% of your original quote)
Decide who will be a part of your wedding party ie. Bridesmaids and Best Man
12 months out, start dress shopping!
8 - 10 MONTHS BEFORE THE BIG DAY
Decide if you want live music for your ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and evening reception and book
Wedding dress purchased!
If you have booked a fully exclusive wedding with us, start to allocate which guests you would like to stay with us on your wedding night
Book the rest of your suppliers
Book honeymoon
Order wedding stationary & invitations
6-8 MONTHS TO GO
6 months payment to Sparth House (we should have now received 75% of your initial quote)
Ensure passports are up to date for your honeymoon
Check that your hen and stag planners are on top of everything
Start researching and shopping for Bridesmaid dresses if required - don’t forget about shoes and suitable underwear
Review budget now that you have booked most of your suppliers and have sent out the ‘Save the Dates’
Send out wedding invitations - with an RSVP date of at least 2 months before your wedding
4 - 6 MONTHS TILL YOU SAY “I DO”
Organise Grooms & Groomsman outfits
Make sure everything is organised with registrars/ church
Have a meeting with venue dresser/ florist to discuss plans
Book hair and make up trials
Book wedding transport if required
2-4 MONTHS TILL YOUR WEDDING
Order wedding rings
Finish your table plan and order personalised stationery such as name or menu cards
Organise any gifts for the Wedding Party
6 WEEKS TO GO!
Prepare for your final meeting with us, making sure to bring the following…
- Table plan
- Final guest numbers (day and night)
- Guest dietaries
- Supplier’s contact details List
- Bedroom breakdown list (if applicable)
- Wedding breakfast & evening nibbles chosen
- Canapes chosen (if applicable)
- Welcome drink and any upgrades decided
- Ceremony music choices
- List of names for the first 2 rows of guests during ceremony
- An idea of any extras you want to add on (post box/ doughnut wall etc)
Final payment to Sparth House
3 months out, commence your dress fittings!
ONE MONTH LEFT!
Any final dress fittings
Start to wear in your wedding shoes!
Final meeting with photographer - we always suggest to do this on site
Final meeting with venue dresser/florist
Call all other suppliers to finalise set up times and other details
THE FINAL WEEK COUNTDOWN!
Organise with Sparth House when to come in and decorate or drop off decorations
All the preening that is required
Pack an overnight bag for your wedding night
Pack for honeymoon (if required)
Make sure to have a small survival kit for your wedding day, ie. safety pins, paracetamol, scissors, pins, sewing kit etc
Have a spare pair of heels or flats for later on in your wedding day
Make sure anyone who is doing a speech is prepared
Do full wedding dress rehearsal from underwear to veil
And that’s it you’re all done! Now just enjoy the best day of your life! And remember - we are always here if you need us!
Love Olivia, Katie & Emma xxx
Join us over on Instagram for some more Wedding fun…
