Wedding Planning Schedule: Timeline, Costs, and What to Do When

When you’re building a wedding planning schedule, a step-by-step roadmap that turns overwhelming ideas into manageable tasks. Also known as a wedding timeline, it’s not just about dates—it’s about money, people, and knowing what comes next. Most couples start planning 12 to 18 months out, but the real magic happens in the first 3 months: booking the venue, locking in the photographer, and sending out save the dates, the first official notice to guests, usually mailed 6 to 9 months before the wedding. These aren’t just pretty cards—they’re your first tool for tracking attendance, since most weddings see only 75 to 85% of invited guests actually show up.

Behind every good schedule is a solid wedding budget, the financial blueprint that decides what’s possible and what’s not. Gone are the days when parents paid for everything. Today, 6 out of 10 couples in the UK cover most costs themselves. That means you need to know what each piece costs: a bridal dress, typically ranges from £800 to £3,000 depending on designer and alterations, or save the dates, which run between £25 and £120 for 100 cards. Even small things add up—like the wedding rings, where couples now often split the cost and pick styles together. And don’t forget the honeymoon: most couples fund it themselves now, not parents. That’s why your schedule needs to include saving months in advance, not just picking a date.

Your schedule isn’t just about what to buy—it’s about what to expect. When should you book your photographer? Before the venue, because top shooters fill up fast. When do you finalize your guest list? At least 8 weeks before sending invites, so you can handle RSVPs properly. And yes, that ‘M’ on the RSVP card? It’s not a mystery—it’s just asking for your title: Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss. These little details matter because they keep your list accurate. If you’re unsure who pays for what, you’re not alone. The old rules don’t fit anymore. Today’s couples are asking hard questions: Can we afford a live band? Do we need 100 guests? Should the groom wear black? The answers aren’t in tradition—they’re in your budget, your priorities, and your timeline.

What you’ll find below isn’t just advice—it’s real talk from couples who’ve been there. From how to feed 100 people on a budget to why your wedding color isn’t just one shade but a whole palette, every post is built around what actually works. No fluff. No outdated rules. Just clear, practical steps to help you plan without panic.