Wedding countdown: your checklist

At least a year before your wedding

• Check you have the relevant legal paperwork.
• Ask key family and friends before you set the wedding date.
• Set your budget. You might want to consider wedding insurance in case suppliers let you down or you need to cancel. To avoid returning from your honeymoon to a pile of bills, a low-interest loan may help.
• Decide on the type of marriage ceremony you want and the church, register office or licensed venue you want to have it in. Book an appointment with the person who will officiate at your wedding.
• Put down a deposit on your chosen reception venue.
• Start choosing your wedding suppliers, such as a florist, photographer, videographer, caterer, cake maker, wine merchant, car hire company, créche service and marquee hire company.
• Draw up your wedding guest list.

Nine months before your wedding

• Choose your marriage attendants, such as bridesmaids, best man, ushers, flower girls and pageboys.
• Think music. If you want singers or musicians during the ceremony, or a band and DJ for the reception, book now.
• Order your stationery—maybe send out save-the-date cards now?
• Think wedding dress. A dressmaker will need at least four months to create the perfect frock, or you can start browsing designer boutiques or vintage clothing stores.

Six months before your wedding

• Choose your wedding colour scheme. Order outfits for your attendants, plus shoes and accessories.
• Order your wedding rings—bespoke designs take time to finish and engrave.
• Choose a honeymoon and book the hotel for your wedding night. Make sure you have a valid passport, particularly if you're changing your name.

Three months before your wedding

• Check you have the relevant visas and vaccinations for honeymooning abroad.
• Compile your wedding gift list.
• Find a hairdresser and make-up artist and book a few practice sessions.

Two months before your wedding

• Send out the invitations, along with directions, gift list details and details for local taxis, train stations and nearby accommodation.
• Think about the seating plan.
• Stay calm—a little spa pampering can work wonders!
• Time for best man and chief bridesmaid to plan the stag and hen parties.

One month before your wedding

• Double-check delivery times and details with all suppliers.
• Confirm the final number of guests with the caterers.
• Order honeymoon currency and travellers' cheques.
• Go for a final dress fitting.
• Treat yourself to some gorgeous lingerie and perhaps swimwear for the beach.
• Attend a rehearsal before the big day.

On your wedding day
You've done all the planning—now just enjoy!