Planning a wedding is not something you can leave until the last minute.

It is recommended that the church, reception venue and photographer are booked at least 12 months in advance and up to 24 months if you want the most sought-after people and places at the height of the season.

Wedding dresses, whether hand made or shop-bought, often take up to six months to prepare and even florists, bakers and wedding car specialists require plenty of notice to ensure the wedding day runs smoothly. The following timetable should give you an idea of what needs to be done and when.

12-24 MONTHS TO GO

  • Decide the date and place of the wedding
  • Arrange a meeting with the vicar or book register office and give notice to registrar
  • Book reception venue
  • Book caterers
  • Book photographer/ videographer
  • Book honeymoon
  • Book reception entertainment
  • Order transport
  • Decide number of guests and make list

NINE MONTHS TO GO

  • Choose bridesmaids, best man and ushers
  • Choose wedding dress to buy or hire
  • Order wedding cake
  • Compile list of wedding presents

THREE MONTHS TO GO

  • Order invitations
  • Confirm church/register office arrangements
  • Buy accessories such as shoes, headdress, veil etc
  • Buy bridesmaids' dresses and accessories
  • Order flowers
  • Choose wedding rings
  • Check passports are up to date if your honeymoon is abroad
  • If catering at home make arrangements for food, drink etc
  • Groom, ushers, best man should arrange suits
  • Send out invitations

SIX WEEKS TO GO

  • Arrange beauty salon appointment/ book hairdresser
  • Choose music for the ceremony
  • Choose presents for bridesmaids
  • Confirm travel and hotel bookings

10-SEVEN DAYS TO GO

  • Go to hairdressers to discuss different hairstyles
  • Meet with best man, bridesmaids and ushers to finalise arrangements
  • Start packing for honeymoon

24 HOURS TO GO

  • Have your beauty treatments
  • Final packing for honeymoon
  • Lay out wedding ensemble and going away ensemble

THE WEDDING DAY

  • Shower or relaxing bath
  • Eat a good breakfast
  • Get hair done Sort out make-up
  • Put on dress and get bridesmaids ready
  • Photographs
  • Go off to venue