Planning a wedding can feel like juggling flaming bouquets while blindfolded. But you’ve got this. Whether you’re engaged for three years or three weeks, this guide will help you keep your cool — and maybe even have some fun along the way.

As Soon as You Get Engaged

♥ Celebrate first. Scream, cry, order pizza, post a photo on Instagram, whatever feels right.
♥ Subscribe to Rock n Roll Bride magazine (duh!)
♥ Set your priorities, together. Big party? Tiny elopement? Matching tattoos instead of rings?
♥ Talk budget early – dream big but spend smart.

12–18 Months

♥ Lock down your venue.
♥ Start stalking suppliers on Instagram. Save what you actually love, not what Pinterest tells you to.
♥ Think about your theme, but don’t force it. “Hot goth picnic” and “Y2K disco barn” are totally valid options.

10–12 Months

♥ Draft your guest list (brace yourself for opinions).
♥ Send save-the-dates — or a group text if you’re keeping it casual.
♥ Buy wedding insurance (not sexy, but necessary).
♥ Book the big stuff: photographer, videographer, planner, caterer.
♥ Start outfit-hunting – try everything, even the stuff you think you’ll hate.
♥ Ask your besties to be in bridesmaids/ groomsmen.

8–10 Months

♥ Finalise your guest list.
♥ Book your officiant and/or legal ceremony.
♥ Sort entertainment, transport and glam squad.
♥ Florist, cake, and any large rentals such as chairs, tables, marquee should be getting booked now too.
♥ Your dress order should be in by now – or start your DIY mission if that’s your thing.
♥ Begin plotting the hen, stag, or whatever-you-call-it bash.

6–8 Months

♥ Book the honeymoon or post-wedding getaway.
♥ Create your gift list (or charity donation, honeymoon or tattoo fund).
♥ Start your DIY projects.
♥ Check in with your wedding party about their outfits.
♥ Design and send your invites.

4–6 Months

♥ Hair and make-up trials – take photos in different light!
♥ Order the rings.
♥ Handle the boring legal stuff (banns, notice, paperwork).

2–4 Months

♥ Collect RSVPs (chase the slackers).
♥ Its table plan time! (yes, we know it’s painful).
♥ Finalise your outfits.
♥ Start writing your vows and thinking about readings, music etc.
♥ Finalise the menu – the tasting sessions are one of the best bits!

1–2 Months

♥ Hen/Stag/Whatever time!
♥ Final dress fitting. Don’t forget about getting the right underwear!
♥ If you don’t have a planner doing it for you, make a running order of the day and share it with your suppliers.
♥ Chase the last few RSVPs (there’s always one).

2–4 Weeks

♥ Send the final headcount to the venue and caterer.
♥ Get your hair dyed and cut.
♥ Finalise the playlist.

1–2 Weeks

♥ Make your final payments to your suppliers.
♥ Practice your vows.
♥ Pamper yourself. Nails, waxing, massage (you deserve it!)
♥ Finish any last DIY projects (or decide you don’t care anymore – also valid).
♥ Pack for your honeymoon. Don’t forget your passport or if you need to apply for any visas!

The Day Before

♥ Set up your venue (or delegate like a boss).
♥ Give the rings to whoever’s responsible enough to hold them.

The Big Day

♥ Eat something.
♥ Breathe.
♥ Cry all the happy tears.
♥ Live it. Remember, it’s your day, not a performance.

After the Wedding

♥ Do all the admin: name change, thank you cards, etc.
♥ Then forget all that and enjoy being married. You did it!