A Detailed Wedding Planning Timeline For South Asian Brides In The UK

The big question has been asked and you’ve said yes! Now it’s time to start planning the wedding of your dreams. And as exciting as that sounds, finding a starting point to the planning process can be quite confusing. Do you start with looking for venues or should you prioritise researching for the best vendors in the business? If you already tried taking in the unlimited advice available on Tiktok and Instagram, it’s time to turn towards an expert wedding planner.

Take a deep breath and grab a pen and paper because the answer to your questions is an old-school one. Similar to your daily to-do list, a wedding planning timeline is just what you need. Start by noting down the numerous things you need to look into such as finding your dream venue, booking your makeup artist, sending out wedding invitation and so on. If you are feeling crafty, feel free to use sticky notes and rearrange them based on what needs to be done first.

Need more eyes with a touch of professionalism on this task? Get in touch with the UK’s most renowned wedding planners right away. Dive into tips from the experts who specialises in destination wedding planning to make your life easier if you’re looking for a venue away from home. Start with the steps below.

Your timeline can be as detailed as you prefer. Besides a checklist of what needs to be done first, it can also include questions you’d like to ask your wedding vendors.

Everyone’s wedding planning journey is very different. Remember, this is where two different families, sometimes even two different cultures come together. There are so many different rituals to know about too. So, it’s very important to start writing it down as it helps you focus and tick things off.”

Parvy of Destination Snob, destination wedding planner.

No Missed Spots

“For example, when you are looking for a venue, there is a lot that you have to think about. Writing a timeline and checklist down will help you not miss the important details. ‘What kind of food you want, if you want a fusion menu’. All these things, when noted down, have a lesser chance of being missed out.”

“When you make a checklist, it helps to share the responsibility of the tasks that need to be taken care off. Once you have actually written down a timeline, you will then be able to share the responsibilities with your partner and other family members. This will also help your family feel involved in the wedding.” Sometimes couple’s start planning it on their own but soon realise that this is no one man’s job and the more helping hands, the merrier it will be.

Below is a detailed wedding planning timeline. Save it, print it and check it to make the process enjoyable and easy.

12-18 months before the wedding:

1. Set the Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on the wedding and allocate funds for each aspect.
2. Create a Guest List: Decide who you want to invite, keeping in mind your budget and venue capacity.
3. Choose the Venue: Research and book both the ceremony and reception venues that are suitable for the kind of ceremony you’re will to have.
4. Hire Vendors: Secure key vendors such as a photographer, caterer, florist, and entertainment.
5. Select the Date: Choose a wedding date that works for you and your partner, considering availability of venues and important guests.
6. Start Dress Shopping: Begin looking for your dream wedding looks and accessories for each of your wedding events.
7. Send Save the Dates: If you have a destination wedding or many out-of-town guests, send out save the date cards.
8. Plan the Honeymoon: Start researching destinations and book flights and accommodations for your honeymoon.

9-12 months before the wedding:

1. Book the priests: Find a priest who can perform the ceremony and book their services.
2. Finalise Guest List: Trim down your guest list if necessary and collect addresses.
3. Choose Wedding Party Attire: Select attire for the wedding party and arrange fittings.
4. Start Planning Decor: Begin deciding on the overall theme and decor elements for the wedding.
5. Research and Book Accommodations: Reserve hotel blocks for out-of-town guests and yourselves.
6. Order Wedding Invitations: Design and order wedding invitations.
7. Plan Engagement Photoshoot: Schedule an engagement photoshoot with your photographer.
8. Start Registry: Create a wedding registry and share it with guests.

6-9 months before the wedding:

1. Finalise Catering Menu: Work with your caterer to finalise the menu and arrange for tastings.
2. Plan Transportation: Arrange transportation for the wedding party and guests if needed.
3. Book Hair and Makeup Artists: Secure hair and makeup professionals for yourself and the wedding party.
4. Order Wedding Cake: Choose a baker and order your wedding cake or dessert.
5. Purchase Wedding Jewellery: Select and purchase all the needed wedding jewellery for you and your partner.
6. Schedule Vendor Meetings: Confirm details with all vendors and discuss timelines.
7. Finalise Ceremony Details: Decide on speeches, vows, and other ceremony elements.

3-6 months before the wedding:

1. Send Wedding Invitations: Mail out wedding invitations, including RSVP cards.
2. Plan Seating Chart: Start creating a seating chart for the reception.
3. Finalise Decor: Order decor items such as centrepieces, linens, and signage.
4. Purchase Wedding Favours: Choose and order wedding favours for guests.
5. Arrange For A Marriage License: Obtain a marriage license from your local government office.
6. Finalise Music Playlist: Work with your DJ or band to finalise the music playlist for the ceremony and reception.
7. Plan Day-of Timeline: Create a detailed timeline for the wedding days, including hair and makeup, ceremony, reception, and transportation.
8. Confirm Details with Vendors: Confirm final details with all vendors and provide them with the timeline.

1-3 months before the wedding:

1. Final Dress Fitting: Schedule final fittings for your wedding attire.
2. Finalise Seating Chart: Complete and finalise the seating chart for the reception dinner.
3. Purchase Gifts: Buy gifts for the wedding party, parents, and each other.
4. Confirm RSVPs: Follow up with guests who have not yet RSVP’d.
5. Plan Welcome Bags: Prepare welcome bags for out-of-town guests staying in hotels.
6. Apply for Marriage License: Submit your marriage license application if you haven’t already done so.
7. Review Details with Vendors: Confirm final details with all vendors and provide them with the final headcount.

1 week before the wedding:

1. Finalise Payments: Make final payments to vendors.
2. Pack for Honeymoon: Pack for your honeymoon and confirm travel arrangements.
3. Confirm Details with Venue: Confirm details with the ceremony and reception venues.
4. Delegate Tasks: Assign tasks to trusted friends or family members for the wedding day.
5. Confirm Beauty Appointments: Confirm hair and makeup appointments for the wedding day.
6. Prepare Wedding Day Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with essentials for the wedding day.
7. Relax and Enjoy: Take some time to relax and spend quality time with your partner before the big day. This timeline should help you stay organised and ensure that everything runs smoothly leading up to your wedding day. Happy planning!