Planning A Wedding: How Long Does It Take?

Planning a wedding can take anywhere from two to three months to two years, depending on the couple's preferences and circumstances. Some couples prefer a more relaxed approach, taking 12 to 18 months to plan their big day, while others may opt for a shorter planning period of six months or less. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, and the planning timeline should be customised to suit each couple's unique needs and priorities.

Guest list and venue: 2-3 months for a minimalistic wedding

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long it takes to plan a wedding. It depends on the couple's needs and preferences, and whether they want a more relaxed process. On average, couples wait anywhere from 12 to 18 months, but it can be much shorter or longer depending on the circumstances. If you're planning a minimalistic wedding with a small guest list, you should allow yourself at least two to three months. During this time, you can send out save-the-dates to inform guests of any missing information, such as the venue, exact times, and potential activities in the area. Your dress might need alterations, or the caterer could be booked up, so it's important to give yourself enough time to plan.

Budget: 12-18 months is the average wait time

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long you need to plan a wedding. It depends on the couple's needs and preferences. However, on average, couples wait anywhere from 12 to 18 months to have their wedding. This can be much longer or shorter depending on the circumstances. For example, if you plan on having a minimalistic wedding with a small guest list, you should still allow yourself two to three months to plan the wedding. Your dress might need to go in for alterations, or the caterer might be booked for several months. If you need extra time to save money, anything over 12 months is really just a question of how gradual you want the process to be. You can draft a master checklist ordering your tasks and deadlines according to what matters most to you.

Dress: Allow time for alterations

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long it takes to plan a wedding. It depends on the couple's needs and preferences, and can range from two to three months for a minimalistic wedding to 12-18 months for a more relaxed process.

The wedding dress is one of the most important elements of the big day, and it's crucial to allow enough time for any necessary alterations. It's recommended to start shopping for your dress at least six months before the wedding, as it can take up to four months for a dress to be made and delivered. This will give you plenty of time to make any necessary alterations, which can take several weeks, depending on the complexity of the changes.

It's also important to consider the time of year you're getting married. If you're planning a winter wedding, you may need to allow extra time for alterations due to the busy nature of the wedding industry during this time.

Additionally, don't forget to factor in time for multiple fittings. It's recommended to have at least three fittings to ensure the perfect fit. The first fitting will be to assess the alterations needed, the second to check the progress, and the third to finalise any last-minute tweaks.

If you're planning to lose weight before the wedding, it's crucial to be mindful of this when scheduling your fittings. You don't want to end up with a dress that's too big on the day! A good rule of thumb is to aim to be at your goal weight by the second fitting, giving you a little wiggle room for any last-minute adjustments.

Finally, don't forget to enjoy the process! Finding your dream wedding dress is an exciting part of the planning journey, so take your time and savour every moment.

Catering: Book in advance

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long it takes to plan a wedding. It depends on the couple's needs and preferences, and the size of the wedding. For a minimalistic wedding with a small guest list, two to three months should be enough. However, for a larger wedding, it could take anywhere from 12 to 18 months, or even longer. If you have your heart set on a specific venue or date, you may need to book these well in advance.

Catering is one of the most important aspects of your wedding day and it's crucial to book your caterer in advance to avoid disappointment. The caterer might be booked for several months, especially if you're planning a wedding during peak season.

When choosing a caterer, consider the type of food you want to serve. Do you want a formal sit-down meal, a buffet, or something more casual like a food truck? The type of food you choose will impact the number of staff you need and the overall cost.

Be sure to ask the caterer about their experience, the types of food they can provide, and whether they can accommodate any special dietary requirements your guests may have. It's also a good idea to request a tasting so you can sample the food before making a final decision.

Once you've found a caterer you're happy with, be sure to book them as soon as possible. This will give you peace of mind and one less thing to worry about as your wedding day approaches.

Invites: Send 'save the dates' in advance, especially if guests need to travel

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long it takes to plan a wedding. It depends on the couple's needs and preferences, the size of the guest list, and whether the wedding will be in a different country.

If you're planning a minimalistic wedding with a small guest list, two to three months should be enough. However, if you want a more relaxed process or if your wedding will be in a different country, you might want to allow for more time. On average, couples wait anywhere from 12 to 18 months, but this can be longer or shorter depending on the circumstances.

One important consideration when planning a wedding is sending out save-the-dates to your guests. This is especially important if your wedding will be in a different country, as guests may need time to renew their passports, which can take several months even when expedited. Sending out save-the-dates in advance will give your guests enough time to make the necessary travel arrangements.

You can include a secondary save-the-date closer to the wedding date to inform guests of any missing information, such as the venue, exact times, and potential activities in the area for after the wedding. This way, you can give your guests a heads-up about the wedding date and location while still finalising the details.

When planning your wedding, it's a good idea to create a master checklist of tasks and deadlines, prioritising what matters most to you. This will help you stay organised and ensure you don't forget any important details.

Frequently asked questions