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A Sussex wedding planning timeline
Every wedding is different, but most plans follow the same order. Use this as a rough guide, and our free planning checklist to tick things off as you go.
12 months or more before
Agree your guest numbers, budget and rough date. Visit and book your venue. If you are marrying somewhere other than the venue, check the church or register office date too. Book the suppliers who get busy first: photographer, videographer and band or DJ. Start a budget and a guest list.
9 to 12 months before
Send save the dates. Start looking for your dress, as made-to-order dresses can take months. Book catering if your venue does not provide it, and your celebrant if you are having one.
6 to 9 months before
Book flowers, cake, hair and make-up and wedding cars and guest transport. Think about menswear for the groom and ushers. Book the honeymoon.
3 to 6 months before
Order invitations and send them out two to three months ahead. Choose your rings. Have your hair and make-up trial. Give notice at the register office: in England you must give notice at least 28 days before, and it lasts a year.
The last month
Confirm numbers, times and addresses with every supplier. Do the table plan. Send a running order to your photographer, venue and transport. Final dress fitting. Break in your shoes.
After the day
Send thank-you cards, and leave reviews for the suppliers who looked after you. It helps other couples more than you might think.