Wedding checklist:
what to do 12 months ahead

A year until the wedding feels like an eternity, but the good things get booked early. Here is what is worth settling early, so the ending is relaxed.

Set the date and venue

Everything starts here. Good venues get booked 10–14 months ahead, especially for the warm season. Choose the date and venue first, then build the rest around them.

Set the budget and guest list

The number of guests decides half the budget. Put a realistic figure and a rough list on paper, so you know which category of venue and menu you fit into.

A budget written from the start saves you most of the arguments later on.

Book the key vendors

The photographer, the band or DJ and, if you want, the planner are booked among the first, because the good ones fill up fast. The rest can be added along the way, without rushing.