Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming — there are hundreds of decisions to make and a timeline that seems to shrink by the day. This month-by-month checklist breaks everything down into manageable steps, so you always know what to do next.

Whether you're planning a grand Kent celebration or an intimate affair, this guide has you covered from engagement to "I do."

12 Months Before: The Foundations

This is the exciting bit — setting the vision for your day and locking in the big decisions early.

Budget

Set your total wedding budget — be honest about what you can afford
Identify who's contributing — parents, savings, or both
Create a spreadsheet with categories: venue, catering, photography, flowers, entertainment, attire, stationery, transport, accommodation, contingency
Allocate 10% contingency — unexpected costs always appear
Research typical Kent wedding costs — request quotes from 3-5 venues to understand the range for your guest count and preferred style

Guest List

Draft your initial guest list — write everyone down, worry about cutting later
Agree on numbers — this determines your venue options
Decide on children — yes, no, or family-only?
Consider day vs. evening guests — different numbers for each part
Check key dates with VIP guests (parents, best man, maid of honour)

Venue

Research venues that match your style, budget, and guest count
Book 3-5 venue viewings — compare in person, not just online
Check availability for your preferred dates (Saturdays book 12-18 months ahead)
Ask about all-inclusive packages — often the best value
Review contracts carefully before signing
Pay deposit to secure your date

Venue viewing tip: Visit at the same time of day as your wedding would be. Lighting and atmosphere change dramatically between morning and evening.

Key Questions for Venue Viewings

What's included in the venue hire?
Is there a minimum guest count or spend?
Can you host both ceremony and reception?
What's the cancellation policy?
Is there on-site accommodation?
How many weddings do you host per day?
What time must the event end?
Is parking included?

View our wedding venue spaces →

10-11 Months Before: The Big Bookings

With your venue secured, it's time to lock in the suppliers who book up fastest.

Photography & Videography

Research photographers — look at full wedding galleries, not just highlights
Book your photographer — the best ones book 12+ months ahead
Decide on videography — increasingly popular, request quotes early
Book videographer if desired
Discuss style preferences — documentary, editorial, classic?

Entertainment

Book your band or DJ — popular acts book very early
Discuss set list/playlist — must-plays and must-not-plays
Consider ceremony music — string quartet, pianist, or playlist?
Book any additional entertainment — photo booth, magician, fireworks

Catering

If not included with venue: research and book caterers
If included: schedule menu tasting (usually 3-6 months before)
Decide on drinks — open bar, limited bar, or drinks package?
Consider evening food — buffet, food truck, pizza van?

Wedding Party

Ask your bridesmaids/groomsmen — in person, make it special
Choose best man and maid of honour
Discuss roles and expectations — not everyone knows what's involved

8-9 Months Before: Style & Details

Now the fun creative decisions begin.

Attire

Start dress shopping — most dresses need 6-9 months to order + alterations
Book bridal boutique appointments (weekday appointments are quieter)
Choose bridesmaids' dresses — allow 4-6 months for ordering
Groom's outfit — suit hire or purchase? Book fittings
Accessories — veil, shoes, jewellery, cufflinks, ties

Flowers & Décor

Research florists — look at real wedding work, not just studio shoots
Book your florist — share your venue, colour scheme, and vision
Discuss seasonal availability — seasonal flowers are cheaper and fresher
Plan venue décor — what does the venue provide vs. what you need to hire?
Consider DIY elements — table names, favours, welcome signs

Stationery

Design save-the-dates and send them out
Choose invitation style — matching your theme
Order invitations (send at 3 months)
Plan day-of stationery — order of service, menus, table plan, place cards

Cake

Research cake designers — book 6+ months ahead for busy periods
Schedule tasting — the best appointment of the whole process
Confirm design, size, and flavours
Discuss delivery and setup at your venue

6-7 Months Before: Bookings & Legalities

Legal Requirements

Give notice at your local register office — must be done 28+ days before the wedding (but do it now to avoid stress)
Check passport/ID requirements — you'll need originals
Discuss ceremony content with registrar — readings, vows, music
Confirm ceremony type — civil, religious, or humanist

Transport

Book wedding car — vintage cars and luxury vehicles book early
Plan guest transport — shuttle from station? Parking at venue?
Consider departure transport — heading to honeymoon directly?

Accommodation

Block-book rooms for guests at your venue or nearby hotels
Inform guests of accommodation options — include in invitations
Book your wedding night room — something special

Kent tip: Venues with on-site accommodation (like Salomons Estate's 47 bedrooms and 6 cottages) make this much simpler — one booking covers everyone.

Honeymoon

Research and book honeymoon — best prices are 6+ months ahead
Check passport validity — must be valid for 6 months after travel
Arrange travel insurance
Set up honeymoon fund if preferred over traditional gifts

4-5 Months Before: Details & Coordination

Invitations

Send invitations — 3 months before, with 6-week RSVP deadline
Include: venue address, timings, dress code, accommodation info, dietary requirements form, gift list info
Track RSVPs — follow up with non-responders at 2 weeks past deadline

Menu & Drinks

Attend menu tasting with your venue
Finalise menu choices — consider dietary requirements
Choose drinks package or plan bar arrangements
Order any specialty drinks — signature cocktails, local wines

Readings & Music

Choose ceremony readings — two readings are standard for civil ceremonies
Select processional music (walking down the aisle)
Select recessional music (walking out as married couple)
Prepare first dance — lessons if needed
Create do-not-play list for DJ/band

Hair & Beauty

Book hair stylist — trial 2-3 months before
Book make-up artist — trial 2-3 months before
Consider bridesmaids' hair and make-up (often offered as group booking)
Start skincare routine if you haven't already

2-3 Months Before: Fine-Tuning

Seating & Table Plan

Finalise guest numbers from RSVPs
Create table plan — the most politically charged task of the whole process
Assign dietary requirements to correct seats
Prepare place cards
Brief venue on final numbers — most venues need final count 2-4 weeks before

Speeches & Ceremonies

Brief speech-givers — best man, father of the bride, maid of honour
Set time limits — 5-7 minutes each is ideal
Confirm running order of speeches (usually between courses or after dessert)
Finalise ceremony readings — give readers printed copies
Write personal vows if applicable

Dress & Suit Fittings

Final dress fitting — 4-6 weeks before
Break in wedding shoes — wear around the house
Groom's final suit fitting
Collect all accessories — check nothing is forgotten

Supplier Confirmations

Confirm all suppliers in writing with times, addresses, contact numbers
Create supplier schedule — who arrives when, where they set up
Share venue access details with all suppliers
Confirm payment schedules — most require final payment 2-4 weeks before

2 Weeks Before: The Home Stretch

Confirm final guest count with venue and caterer
Break in your wedding shoes (if you haven't already)
Prepare emergency kit — sewing kit, plasters, painkillers, tissues, deodorant, breath mints, phone charger
Write thank-you cards for parents and wedding party (give on the morning)
Prepare marriage licence documents
Confirm transport — times and addresses for all vehicles
Prepare cash tips/envelopes for suppliers (if planned)
Pack honeymoon bags — don't leave this until the last minute

1 Week Before: Almost There

Final venue walk-through with coordinator
Deliver decorations, favours, and stationery to venue (if allowed)
Confirm all supplier arrival times — one final check
Collect wedding rings — give to best man or trusted person
Have final hair/beauty treatments — nails, facial (nothing new!)
Prepare outfit for getting-ready morning — comfy button-up top, nice underwear
Charge camera batteries, prepare disposable cameras
Delegate day-of tasks — who has the card box? Who's directing suppliers?

The Day Before

Rehearsal at the venue (if possible)
Rehearsal dinner or drinks with wedding party
Lay out everything you need for the morning
Eat a proper dinner — wedding day eating is unpredictable
Get an early night — you won't sleep brilliantly, but try
Hand over any remaining items to best man/maid of honour
Take a quiet moment — reflect on what tomorrow means

Wedding Day

Morning

Eat breakfast — seriously, eat something substantial
Hair and make-up — as per your scheduled time
Getting-ready photos — photographer usually arrives 2-3 hours before ceremony
Give gifts/letters to each other (if planned)
Check rings are with the best man
Deep breath — this is your day

Before the Ceremony

Final outfit check — train, veil, buttonholes, pocket square
Arrive at venue (if getting ready elsewhere)
Registrar meeting — brief meeting to confirm details (15 mins before)
Ushers brief — who's directing guests where?

After the Ceremony

Confetti and photos — your photographer will guide this
Drinks reception — mingle with guests, enjoy the moment
Group photos — have a shot list prepared to keep this efficient
Quiet moment as a couple — 5 minutes alone before the party begins

Evening

First dance — get it over with early if you're nervous
Cut the cake — usually timed with evening guests arriving
Evening food — buffet or street food for evening guests
Dance the night away
Sparkler exit or sendoff (if planned)

After the Wedding

Week 1

Honeymoon! — enjoy every second
Post on social media — one lovely photo, then put your phone away

Month 1

Send thank-you cards — handwritten is best
Review and share photos when they arrive (usually 4-8 weeks)
Collect any items left at the venue
Return hired items — suits, decorations, etc.
Change your name (if applicable) — driving licence, passport, bank accounts

Month 2-3

Order prints or album from photographer
Leave reviews for your venue and suppliers — they depend on these
File marriage certificate safely
Update wills and insurance — now that you're married

Kent-Specific Planning Tips

Best Time to Marry in Kent

Season: Spring (Apr-May) — Pros: Blossom, mild weather, beautiful light — Cons: Unpredictable rain — Value: Good value
Season: Summer (Jun-Aug) — Pros: Long days, warm evenings, outdoor options — Cons: Peak pricing, books fast — Value: Peak rates
Season: Autumn (Sep-Oct) — Pros: Golden light, rich colours, cooler temps — Cons: Shorter days — Value: Good value
Season: Winter (Nov-Mar) — Pros: Cosy atmosphere, festive décor, availability — Cons: Dark early, cold outdoor photos — Value: Best value

Kent Venue Features to Prioritise

Based on hundreds of Kent weddings, here's what couples value most:

On-site accommodation — saves guests money and logistics headaches
Licensed for outdoor ceremonies — with indoor backup for British weather
One wedding per day — no sharing your day with other events
In-house catering — simpler coordination, proven quality
Free parking — essential for countryside venues
Multiple ceremony spaces — options for rain or shine, big or intimate

Transport from London

Most Kent wedding guests will be coming from London. Make it easy:

By train: Tunbridge Wells is 45 mins from London Bridge
By car: Most of Kent is 1-1.5 hours from central London
Shuttle bus: Consider arranging a minibus from the nearest station
On-site accommodation: The best solution — no transport needed

The Master Timeline (Quick Reference)

When: 12 months — What: Budget, guest list, venue, save-the-dates
When: 10-11 months — What: Photographer, entertainment, caterer, wedding party
When: 8-9 months — What: Dress, florist, cake, stationery design
When: 6-7 months — What: Legal notice, transport, accommodation, honeymoon
When: 4-5 months — What: Send invitations, menu tasting, hair/beauty trials
When: 2-3 months — What: Table plan, speeches, final fittings, confirm suppliers
When: 2 weeks — What: Final numbers, emergency kit, documents
When: 1 week — What: Walk-through, rings, last confirmations
When: Day before — What: Rehearsal, lay out outfit, early night
When: Wedding day — What: Eat breakfast, breathe, enjoy every moment

Download This Checklist

Print this checklist and tick off each item as you go. There's nothing more satisfying than watching those tasks disappear.

Need help with your Kent wedding planning? Our experienced wedding coordinators have guided hundreds of couples through this process. We're here to help.

Call us: 01892 515152 📧 Email: venue@salomons-estate.com 🌐 Explore wedding packages: Wedding Packages 👁️ Book a viewing: Book Your Viewing

Start Planning Your Wedding →

Planning your Kent wedding? Our dedicated team at Salomons Estate is here every step of the way. From your first viewing to your last dance, we'll make sure everything is perfect. Call 01892 515152 to start your journey.

The Complete Wedding Planning Checklist for Kent Couples (2026)