You did it - you're engaged!


What an amazing feeling. I still remember when I asked Mrs SHOT by JFK to marry me. Let’s just say she took her time thinking it over… but eventually, she said yes - Yayyyyy!!!!.

Excitement quickly turned into: oh wow, this is actually a lot of work!

Back then, there weren’t many wedding planning tools or blogs to help us out. Today, you’ve got far more advice at your fingertips—but planning your wedding can still feel like a mammoth task. Most of us haven’t done this before, so where do you even begin?

Let’s break it down into a simple, stress-free timeline.

Step One: Secure the Basics

Before you can book much else, you need two things: a date and a venue. Once those are confirmed, the rest of your plans can slot into place.

And before you book anything else, please—get wedding insurance. It’s a small cost (some policies start from around £70), but it could save you a huge amount of stress if things go wrong. Policies vary, but many cover cancellations due to illness or venue closure. It’s worth every penny.

Close-up view of a silver glittery high heel sandal with rhinestone embellishments against a blurred background.

24–18 Months Out: Big-Ticket Suppliers

These are the suppliers who often get booked up earliest, so secure them first:

  • Photographer (that’s me—go on, you know you want to!)
  • Videographer
  • Band/DJ
  • Cake designer
  • Bridal gown (not always urgent at this stage, but add it into your budget planning now)


18–12 Months Out: Outfits & Extras

  • Wedding gown & suits – Dresses can take up to 9 months to arrive after ordering.
  • Guest accommodation – Book blocks of rooms if needed.
  • Hair & make-up artists – They get snapped up quickly.


Wedding rings rest elegantly against pink roses swift a shallow depth of field creating a romantic composition.

12–9 Months Out: Details Begin

  • Stationery – Order Save the Dates and invitations.
  • Wedding transport – Cars, campervans, or even horse-drawn carriages—if you want it, book it now.
  • Wedding Planner - If you do not have an event co-ordinator it can be a massive help leading up to your day to have a planner, but get this arranged early.



6–4 Months Out: Styling & Trials

  • Hair and make-up trials – Get these in the diary, even if the trial isn’t until closer to the day.
  • Decor and styling – Florals, lighting, props, and all those creative touches.
  • Any final suppliers – Tick off the smaller items that remain on your list.


4–2 Months Out: Final Touches

Menus and guest list – RSVPs should be in by now. Chase up stragglers!

Wedding rings – Order them, allowing time for resizing.

Final supplier payments – Most balances are due around now.

Confetti & extras – Always check your venue’s rules first (some only allow biodegradable confetti or bubbles). Sparkers and smoke bombs are popular but not always permitted.


2–1 Month Out: Final Prep

  • Dress & suit fittings – Bring your actual wedding shoes with you.
  • Hen & stag parties – Time to relax and celebrate, safe in the knowledge that everything is under control.


Final Thoughts

Planning your wedding can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into steps makes it manageable. Book your big-ticket suppliers early, keep track of your budget, and always protect yourself with insurance.


Don't forget, when you book the right people we are all here to help, support, and offer advice.


Above all, enjoy the journey—it’s part of the story you’ll look back on long after your wedding day.

A bride in a flowing white lace gown with long sleeves twirls in a green meadow under cloudy skies.

If you found this blog useful, imagine how safe and relaxed you will feel when you book me. Click on the button below and lets have a chat about your wedding photography.