From “Yes!” to “I Do”: Your Month‑by‑Month Wedding Planning Guide

editorial portraits at Friern Manor

Congratulations—and welcome to the beginning of a beautiful journey! Whether you’ve just said “Yes!” or you’re already knee‑deep in mood boards, this warm and professional guide will walk you through every milestone, one month at a time. Along the way, you’ll discover insider tips, inspiring editorial wedding photography ideas, and expert advice on videography that captures every tear, laugh, and dance move in cinematic glory.

Why This Wedding Planning Guide Matters A well‑paced plan reduces stress, maximises creativity, and helps you build trust in the professionals who will bring your dream day to life. From picking the perfect venue to selecting the best ceremony videography options, we’re here to keep you on track—and booked with your favorite vendors.

12 Months Out: Dream Big & Define Your Vision

Start with a Style Pinterest Board

Gather inspiration—from editorial wedding photography spreads in top magazines to cinematic wedding film clips on YouTube. Pin your favorite color palettes, tablescapes, and videography sequences to clarify your aesthetic.

Set Your Budget & Guest List Fundamentals

Determine your overall spending limit, allocate funds to key categories (venue, photography, videography, catering), and draft an initial guest list. Remember: fewer guests = more of your budget for artisan stationery and cinematic videography.

10–11 Months Out: Lock in Your Venue & Date

Venue Scouting with Photographers in Mind

Ask venues for galleries showcasing real weddings shot by editorial wedding photography teams. Evaluate natural light, ceremony backdrops, and reception flow for picture‑perfect moments.

Hire Your Photographer & Videographer

Book a team specializing in editorial wedding photography and cinematic story‑teller videography. Schedule engagement sessions to test styles, lighting, and rapport.Click to explore: How to Choose Between Highlight Films vs. Documentary Wedding Videography.

8–9 Months Out: Assemble Your Vendor Dream Team

Floral Designers & Rentals

Secure florists who can craft elevated, editorial‑inspired bouquets and centerpieces. Discuss how your chosen videographer will capture floral details in moving images.

Caterers, Bakers & Bar Services

Schedule tastings and tasting event photography to share on social media. Capture both mouth‑watering stills and cocktail‑hour videography highlights.

6–7 Months Out: Invitations, Attire & Registry

Custom Invitations & Paper Goods

Order luxe, printed invitations with foil accents. Plan for calligraphy and include a QR code linking to your wedding film preview reel.

Dress, Suit & Styling Appointments

Schedule fittings and hair/makeup trials with editorial looks in mind—think glowing skin and timeless silhouettes perfect for high‑end wedding portraits.

Registry & Gift Tracking

Finalize registry items and share a simple, elegant registry website—consider filming a fun “unboxing” video to post later as part of your wedding story.

4–5 Months Out: Fine‑Tuning Details & Guest Experience

Seating Charts & Floor Plans

Create a detailed seating plan that lends itself to beautiful top‑down editorial photography shots.

Music, Ceremony & Reception Flow

Hire a DJ or band and curate playlists. Coordinate with your videographer for ceremony mic placement and reception coverage to ensure crystal‑clear audio in your final wedding video.

2–3 Months Out: Final Walkthroughs & Confirmations

Confirm All Vendor Services

Double‑check contracts and timelines with your photographer and videographer. Review shot lists for must‑have editorial moments and emotional highlights.

Marriage License & Legal Requirements

Apply for your license early and plan a micro‑session with your photographer to document the moment you sign.

1 Month Out: Dress Rehearsal & Final RSVP Push

Rehearsal Dinner & Run‑Through

Capture candid rehearsal dinner moments with a mini‑documentary videography package. These behind‑the‑scenes clips make for touching prelude vignettes in your final film.

Final Guest Count & Seating Revisions

Send final numbers to caterers and adjust seating charts. Share a sneak‑peek slideshow of editorial portraits at guest tables or through a digital tablet station.

1 Week Out: Breathe, Pack & Plan Your Day

Emergency Kit & Timeline

Assemble an emergency kit (needle, thread, stain remover) and a detailed timeline for vendors. Provide your photographer and videographer with contacts and on‑site logistics to keep everything running smoothly.

Self‑Care & Relaxation

Book a massage or yoga class to de‑stress. Consider a "first look" editorial portrait session to calm nerves and capture those raw emotions on camera.

Wedding Day: Trust the Process & Enjoy!

Morning Preparations

Let your hair and makeup team work their magic, while your photographer captures editorial‑style getting‑ready portraits. Have your videographer document the unfolding excitement.

Ceremony & Formal Portraits

Take advantage of golden‑hour lighting and pause for a few quiet moments alone—perfect for cinematic one‑take videography.

Reception & Send‑Off

Kick off the party with a grand entrance filmed by your videographer, dance the night away, and end with a sparkler exit captured in slow‑motion, editorial film style.

Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?Trust our curated network of award‑winning editorial wedding photography and videography professionals to transform your dreams into timeless images and films. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and secure your date before it’s gone!