The Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide 2026

Wedding planning is exciting… and overwhelming. From timelines and budgets to guest lists and styling, it’s easy to feel like there’s a lot to juggle.

Whether you’re planning a large celebration or planning a small wedding, this wedding planning guide breaks everything down into simple, manageable steps - including timelines, checklists and stress saving tips.

How to Start Planning a Wedding

The best way to start planning a wedding is by focusing on the big picture before getting lost in the details.

Start with these foundations:

• Decide on your wedding style and vibe
• Set a realistic budget
• Create a rough guest list
• Choose a preferred date or season

Once these are locked in, you can begin building your wedding planning timeline and working through tasks in the right order.

Your Wedding Planning Timeline

A wedding planning timeline helps you stay organised and avoid last-minute panic.

12+ months before

• Book your venue
• Lock in your date
• Start researching key suppliers

6-9 months before

• Finalise your guest list
• Book photographer, celebrant and entertainment
• Begin dress or outfit shopping

3-5 months before

• Send invitations
• Organise styling details
• Finalise menu and seating plan

Final month

• Confirm all suppliers
• Create a wedding day run sheet
• Pack essentials and keepsakes

Timelines can be adjusted, especially if you’re planning a small wedding or working with a shorter lead time.

Wedding Planning Checklist Essentials

A wedding planning checklist keeps everything on track and helps you feel in control.

Key checklist items include:

• Venue and supplier bookings
• Invitations and RSVPs
• Styling, signage and décor
• Outfits and accessories
• Wedding favours and keepsakes
• Final payments and confirmations

Many couples also use a wedding planning spreadsheet to track budgets, guest lists and supplier details all in one place.

Best Wedding Planning Tips Couples Swear By

Here are some of the best wedding planning tips to make the process smoother:

• Prioritise what matters most to you as a couple
• Build buffer time into your timeline
• Keep all wedding info in one central document
• Don’t compare your wedding to others
• Ask for help when you need it

Simple organisation tools and realistic expectations go a long way.

Things People Forget When Planning a Wedding

Even with a checklist, there are a few commonly forgotten details:

• Vendor meals and bump out times
• Wedding signage and seating charts
• Emergency kits for the day
• Keepsakes and favours
• Post-wedding pack down plans

Adding these to your wedding planning checklist early can save a lot of stress later.

Planning a Small Wedding: What’s Different?

Planning a small wedding often means more flexibility and less pressure - but it still benefits from structure.

Tips for planning a small wedding:

• Focus on meaningful details over scale
• Choose a venue that suits your guest count
• Create a relaxed timeline
• Invest in personalised touches

Smaller weddings allow you to slow down and truly enjoy the experience.

How to Deal With Wedding Planning Stress

Wedding planning stress is completely normal. The key is remembering that not everything needs to be perfect.

Helpful ways to manage stress:

• Take breaks from planning
• Limit opinions from too many people
• Stick to your priorities
• Trust your decisions

This is your day and your wedding should feel like you.

Final Thoughts

Wedding planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a clear wedding planning timeline, a solid checklist and a few tried-and-true wedding planning tips, the process becomes far more enjoyable.

Whether you’re planning a big celebration or a small intimate wedding, take it one step at a time and don’t forget to enjoy the journey.

Team PF x