Quick Answer
As soon as you're engaged: agree your budget, shortlist venues, and book your photographer and band — these fill up 12–18 months ahead in Ireland. Send invitations 6–8 weeks before the wedding and set your RSVP deadline 8 weeks out. Give notice to the civil registrar at least 3 months in advance (Ireland) or 28 days (England and Wales).
Getting engaged is wonderful. The planning that follows can feel like a full-time job. This checklist gives you a month-by-month breakdown of everything that needs to happen between engagement and wedding day, so nothing falls through the cracks.
As Soon as You Get Engaged
- Enjoy it! Tell your families and closest friends
- Agree on a rough budget
- Discuss roughly when and where you want to get married
- Decide on the scale — intimate or large celebration?
- Consider wedding insurance (particularly relevant if planning well in advance)
12+ Months Before
- Set a firm total budget and agree how it will be funded
- Draft an initial guest list to establish rough numbers
- Choose your wedding date (or shortlist two or three)
- Research and visit venues
- Book your venue — this is the most time-sensitive booking
- Research and book your photographer
- Research and book your band or DJ
- If having a church ceremony, meet with your priest to confirm availability
- If having a civil ceremony, notify your local registrar (legally required in Ireland — minimum 3 months notice)
- Start researching videographers
- Begin bridal dress shopping (allow 6–8 months for alterations)
9–12 Months Before
- Book your videographer
- Research florists and begin getting quotes
- Plan your honeymoon and book flights and accommodation if needed
- Arrange engagement photos if wanted
- Choose your wedding party
- Research and book hair and makeup artists
- Organise your wedding insurance if not already done
6–9 Months Before
- Order your wedding dress
- Book your cake maker
- Book your transport (wedding car, guest coaches if needed)
- Begin planning your honeymoon in detail
- Book accommodation for out-of-town guests (or agree a block booking with a nearby hotel)
- Create your wedding website
- Design and order save-the-date cards
- Research and shortlist caterers if your venue allows external catering
- Begin thinking about wedding rings
4–6 Months Before
- Order wedding invitations
- Finalise your guest list
- Choose bridesmaid dresses
- Organise groomsmen suits (allow time for fittings)
- Book ceremony musicians (if separate from the reception band)
- Arrange first dress fitting
- Choose and order wedding favours if having them
- Plan your ceremony (readings, music, vows)
- Book a pre-marriage course if required by your church
2–4 Months Before
- Send out wedding invitations
- Set up an RSVP tracking system
- Book a rehearsal dinner or pre-wedding gathering if planned
- Purchase wedding rings
- Schedule trials: hair, makeup, and any treatments
- Arrange name change documents if applicable
- Confirm all vendor bookings in writing
- Begin working on your wedding day timeline
- Plan your honeymoon packing and travel logistics
4–8 Weeks Before
- Chase any outstanding RSVPs
- Finalise guest numbers and dietary requirements
- Begin working on your seating plan
- Final dress fitting
- Confirm final details with all vendors
- Finalise your ceremony readings, music choices, and order of service
- Arrange payments for vendors due before the day
- Write vows if personalising them
- Arrange accommodation for your wedding night
1–2 Weeks Before
- Finalise and distribute the seating plan
- Send your timeline to all vendors
- Confirm all vendor arrival times
- Collect your wedding dress
- Pack for your honeymoon
- Prepare tip envelopes if tipping vendors (customary in Ireland)
- Delegate day-of responsibilities to wedding party members
- Hand over vendor contact list to your day coordinator
The Day After
- Return any hired items (suits, equipment)
- Write thank-you notes within two weeks
- Preserve your bouquet if wanted
- Arrange a dress clean and box if keeping it
- Enjoy the memories — you did it!
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should you start planning a wedding in Ireland?
For a venue you love, start looking 12–18 months before your planned date, as popular venues book up quickly for summer weekends. If you are flexible on date and venue, 9–12 months is workable for most weddings. Less than 6 months is tight but possible for smaller or midweek weddings.
What are the first things to organise after getting engaged?
Before anything else, agree your total budget including any family contributions and discuss the approximate scale and style of wedding you both want. Then book your venue as soon as possible — it determines your date and affects almost every other decision.
When should wedding invitations be sent in Ireland?
Send invitations 6–8 weeks before the wedding for most guests. If you have many out-of-town or international guests, send 3–4 months ahead and follow up with save-the-dates 9–12 months out.
Do you need wedding insurance in Ireland?
Wedding insurance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended, particularly if you are booking suppliers more than 12 months in advance or if significant deposits change hands before the wedding day. It covers supplier failure, venue issues, and unforeseen cancellations.
Ready to Start Planning?
MyWeddingHub gives you every tool you need — budget tracker, guest list, seating planner, vendor manager, and day timeline — all in one place.
Try Free for 7 Days →