Your Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Roadmap
Planning a wedding in Ireland requires strategic timing, especially when it comes to booking popular venues and vendors. This comprehensive timeline breaks down exactly what to do and when, based on real couples' experiences and vendor availability across Ireland.
12 Months Before: The Foundation
Start with the big decisions that everything else depends on. Set your budget first - this determines all other choices. Book your venue immediately, as popular Irish venues fill up 12-18 months in advance. Secure your wedding band or DJ next, as top entertainers book quickly. Create your initial guest list to determine venue size needs.
10-11 Months Before: Key Vendors
Book your photographer and videographer - the best ones are often booked a year out. Choose your caterer if not included with venue. Start dress shopping (ordering takes 6-8 months). Send save-the-dates for destination weddings or peak season dates.
8-9 Months Before: The Details Begin
Finalize your guest list and order invitations. Book florist and discuss seasonal availability. Arrange ceremony music if separate from reception band. Book transportation for wedding party. Start planning honeymoon and check passport expiration dates.
6-7 Months Before: Personal Elements
Shop for wedding party attire. Register for gifts. Book hair and makeup trials. Order wedding cake. Finalize ceremony details with officiant. Book accommodations for out-of-town guests.
4-5 Months Before: Confirmations
Send invitations (allow 8 weeks for RSVPs). Finalize menu and bar selections. Confirm all vendor contracts and deposits. Purchase wedding rings. Arrange rehearsal dinner venue.
2-3 Months Before: Final Preparations
Create detailed timeline for wedding day. Final dress fitting. Confirm guest count with venue. Finalize music playlist with band/DJ. Write vows if doing personal ones. Apply for marriage license.
1 Month Before: The Home Stretch
Final headcount to caterer. Create seating chart. Final venue walk-through. Confirm all vendor arrival times. Break in wedding shoes. Prepare payment envelopes for vendors. Pack for honeymoon.
1 Week Before: Final Details
Deliver welcome bags to hotels. Final check with all vendors. Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Prepare tip envelopes. Get manicure/pedicure. Confirm wedding day timeline with wedding party.
Real Couple Wisdom
"Start early with the big items. We thought 12 months was plenty of time, but our first three venue choices were already booked. Book venue and band first, everything else can follow." - Emma, married 2023