Your full wedding planning timeline month by month (Ireland edition)

Planning a wedding in Ireland typically takes 12–18 months — but whether you’ve got two years or only a few months, this guide will help you plan in the right order, without stress.

You’ll learn what to focus on at each stage, why it matters, and how to keep momentum going. Plus, there’s a free downloadable checklist at the end so you can tick everything off as you go.

12-18 months before — set the foundation

• Talk budget and guest count before booking anything

• Decide on your general size, season, location, and ceremony type

• Research venues and ceremony locations

• Check availability and key guest availability

• Secure your venue and lock in the date

Why now: Many venues book 12–24 months ahead. Once your date is set, everything else can take shape.

📥 Download: Free Wedding Budget Checklist

12 months before — book your key vendors

• Define your overall vision (style, colour palette, ceremony)

• Book priority suppliers:

  • Photographer / videographer

  • Band or DJ

  • Caterer (if not included with venue)

  • Celebrant or solemniser

  • Wedding planner or coordinator

  • Florist

Book suppliers whose style you genuinely love and who you connect well with during the initial consultation.

💬 Related: The Key Wedding Vendors to Book First and Why

9–12 months before — guest experience + personal details

• Begin wedding dress shopping (6–9 months is common for orders)

• Book hair and makeup if you want specific artists

• Block-book guest accommodation

• Set up your wedding website and send Save-the-Dates

This phase is about guest prep and locking in key personal details — dress, glam, and early RSVPs.

💬 Related: Don't Invite Them: Who Not to Put on Your Guest List

6–9 months before — bring the day to life

• Choose wedding party attire and order wedding rings

• Plan your honeymoon

• Design and order invitations

• Book transport

• Begin any DIY projects

• Consider ceremony readings or writing your own vows

This stretch is where your wedding starts to feel real — creative decisions meet logistics.

4–6 months before — pull the plan together

• Register your intent to marry (minimum 3 months out)

• Finalise ceremony timing and reception structure

• Plan rehearsal dinner or Day 2 celebration

• Finalise décor and rental orders

• Book cake and hair/makeup trials

• Schedule dress fittings and alterations

• Draft your wedding day timeline

You’re now locking in structure, visuals, and final bookings. Momentum builds here.

💬 Read next: Your Morning-of Timeline: Hair, Makeup, Breakfast, and Photos

2–4 months before — confirm the details

• Finalise menu choices and dietary needs

• Finalise styling items (favours, signage, extras)

• Meet with celebrant to finalise the ceremony

• Send invitations, collect RSVPs, and confirm headcount

• Confirm transport and parking

At this point, the plan is almost complete — it’s about refining and confirming.

1–2 months before — finish the logistics

• Final dress fitting + check outfits for the full wedding party

• Create your seating chart and place cards

• Write your vows and speeches

• Buy gifts for your wedding party and parents

• Create your must-have photo list

• Finalise and distribute your wedding day timeline

This is your moment to double-check everything and close the loops.

2–4 weeks before — double-check and prep

• Finalise your timeline and share with vendors

• Break in your shoes

• Adjust guest numbers if needed

• Finalise music selections

• Organise labeled envelopes for cash payments

• Delegate last-minute tasks

• Pack your overnight bag

• Prepare your emergency kit

These small steps protect your peace — and your schedule.

💬 Related: If There’s No Coordinator, Who’s Running the Day?
📥 Download: Wedding Day Timeline Template – Coming Soon

Week of the wedding — prep + let go

• Pick up dress, suits, and accessories

• Reconfirm times and payments with all vendors

• Print timelines and contact lists

• Delegate final tasks

• Do your last round of beauty prep

• Hold your rehearsal and/or rehearsal dinner

This is where everything you’ve planned comes together. Trust the plan, hand things off, and breathe.

💬 Related: Why Some Couples Have a Terrible Time on Their Wedding Day — And How to Avoid It
🛠️ Wedding Day Coordination Bundle

On the day — be present

You’ve done the work. You’ve planned well. Your only job now? Be present. Take it in. Let go of the little things — and enjoy your wedding day.

📥 Download the Free 12-Month Wedding Planning Checklist