What is a good wedding planning timeline for a 14 month engagement?

Short answer

Start with the venue and date first, then book your registrar and key suppliers. Use the first six months for big decisions, the next six for details, and the final two for fittings, printing and final confirmations.

With 14 months, you have a comfortable pace. Begin by agreeing your budget and guest list, then book the venue and date. In England and Wales, give notice no earlier than 12 months before, and remember your notice must be at least 28 days before the ceremony. In Scotland, submit your marriage notice 29 days before, but registrars advise 10 to 12 weeks. In Northern Ireland, give notice at least 28 days ahead.

Use months one to six to book your registrar or celebrant, photographer, caterer and entertainment. Months seven to ten are for choosing outfits, ordering invitations and arranging accommodation. Months eleven to twelve are for food tastings, menu choices and confirming all bookings. Months thirteen and fourteen are for fittings, printing orders, seating plans and final payments.

Keep a shared checklist and review it monthly. If you are having a religious ceremony, check with your place of worship about banns or a licence, as rules vary. For a civil ceremony, remember no religious content is allowed. Give yourselves one weekend a month to focus on planning, and book a day off work for the final week.