What is a good wedding planning timeline for an 11 month engagement?

An 11 month engagement gives you a comfortable amount of time, but you should still start with the venue and date straight away. Once that is booked, secure your registrar or officiant, photographer, caterer and any other essential suppliers within the first 3 months. In England and Wales, you need to give notice at your local register office at least 28 days before the ceremony, but doing it around 5 months ahead is sensible. In Scotland, submit your marriage notice at least 29 days before, but aim for 10 to 12 weeks. In Northern Ireland, give notice at least 28 days before.

At 4 to 5 months, send your save the dates or invitations, and start choosing your outfits, rings and readings. At 3 months, confirm all bookings, arrange your gift list if you want one, and plan the hen do and stag do. At 2 months, do your final dress or suit fittings and order your wedding rings. In the last month, confirm timings with all suppliers, write your vows if you are having them, and make a clear plan for the day. The extra month compared to a 10 month plan means you can spend more time on personal touches, like writing your own readings, making favours, or planning a special surprise for your guests. You can also take a short break from planning in the middle months, knowing you have time to return to the details.