Wedding planning checklist (UK, month by month)

Start your checklist about 18 months before your wedding. This gives you time to book popular venues and suppliers. Some places fill up quickly, so early booking helps. If you plan a winter wedding or a bank holiday, start even sooner.

• Check your venue's availability before locking in a date.
• Confirm whether you need a religious licence or civil notice.
• Book your registrar, celebrant or place of worship early.

If your wedding is sooner than 18 months, don't worry. Start with the tasks nearest to your date and work backwards.

The checklist follows the order you need to do things. Tick each task as you complete it. Your ticks are saved on this device, so you can pick up where you left off. You can also add your own tasks if your plans differ.

• Use it on your phone while visiting venues.
• Print a copy to take to supplier meetings.
• Share it with your partner so you both stay on track.

Download a copy when you are ready to print. Keep it somewhere you will see it every day.

Give yourself extra time for legal steps. You must give notice at least 28 days before your ceremony in England and Wales. Scotland needs notice at least 29 days before. Northern Ireland also needs at least 28 days. Check GOV.UK for the latest rules, because they can change.

• Book two witnesses who can attend the ceremony.
• Decide early whether you want a civil, religious or humanist ceremony.
• Remember that humanist ceremonies are not legally binding in England and Wales unless you add a civil ceremony.

Keep your checklist flexible. Things will change, and that is perfectly normal.