Planning a summer wedding in Ireland (or anywhere!) is an exciting journey, but it can also feel like a lot to take on. Whether you’re tying the knot next summer or in two years’ time, having a clear timeline will help you stay organised and actually enjoy the process. To make things easier, we’ve broken it down into a handy checklist, perfect for couples planning their Big Day, no matter the season you’re in now.
Here’s your month-by-month wedding planning guide to help you stay calm and on track.
12+ Months Before
✅ Sign up to weddingsonline to find suppliers, venues, and loads of inspo!
✅ Chat with your partner about your vision for the day—what’s important, what’s not.
✅ Draft a rough guest list and research venue costs to shape your budget.
✅ Decide who’s contributing financially (and if you’re accepting help from family).
✅ Book your ceremony and reception venues – popular summer dates go fast!
✅ Choose your wedding party and ask them to be a part of your day.
✅ Research key suppliers: photographer, videographer, band, planner, etc.
✅ Start gathering wedding outfit inspiration and book appointments to try on styles.
✅ Consider throwing an engagement party and starting a wedding website.
8–10 Months Before
✅ Book your ceremony music (church singer, quartet, etc.)
✅ Order your wedding outfit!
✅ Pick a colour scheme or theme and create a mood board.
✅ Reserve guest accommodation, especially for destination or country weddings.
6–8 Months Before
✅ Book your florist, hair stylist, and makeup artist.
✅ Order your wedding invitations.
✅ Organise outfits and accessories for your wedding party.
✅ Book your honeymoon and check passport validity.
✅ Send out save-the-dates (if you haven’t already).
4–6 Months Before
✅ Buy wedding lingerie.
✅ Send your notification of intent to marry to the registry office.
✅ Book or buy wedding rings.
✅ Order mass booklets, wedding favours, and cake.
✅ Finalise transport.
✅ Plan your hen and stag parties!
3 Months Before
✅ Have hair and makeup trials.
✅ Sort venue decor: centrepieces, garlands, signage, etc.
✅ Finalise music choices (ceremony, first dance, etc.)
✅ If needed, get honeymoon vaccinations.
2 Months Before
✅ Send wedding invitations.
✅ Buy gifts for your wedding party.
✅ Test your tan or any beauty products in advance.
1 Month Before
✅ Final outfit fitting.
✅ Confirm menu with venue.
✅ Go over final guest list and follow up with non-RSVPs.
✅ Create a photo list for your photographer and music list for your band/DJ.
✅ Have your hen and stag parties (and enjoy them!).
2 Weeks Before
✅ Plan your seating chart and print your table plan.
✅ Write vows and speeches.
✅ Order foreign currency for your honeymoon.
✅ Do one last checklist sweep!
1 Week Before
✅ Give final headcount to the venue.
✅ Confirm timings with all suppliers.
✅ Get hair coloured or beauty treatments done.
✅ Break in your wedding shoes and pack for the honeymoon!
2–3 Days Before
✅ Collect suits and confirm transport pick-up times.
✅ Get your spray tan and prep a wedding day emergency kit.
Day Before
✅ Drop off all items (cake, favours, signage, etc) to your venue.
✅ Sort any final payments.
✅ Get a manicure and relax – you’ve got this!
Wedding Day
✅ Soak it all in. This is the day you’ve been planning and dreaming about, so enjoy every moment!
Featured image credit: Edward Reid Photography
