Wedding Planning Timeline: When to Book What


So, you’re engaged—yay! Cue the celebrations, the Pinterest boards, and the slight overwhelm of figuring out what to book and when. But don’t stress! We’ve got you covered with a simple, no-fuss guide to making sure everything falls into place smoothly. Follow this timeline, and you’ll be sipping champagne, feeling organised, and fully ready for the best day of your life.

12+ Months Out


First things first: book your venue. The most popular spots—especially in Queenstown, Wanaka, and Christchurch—can get snapped up more than a year in advance. If you have your heart set on a dreamy vineyard, a mountaintop elopement, or a lakeside lodge, secure it ASAP. Once your venue is set, book your photographer and videographer (hopefully us)—we get booked out early too, and we’d love to be part of your day! If you’re planning a destination wedding, this is also the time to lock in accommodation for yourselves and key guests.

9-12 Months Out

Time to say yes to the dress! NZ bridal boutiques often require 6+ months for orders, plus extra time for alterations, so start shopping now to avoid last-minute stress. Grooms, don’t wait too long either—whether it’s a classic suit or something custom-made, the sooner, the better. Next, book your celebrant (the best ones get snapped up quickly!) and start thinking about your florist, hair & makeup artist, and caterer. These vendors bring your wedding vision to life, so securing your dream team early is key.

6-9 Months Out


With the big vendors locked in, it’s time to finalise your guest list and send out those invites. If you’re having a destination wedding, give guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements. Now is also the perfect moment to plan your honeymoon—whether it’s a South Island road trip, a tropical escape, or a luxurious staycation, booking early means better deals and more options.

3 Months Out


.The final stretch is all about fine-tuning the details. Book transport if needed (classic cars? A party bus? A helicopter arrival? Why not!), and start mapping out your wedding day timeline. Now’s also the time to break in those wedding shoes—trust us, sore feet are not the vibe. If you’re planning a first look or golden hour portraits, talk to your photographer now so we can make the most of the light and your schedule

 1 Month Out: Trial Runs & Dance Moves

It’s all getting real now! Book a hair and makeup trial to ensure you love your look before the big day. This is also the perfect time to do a first dance run-through—even if you’re planning to wing it, having a quick practice will help with nerves. Need a wedding rehearsal? Get your crew together and do a walk-through, so everyone knows where to stand and when to move

One Week to Go: Relax, Sip Wine & Enjoy the Moment

It’s officially wedding week! At this point, all the planning is done—so take a breath, soak it all in, and enjoy the excitement. Have a pamper night, get plenty of sleep, and keep things as stress-free as possible. If anything does go wrong, remember—it’s all part of the adventure, and at the end of the day, you’re marrying your best friend. That’s what truly matters.