Once the excitement of the engagement gives way to the realities of wedding planning, a sense of overwhelm begins to set in. Award-winning wedding expert Sara Kennedy is helping newlyweds navigate the marriage minefield.
Firstly, the biggest congratulations on your engagement. Whether it was a grand gesture or a quiet moment just for the two of you, it’s a milestone that deserves a lot of celebration. You’re officially in the wedding planning club, and I’m here to help you get started without the overwhelm.
I’ve worked with thousands of couples over the years through my platform, The Aisle by Sara Kennedy, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the start of the journey can feel like a total minefield. Everyone has advice, the internet throws a million ideas at you, and it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters to you both.
So let’s slow it down. Your planning doesn’t need to start with Pinterest or booking ten venue viewings. It starts with a conversation between you and your partner about what you both want. Once you’re clear on that, the rest flows a lot more smoothly. Here’s how to get started.
First steps
1. Get on the same page
Have an honest chat with your partner about what kind of day you both want. Big or small? Home or abroad? Castle or country house? Black tie or laid back garden party? It’s okay if you both have different ideas – now is the time to align.
2. Set a realistic budget
Money isn’t the most romantic topic, but it’s the one that will shape everything else. Work out what you already have, what you can save, and if any family contributions are available. The average Irish wedding sits roughly around €35,000, but that’s just a benchmark, not a rule.
3. Draft your guest list
Before you can price anything, you need rough numbers. Create a shared spreadsheet and start dropping in definite guests and maybes. Your guest list size will influence your venue, catering, and overall costs.
4. Lock in your big picture vision
Once you know the rough guest count, budget, and preferred style, you’ll naturally start to see your wedding shape up. This is your moment to say: we want a relaxed summer wedding with 120 guests, an outdoor ceremony, and a live band. That clarity helps everything else fall into place.
Now that you’ve had those chats, here’s your month-by-month timeline to help you keep things manageable.
Wedding planning timeline
12+ months out
- Finalise guest numbers and ballpark budget
- Choose your time of year and wedding location (home or abroad)
- Research venues and book showarounds (if you have set your vision clearly, you shouldn’t need to trapse the country visiting 10 venues, laser focus on three or four.
- Book your ceremony (religious, non-religious/civil)
- Secure your venue and date (this locks in your timeline)
- Book priority date-sensitive suppliers:
- Band or DJ
- Photographer/Videographer
- Celebrant/Officiant
- Any in-demand suppliers you must have (e.g. make-up artist)
9–12 months out
- Shop for your wedding dress (some have long lead times)
- Begin bridesmaid dress search (especially if ordering online)
- Book honeymoon (check passports!)
- Book transport/cars
- Book florist and decor provider
- Start skincare/hair treatments
- Consider wedding insurance
6–9 months out
- Order suits for groom/groomsmen
- Book hair and make-up trials
- Order invitations and any stationery
- Order cake
- Buy wedding rings
- Register for pre-marriage course (church weddings)
- Book fun extras: photobooth or station, lighting, favours, champagne tower, etc
3–6 months out
- Confirm ceremony and reception music/readings
- Buy accessories (shoes, veil, pyjamas, bridal party gifts)
- Notify the State of intention to marry (if applicable)
- Confirm ceremony content with celebrant or priest
- Finalise menu choices with venue
2–3 months out
- Send wedding invitations
- Finalise floral design and decor with your suppliers
1–2 months out
- Collect wedding attire (dresses and suits)
- Begin alterations process
- Follow up on RSVPs
- Finalise table plan (this takes longer than you think!)
- Confirm headcount and final details with venue
- Confirm timings with all suppliers
- Prepare honeymoon logistics (currency, insurance, etc.)
- Finalise payment schedules for suppliers
2 weeks out
- Collect suits and dresses
- Delegate final tasks (returning suits, decor drop-offs)
- Pack emergency bag (plasters, water, paracetamol, safety pins)
24–48 hours before
- Beauty prep: tan, nails, waxing, etc.
- Grooms: haircuts, barber treatments
- Rehearsal dinner or ceremony run-through
- Deliver final decor/stationery to venue and ceremony site
- Create morning timeline for bridal party
- Have a moment to breathe and reflect. You’re ready.
Final Thoughts
It’s no secret that weddings are a serious project to manage, but when you have a clear vision, a realistic budget, and shared goals, it becomes a lot less stressful as you are less inclined to get distracted with anything “off-plan”. You don’t need to do everything all at once. Take it stage by stage, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Remember… you’ve got this!
Wedding photography by Elaine Barker Photography
Also Read
