18-01-2026
The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist
Hello, I am Melissa, a wedding photographer based in Northern Ireland, photographing weddings right across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. With over a decade of experience and hundreds of weddings photographed, I have had the privilege of seeing weddings planned every which way imaginable. The calmest, happiest wedding days nearly always have one thing in common. Good planning, without losing the joy.
This ultimate wedding planning checklist is designed to guide couples through the full journey of planning a wedding in Ireland. Whether you are at the just engaged stage or counting down the final weeks, this checklist will help you stay organised, avoid common oversights, and actually enjoy the process.
Make yourself a cup of tea, save this post, and come back to it as you plan.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Northern & Southern Ireland
Before you dive into venues and dresses, it is really important to understand the legal requirements for getting married. These can differ depending on whether you are marrying in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.
Northern Ireland
Couples must give notice at least 28 days before the wedding to their local district council. Both partners must attend the appointment in person.
You will usually be asked to provide
• Passports or valid photo ID • Birth certificates • Proof of address • Details of your venue • Details of your officiant
Republic of Ireland
Couples must give at least three months notice to a Registrar. This includes a face to face meeting.
You will receive a Marriage Registration Form, which must be brought with you on the wedding day and signed at the ceremony.
Legal requirements can change, so I always recommend checking directly with your local council or registrar to make sure you have the most up to date information.
As Soon As You Get Engaged
• Celebrate properly. This is a huge moment
• Set a realistic budget and decide who is contributing
• Talk about your priorities as a couple
• Decide on the type of wedding you want. Big celebration or intimate day
• Choose a rough time of year or season
• Start a Pinterest board or folder for inspiration
• Draft a guest list estimate
• Research legal requirements for getting married in Ireland
12 to 18 Months Before
• Book your ceremony and reception venue
• Confirm your wedding date
• Book your wedding photographer
• Book your videographer
• Book your content creator
• Book your celebrant, priest, registrar or officiant
• Book hair and makeup artists
• Secure your band or DJ
• Book your florist
• Start looking at wedding dress styles and designers
• Research accommodation options for guests
• Consider wedding insurance
• Book your seamstress for alterations as soon as you book your date. Even if you have not chosen your dress yet. Seamstresses book up incredibly fast and this is one of the most overlooked parts of wedding planning
9 to 12 Months Before
• Say yes to the dress and place your order
• Book bridesmaid dresses or choose colours and styles
• Book suits and formalwear
• Choose your wedding theme or colour palette
• Book transport for the wedding day
• Start planning your ceremony content
• Book a wedding planner if you are using one
6 to 9 Months Before
• Send save the dates
• Order wedding stationery
• Book your cake designer
• Plan your menu tasting with your venue
• Choose readings and music for your ceremony
• Start planning your honeymoon
• Book your pre wedding shoot with your photographer
• Decide on wedding favours
3 to 6 Months Before
• Send wedding invitations
• Finalise your guest list
• Arrange accommodation blocks if needed
• Finalise ceremony details with your officiant
• Choose your first dance song
• Choose parent dances if you are having them
• Book any additional entertainment
• Confirm décor and styling details
• Organise your wedding rings
1 to 3 Months Before
• Attend your final dress fitting
• Final suit fittings
• Confirm timings with your venue
• Share your timeline with your photographer
• Create a family photo list
• Finalise your seating plan
• Confirm final numbers with your venue
• Write personal vows if you are doing so
• Organise payment schedules for suppliers
2 Weeks Before
• Confirm all suppliers and timings
• Pack a wedding day emergency kit
• Confirm transport details
• Delegate tasks to trusted friends or family
• Book beauty treatments if planned
• Break in your wedding shoes
• Finalise honeymoon packing
The Week of the Wedding
• Drop off décor items to your venue if needed
• Collect wedding outfits
• Get nails done
• Have a final walk through with your venue
• Take some quiet time together
• Early nights and plenty of water
The Wedding Day
• Eat breakfast
• Allow extra time in the morning
• Enjoy every moment
• Trust your suppliers
• Be present and soak it all in
After the Wedding
• Return hired items
• Send thank you cards
• Leave reviews for your wedding suppliers
• Order your wedding album
• Print your favourite images
• Plan a first anniversary celebration
Planning your wedding should feel exciting, not stressful. This checklist is designed to keep you on track while still leaving room for those unplanned, magical moments that make a wedding day truly special.
If you are currently planning your wedding in Ireland (North or South) and are looking for relaxed, fun and authentic wedding photography, I would absolutely love to hear all about your plans.
