A 12-month wedding planning timeline for Thailand

Almost every couple asks us the same question at the first meeting: where do we even begin? This is the timeline we use.

12–10 months out

• Agree the overall budget and a rough guest count
• Choose the date (if you are consulting an auspicious date, do it now)
• Visit venues and place a deposit
• Decide whether you are hiring a planner or organising it yourselves

9–7 months out

• Book the photographer and videographer — they fill up faster than anyone else
• Start looking at gowns; made-to-measure needs four to six months
• Settle the concept and colour palette
• Draft the guest list

6–4 months out

• Book the florist and styling team
• Book hair and makeup, and do a trial
• Design the invitations
• Attend the menu tasting at the venue
• Book the band or DJ

3–2 months out

• Send the invitations
• Confirm details with every supplier
• Order the favours
• First dress fitting and alterations booked
• Build the seating plan

1 month out

• Confirm the final guest count with the venue
• Finalise the wedding-day timeline and circulate it to every team
• Rehearse the ceremony
• Final dress fitting
• Prepare envelopes and thank-you gifts for the supplier team

The final week

• Confirm every supplier's load-in time with the venue
• Pack an emergency kit for the bride (safety pins, tape, painkillers, plasters, sanitary products)
• Give the wedding party clearly defined jobs
• Sleep properly for the two nights before

If you have less than six months

It is still very achievable, but the order of priority changes. Book the venue, the photographer and the florist immediately — everything else can follow.