D-18 to D-14 months: Laying the foundations
This phase is the most important. The decisions made here determine the rest of the organization. Take the time to discuss thoroughly as a couple before you start.
| Task | Priority | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Set the total budget | Essential | Including potential family contributions. Set a firm cap. |
| Define the number of guests | Essential | Draw up a first rough list. Each guest costs ~215 euros. |
| Choose the date (or season) | Essential | High season (May-Sept) or low season. Saturday, Friday, or Sunday. |
| Define the wedding style | Important | Rustic, elegant, bohemian, modern? This guides all choices. |
| Start venue visits | Important | Visit 3 to 5 venues. Book as soon as you find the right one (30-50% deposit). |
| Open a tracking tool | Recommended | Nupty app, spreadsheet, or notebook. Track every expense from day one. |
The Golden Rule of Foundations
Do not contact any vendors until your budget and guest count are fixed. Without these two figures, you cannot accurately evaluate quotes and risk committing beyond your means.
D-14 to D-10 months: Booking key vendors
Once the venue is locked in, you enter the phase of booking the main vendors. The order of priority is important because some are in high demand.
| Task | Priority | Estimated Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Book the venue (if not yet done) | Essential | 30-50% deposit |
| Choose and book the caterer | Essential | Request 3 quotes, taste before signing |
| Book the photographer | Essential | 1,200 to 3,500 euros, 30% deposit |
| Book the DJ / musicians | Important | 600 to 1,500 euros |
| Order wedding rings | Important | 400 to 1,000 euros, 2-3 month lead time |
| Choose witnesses | Important | Inform them to block the date |
| Send save the dates | Recommended | Digital or paper, simple date announcement |
The Right Reflex for 2027
For a summer 2027 wedding, the most sought-after venues will be booked by January 2026. If your date is flexible (Friday or Sunday), you gain months of leeway. A Friday evening venue is often available up to D-8 months even in high season.
D-10 to D-6 months: Refining the details
| Task | Priority | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Choose the wedding dress | Essential | Fittings, order or purchase. Allow 2-3 months for alterations. |
| Choose the groom's suit | Important | Purchase or custom-made. Allow 1-2 months lead time. |
| Book the florist / decorator | Important | Define floral style, decor elements, colors. |
| Order invitations | Important | Send 3 to 4 months before the wedding. |
| Finalize the guest list | Essential | Final list with addresses for invitations. |
| Prepare the ceremony (secular or religious) | Important | Meeting with the priest/officiant, choice of texts and music. |
| Book guest accommodation | Recommended | Block rooms in hotels near the venue. |
| Organize bachelor/bachelorette party | Optional | Delegate to witnesses, set date 1-2 months before the wedding. |
D-6 to D-3 months: Speeding up preparations
| Task | Priority | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Send invitations | Essential | 3 to 4 months before, with RSVP deadline at D-6 weeks. |
| Caterer tasting | Essential | Validate the final menu, drinks, quantities. |
| First dress fitting | Important | Alterations to plan for (2-3 sessions over 2 months). |
| Buy accessories | Important | Shoes, jewelry, veil, cufflinks. |
| Order D-Day stationery | Important | Menus, seating plan, place cards, ceremony booklet. |
| Prepare playlist with DJ | Recommended | List of desired songs + forbidden songs. |
| Buy witness gifts | Recommended | Personalized gifts to thank them. |
| Purchase drinks (if direct) | Important | Order wine, sparkling wine/champagne from the winemaker. |
Joined by +500 couples in 2026
Nupty centralizes your entire wedding
Budget, checklist, vendors, timeline, seating plan. One app, no spreadsheets, no stress.
Discover Nupty - 89 EURJoined by +500 couples in 2026
Nupty centralizes your entire wedding
Budget, checklist, vendors, timeline, seating plan. One app, no spreadsheets, no stress.
D-3 to D-1 month: The finishing touches
| Task | Priority | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Follow up on missing RSVPs | Essential | Send an individual message to latecomers. |
| Finalize seating plan | Essential | With definitive RSVPs. Plan for dietary restrictions. |
| Last dress fitting | Essential | With D-Day shoes and accessories. |
| Confirm all vendors | Essential | Schedules, addresses, D-Day contacts, balances to pay. |
| Prepare D-Day schedule | Important | Minute by minute: who does what, when. |
| Pay vendor balances | Important | Caterer, photographer, DJ, florist. Prepare envelopes. |
| Prepare DIY elements | Important | Centerpieces, place cards, photo booth, decorations. |
| Hair and makeup: trial | Important | Hair + makeup trial with photo for validation. |
D-2 weeks to D-Day: The final sprint
| When | Task |
|---|---|
| D-14 days | Confirm schedules with all vendors in writing |
| D-10 days | Communicate final guest count to caterer |
| D-7 days | Prepare D-Day bag (dress, suit, accessories, beauty kit) |
| D-5 days | Secular ceremony rehearsal (if applicable) |
| D-3 days | Drop off decor at venue / prepare equipment |
| D-2 days | Distribute D-Day schedule to coordination team |
| D-1 day | On-site setup, final checks, get some rest |
D-Day: Sample Schedule
| Time | Activity | Who |
|---|---|---|
| 8am-10am | Bride's hair and makeup | Bride + witnesses |
| 10am-11am | Getting dressed, preparation photos | Couple + photographer |
| 2pm-3pm | Civil ceremony at town hall | All |
| 3:30pm-4:30pm | Secular or religious ceremony | All |
| 4:30pm-5pm | Couple photo shoot | Couple + photographer |
| 5pm-7pm | Cocktail hour / reception | All |
| 7pm-8pm | Group photos | All + photographer |
| 8pm-10:30pm | Dinner | All |
| 10:30pm-11pm | First dance + entertainment | Couple then all |
| 11pm-3am+ | Dance party | All |
After the wedding
- D+1: Brunch with close family and friends (if planned), collect decor and equipment
- D+1 week: Send thank yous to vendors, leave online reviews
- D+2 weeks: Check accounts, send thank you photos to guests
- D+1 month: Receive photos, order album if planned
- D+3 months: Deposit family record book, change name (if applicable)
Frequently asked questions
When should I start planning a wedding scheduled for 2027?
Ideally 14 to 18 months before, which means in the first half of 2026 for a summer 2027 wedding. Start with the budget, guest list, and venue.
What are the first steps?
In order: set the total budget, define the number of guests, choose the date/season, visit and book the venue, then start looking for a caterer.
Which vendors should I book first?
Venue (14-18 months before), caterer (12-14 months), photographer (10-12 months), DJ (8-10 months), florist (6-8 months).
How long does the planning take?
80 to 120 hours over 12 to 18 months. With a structured application, time is reduced by 20 to 30%. The peak activity is between D-6 and D-2 months.
What to do the week before the wedding?
Confirm all vendors, pack your D-Day bag, ceremony rehearsal, distribute the schedule, and most importantly, get some rest.
Organize your wedding serenely with Nupty
Budget, timeline, vendors, to-do list: everything is centralized in one application. No more spreadsheets, no more stress. Discover Nupty - 89 EURRead also
Sources: feedback from 500+ couples, Mariages.net 2026 survey