The Ultimate Cornwall Wedding Timeline: What to Book and When

Getting married in Cornwall is a truly magical experience, and we would love to help you plan. With its stunning coastal vistas, historic venues, and idyllic countryside allure, this beautiful corner of the UK is the perfect backdrop for your big day.

Wedding planning, while exciting, can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. But with the right timeline and expert advice, you can breeze through every step with confidence. That’s why we’ve crafted this guide, interspersed with plenty of top tips, to help you along the way.

Of course, the timings we suggest are just a guide. At Camel Studio, we’ve planned incredible weddings in as little as three months! But if you have more time, this timeline provides a comprehensive step-by-step process. Even for couples with a shorter planning window, the order of tasks remains the same - just at a quicker pace!

12 - 18 Months Before: Secure Your Dream Venue

The journey begins with securing your perfect venue, the foundation of your wedding vision.

Why book so far ahead? Cornwall’s most sought-after venues often fill up quickly, especially during peak wedding season. Starting your search at least a year in advance will give you the best chance of finding the perfect spot for your special day.

Tips for Choosing Your Venue:

• Define your wedding style: Chic seaside venue, a luxurious estate, or rustic barn? Your venue sets the tone.

• Consider guest numbers: Ensure your venue comfortably accommodates everyone on your list.

• Set a budget: Understand what’s included in the venue package and check for additional costs.

• Think about accessibility and logistics: Consider travel, parking and accommodation options for your guests.

 👉Explore our fabulous range of venues here to find your dream setting.

 Top Tip: Decide early if you’d like a legal ceremony with a registrar, a church ceremony, or a celebrant-led blessing. If you’re going for a legal option, confirm availability for your preferred dates before booking the venue.

👉Discover our handpicked celebrants here.

Book Your Wedding Planner: This is the perfect time to consider booking a wedding planner or coordinator to assist with the planning process and ensure everything runs smoothly on your big day. A skilled wedding planner can help you find your ideal venue and trusted suppliers, bring your vision to life, and keep you on track with your budget, among many other invaluable tasks. Whether you need full planning support, on the day coordination or something in between, their expertise can make a big difference.

👉Take a look at our amazing wedding planners here.

9 - 12 Months Before: Book Your Key Suppliers

• Caterer: If your venue doesn’t include catering, explore Cornwall’s incredible local options celebrating fresh, seasonal ingredients.
👉 Browse our handpicked caterers here.

• Photographer/Videographer: Capture the magic with creative professionals who align with your vision, whether that’s reportage or fine-art photography and/or videography.
👉 Discover our favourite photographers here and videographers here.

• Top Tips:

◦ Hop on a Zoom call with a few photographers/videographers to find someone whose personality gels with yours. We would recommend this approach for all your key suppliers.

◦ Consider an engagement shoot to build confidence in front of the camera.

◦ If budget allows, add a videographer to preserve your vows, speeches and other key moments from your day on film. You won’t regret it!

• Florist: Many of Cornwall’s florists grow their own or source local blooms and can perfectly tailor designs to your vision.
👉 Find one of our fabulous florists to suit your style here.

• Entertainment: Live band, DJ, or acoustic set? Book early, and think about music for your ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and evening.
👉 Explore our top-rated bands and DJs here.

•           Hair & Makeup Artists: Book early to secure your top choices for peak weekends.
👉 Check out our expert hair and makeup artists here.

Top Tip: Many suppliers accept small deposits to lock in your date, making it easier to secure them without a hefty upfront cost.

6 - 9 Months Before: Plan the Details

With the big decisions sorted, it’s time to dive into the finer details that will make your day uniquely yours.

Tasks to Focus On:

• Save-the-Dates: Send these early as early as possible, especially for destination weddings, to give guests plenty of planning time.
👉 Explore our stunning stationary option here.
Top Tip: Ask your venue for accommodation suggestions or group booking deals.

• Additional Suppliers: Consider extras like photo booths, magicians, or transport for the wedding party.

• Decor and Styling: Work with your florist and venue to finalise your tablescapes and settings. You can hire a wide range of beautiful decor items. Take a look at our favourite decor hire suppliers here.

• Menu Tasting: Collaborate with your caterer to finalise your menu, accommodating dietary needs.

• Guest List: Confirm RSVPs and track dietary restrictions.

• Top Tip: Use a spreadsheet to track RSVPs, meal choices, and seating arrangements - being super-organised at this stage will really help in the long run!

3 - 6 Months Before: Final Touches

You’re on the home stretch! This is your chance to confirm details, tie up loose ends, and ensure everything is going according to plan.

Tasks to Complete:

• Confirm bookings with all suppliers.

• Schedule hair and makeup trials.
Top Tip: Wear a top with a similar neckline and colour to your dress during your trial to get a clearer picture of your final look.

• Finalise your ceremony order with your officiant or celebrant.

• Ensure transport is in place for your guests. Early bookings of taxis in Cornwall is advised.

• Top Tip: Pack a kit of essentials with things like a sewing kit, plasters, string and scissors.

1 - 3 Months Before: The Countdown

With the big day just around the corner, it’s time to relax and enjoy the excitement while checking off final tasks.

Final Checklist:

• Chase any outstanding RSVPs.

•  Provide your caterer with all dietary requirements, including for your suppliers if you’re providing meals for them.

• Top Tip: Check contracts to see whether supplier meals are required. For photographers and wedding planners/coordinators for example these are often a contractual obligation and caterers will often provide these meals at a discounted rate.

• Share a timeline with suppliers and your wedding party.

• Pack for your honeymoon (if you’re planning to leave right after the wedding).

Top Tip: Delegate tasks to trusted friends, family, or your coordinator/planner so you can savour every moment.

Need More Help?

Your hard work has paid off. Trust your suppliers, lean on your loved ones, and focus on celebrating with the one you love.

Need help along the way? We can provide advice as well as help you find the perfect venue and suppliers for your big day.

Get in touch with us here to start planning your unforgettable Cornwall wedding!

Credits:

Photo 1: Venue: Lusty Glaze| Photographer: Mark Shaw
Photo 2: Florist: Rose Valley Farm Flowers
Photo 3: Photographer: In Lovers Eyes
Photo 4: Venue: Knightor| Wedding Planner: Tide The Knot Wedding Planner|Photographer: Katie Goff
Photo 5: Hair Stylist: Caroline Ruddock Hair | Photographer: Kelly Paige Photography
Photo 6: Venue: St Michaels Resort| Photographer: Olivia WR Photo
Photo 7: Venue: Knightor| Photographer: Mollie Mcausland