We often take for granted that couples know what order to plan their wedding in.

That the best photographers get booked up early, that less than six months is a rush order for a wedding dress, and that printing your menus can often take a few weeks.

Knowing what to do when with wedding planning, is a big part of an expert planner's job.

It helps you keep in budget, combat indecisiveness, and stay organised. Being prepared with your colour palette 10 months out, means meeting your florist at 6 months out, is a cinche.

But what do you do if you're not a professional planner? Easy. We've got the cheat sheet!

Photo by En Route Photography via Bridal Musings

World class wedding planners Quintessentially Weddings create some of the most beautiful, luxurious, and unique weddings on the planet, so when it comes to planning timelines, they sure know their stuff.

And not only have they been kind enough to share their top tips for getting prepped for planning, but they've also put together the ultimate cut-out-and-keep (or pin!) timeline that we just know will be a go-to resource throughout your planning. (So blooming handy!)

So, without further ado, take it away Quintessentially Weddings...

How To Get Organised With Wedding Planning

At Quintessentially Weddings we know it can be incredibly frustrating for brides when the time comes to plan their wedding. Not only do we understand, we take the load off and take note of everything there is to know about the bride and groom as individuals and as a couple, thus turning their wedding dreams into a reality by incorporating their unique personalities. But what happens when you don't have access to a wedding planner?

Photo by KT Merry Photography via Style Me Pretty

It can be easy for a wedding planner to see outside the box but if you are a bride and groom venturing into the world of wedding venues, floral designs and stationary decisions you can get a little fuzzy headed in the process and end up stressing yourself out with the finer details. As professional wedding planners we can offer both brides and grooms some essential tips to help make planning your wedding that little bit easier.

#Tip 1: The Budget

The very first thing you need to do is sit down as bride and groom and make sure you are both on the same page when it comes to your budget.

Make a list of the more expensive parts of any wedding including the venue, photographer, dress and flowers. A rough budget is essential - you can always change your mind later but initially this will save you a lot of time.

Photo by Terra Rothman Photography via Bridal Musings

#Tip 2: The Inspiration

Whether you create a scrapbook or a Pinterest board we recommend you collect your wedding styles ideas in one place. This will ensure the colours and designs that you like are at hand when the time comes to choose your décor and floral arrangements.

Photo by Peter & Veronika via Bridal Musings

#Tip 3: The Checklist

Follow a wedding checklist like the one we have created. Our 'Wedding Timeline Planner' guides any bride and groom through every step of their wedding planning and enables you take each step as it comes. Plan the months ahead with a clear head and you will feel the benefits immediately.

Pin Quintessentially Weddings' Awesome Timeline Cheat Sheet

Such a concise graphic, right? And great tips (especially the one about pre-wedding pampering!) Don't forget to pin it so you have it to hand for every step of your wedding planning.

Visit Quintessentially Weddings' website to see the stunning celebrations they've created for couples all over the world, and to find out more about Atelier, their exclusive wedding showcase, coming to London next month.

Have you any top tips for your wedding planning timeline? We'd love it if you shared them in the comments below.

Need more planning advice? Check out our Step-by-Step Guide