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Congratulations! You’re engaged – and now the whirlwind of excitement is quickly followed by the realisation that a wedding needs to be planned. Planning a wedding can seem like a daunting task, but with the right steps and a clear roadmap, the process can be smooth, enjoyable, and dare we say, fun!
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan a wedding in the UK, from setting the date to sending thank-you cards post-ceremony. So grab a cup of tea (or champagne!), and let’s dive in!
Photo credit:https://unsplash.com/@mrsrachelmcdermott
1. Celebrate and Announce Your Engagement
Before jumping into the logistical side of wedding planning, take a moment to relish the engagement. Tell your family and close friends in person or via phone before making any big public announcements. If you want, you can also have an engagement party or a small gathering to mark the occasion.
2. Set a Date and Decide on Your Wedding Style
The wedding date is crucial. It will influence the availability of venues, vendors, and even your guest list. Consider:
Time of year: Are you dreaming of a summer wedding, a cosy winter affair, or perhaps a springtime celebration?
Venue availability: Popular UK wedding venues, like stately homes or rustic barns, book up fast, sometimes over a year in advance.
Guest availability: If you're hoping to have key family members or friends attend, be sure to check they’re available on your desired date.
Once you have a date in mind, think about the style of your wedding. Do you want something traditional, bohemian, modern, or perhaps a mix? Deciding on a theme or aesthetic early can help guide every other decision.
3. Set Your Budget
Your wedding budget will dictate most of your planning decisions, so it’s vital to get this set from the start. In the UK, the average wedding costs around £20,000 to £30,000, but every couple is different. Start by discussing with your partner how much you're both comfortable spending. Include potential contributions from family, if applicable. Divide the budget into the key categories:
Venue
Catering (food & drink)
Photography/videography
Attire (dress, suit, accessories)
Florals and decorations
Entertainment (band, DJ, live performances)
Stationery (invitations, programs, etc.)
Wedding rings
Transportation
Miscellaneous (gifts, favours, etc.)
It’s essential to allow a 10-15% buffer for unexpected expenses.
4. Choose Your Venue
The venue is often the biggest chunk of your budget, so start looking at potential places early on. In the UK, there’s a wealth of choices, ranging from grand country houses to chic city venues, rustic barns, and even quirky outdoor spaces. Some options include:
Manor Houses and Castles: Perfect for a fairy-tale wedding.
Barns: Ideal for rustic and countryside weddings.
City Venues: Hotels, rooftops, or urban spaces for a modern vibe.
Outdoor Venues: If you dream of an alfresco wedding, keep in mind the UK's unpredictable weather, so you'll likely need a marquee backup.
Top Tip: Always ask about what’s included in the venue fee (e.g., catering, chairs, sound equipment) and their specific rules on things like alcohol, entertainment, and décor.
5. Create Your Guest List
The guest list is one of the most challenging aspects of wedding planning, especially if you need to balance budget constraints with family expectations. Start by making a list of everyone you would ideally like to invite and then adjust based on venue capacity and your budget.
Immediate Family & Close Friends: The must-have attendees.
Extended Family & Friends: These are often the first to be cut if your budget is tight.
Work Colleagues & Acquaintances: Consider if they are essential to your day.
Don't forget to account for plus-ones and children, and decide early if you want a child-free wedding or will provide special accommodation for little ones.
6. Book Key Vendors
After securing your venue, focus on booking the key vendors who will help make your day special. In the UK, popular wedding suppliers often get booked up well in advance, especially in peak wedding season (May to September). Prioritise:
Caterers: Whether you're having a formal sit-down meal, a buffet, or a quirky food truck, the food will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Photographer/Videographer: These pros capture the memories of your day, so look for a style you love and meet with several photographers before deciding.
Florist: Florals can significantly impact your décor. Choose a florist that fits your aesthetic, whether it’s modern minimalism or classic romance.
Entertainment: A band, DJ, or other live performances can set the mood for your reception. Check if your venue has any sound restrictions.
If you plan to have a wedding planner, this is also the time to hire one. They can help alleviate much of the planning pressure, particularly with vendor management.
7. Order Your Wedding Attire
Finding the perfect wedding dress or suit takes time, so begin shopping 8-12 months before the big day. In the UK, bridal boutiques often require several months to make and alter gowns. Don't forget about accessories, shoes, and undergarments!
For the groom, a bespoke suit or a tailored outfit is ideal. Some grooms may prefer to rent suits for the entire wedding party, but if you’re buying, leave time for adjustments and fittings.
8. Plan Your Ceremony
In the UK, your wedding can be a civil ceremony, religious ceremony, or humanist ceremony. Each comes with different legal and logistical requirements:
Civil Ceremonies can take place in any licensed venue or registry office.
Religious Ceremonies must follow the traditions and rules of the church or faith in which you are marrying.
Humanist Ceremonies are personal and non-religious but aren’t legally binding in England and Wales (though they are in Scotland). If you opt for this route, you'll need to have a legal marriage at a registry office as well.
9. Send Save the Dates and Invitations
Once your venue and date are set, it’s time to send out Save the Date cards, especially if you’re having a destination wedding or many of your guests will be traveling. Invitations should follow 3-4 months before the wedding. Don’t forget to include details about:
RSVP deadlines
Dress code
Accommodation options (if applicable)
Dietary requirements
10. Organise the Legalities
For the wedding to be legal in the UK, there are a few steps you’ll need to follow:
Give Notice of Marriage: You must both give notice at your local register office at least 29 days before the wedding. This involves providing ID and proof of nationality.
Confirm Your Ceremony Details: Your registrar or religious officiant will confirm the legal aspects of your ceremony, such as the signing of the marriage register.
If you're marrying abroad, be sure to check the specific legal requirements for the country where you're getting married.
11. Plan the Details: Décor, Favours, and More
Now it’s time to dive into the fun parts! Décor, favours, and small personal touches help set the tone for your wedding. Whether you want to go all-out with elaborate floral displays or keep things minimal with a few well-chosen pieces, this is where you can let your personality shine.
Table settings and linens
Seating arrangements
Favours for guests (personalised gifts or small tokens)
Lighting and candles
12. Book the Honeymoon
Don't forget about your post-wedding getaway! Start planning early to avoid last-minute stress. If you’re jetting off immediately after the wedding, make sure all your documents are in order (passport, visa, travel insurance) and double-check the booking details.
13. Create a Wedding Day Timeline
Approximately 4-6 weeks before the wedding, create a detailed timeline of the day. Include timings for:
Arrival of vendors
Ceremony start and end
Reception entrance
Speeches
First dance
Cake cutting
Any special moments or entertainment
Share this with your vendors, the venue, and your wedding party to ensure everything runs smoothly.
14. Enjoy the Day!
On the day of the wedding, it’s time to step back and enjoy the moment. Trust in the plans you’ve made, and let your vendors and coordinator handle any last-minute details. Soak up every moment, from the ceremony to the last dance!
15. Send Thank-You Notes
After the wedding, be sure to send thank-you notes to everyone who attended or sent gifts. Personalise each note to show your appreciation, and if you can, include a professional photo from the wedding as a keepsake.
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