Starting your wedding planning journey

Congratulations on your Engagement!

Where do you start after your engagement? 

Well to help you over the next few weeks I’ve pulled together my top hints and tips for you.

It’s an exciting time and I hope that they help you start pulling together the most awesome wedding. And as always if you have any questions just give me a shout! 

Laura and Gina festival wedding weekend - couple shown with coloured smokebombs on the banks of the river at Hidden River Barn, Carlisle
Photo Kirsty Rockett Photography
Photo Vicky Clayson Photography from our Tropical Modern wedding shoot
TACKLING THE WEDDING PLANNING 'TO DO' LIST

Where to start

Work out the key things which are most important to you both and keep them front of mind throughout. The day is about the two of you

Your wedding ceremony

Decide on what type of wedding ceremony you are going to have. E.g. church or civil service? Celebrant?

Where

Where are you going to get married? Families often live far apart these days

How many guests?

Agree on numbers. A small or large wedding? Keep it realistic

When?

Work out rough dates for when you would like to get married. Keep flexible at this stage if you can as, for example, your perfect wedding venue might already be booked on a specific date but could be available the weekend before or the Friday instead. Bank holiday weekends usually attract a premium and you need to book further ahead

Set your wedding budget

Set a budget for your wedding. How much can you afford? Will relatives be contributing to your wedding and how much? The latter can feel awkward but you’ll need to know what you can spend. I always recommend setting a budget for at least the high level items (venue, food) and always include a contingency (usually 10%)

CELEBRATE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Throw an engagement party

I had to get this one in there but you need to celebrate! 

Throw an engagement party! Go out with friends to celebrate! Arrange an engagement photoshoot (which can also be practice for the big day!). However, you want to do it enjoy this moment. 

Photo Kirsty Rockett Photography
Photo Hannah Hall Photography
Photo Hannah Hall Photography
TACKLING THE WEDDING PLANNING 'TO DO' LIST

Get into the detail

Start pulling together the style/theme of your wedding

Start Researching

Look in wedding magazines. Search wedding blogs which match the vibe you are going for

Pop into a wedding fair

Drag your other half along or make a day of it with your friends (Why not grab a VIP package!). Grab details of potential wedding suppliers – they’ll come in handy later.

Start Collating

I love putting everything in an old fashioned scrap book (or get on Pinterest!) as it can also become a lasting keepsake. But if you go on Pinterest don't go mad - I've seen couples get lost in Pinterest as there are so many ideas on there!

Incorporate your personalities

Make a list of things which reflect you and your personalities which you want to include in your special day

spread the good news

Your bridal party

You need to decide who is in your wedding party (or bridal party as its traditionally known).

Will you have a best man, chief bridesmaid, bridesmaids, pageboys and/or flower girls? How many will you have?

Work out how you are going to tell them the good news. There are plenty of ways you can do this. One good example is bridesmaid balloons. Or personalised gifts can give a special touch, for example, if your bridesmaid likes chocolate – ask the question on a personalised chocolate bar!

Photo Darren Cresswell Photography from M&R's Festival Wedding Day
Photo Martin C Photography taken at Fillongley Hall, Warwickshire wedding venue
Photo The Gribbons from C&L's Birmingham Marquee wedding day
stately home, FAMILY HOME, country house, marquee, tipi, yurt ...

Start wedding venue Hunting

After you’ve gone through the steps above the first main thing you need to do is start looking at wedding venues. This is one of the biggest decision you will make in planning your wedding day. 

Make a shortlist

Prepare a shortlist of venues and arrange appointments to visit.

Match your budget

Don’t discount venues if you can’t afford the price at the height of the summer – they are often significantly cheaper in the week or at different times of the year.

arrange a viewing

Always see a venue dressed up for a wedding. If you can’t do this ask for pictures.

There is a lot to consider when choosing your wedding venue so you can check out our blog on this specific area by clicking here. 

More on how to choose your wedding venue
On the day wedding management & full wedding planning

get some help!

Finally, its worth remembering that it usually takes around 250 hours to plan a wedding. Sometimes a lot more than this depending on the size and complexity of your wedding day. It is going to take up your time. 


Pull in help and assistance where you need it. This can be from friends, family or wedding industry professionals. 


If you are tight on time a wedding planner might be the best option for you. They can help you with pulling together your design, identifying venues or suppliers, negotiating on your behalf and taking care of all of the wedding administration. We can often save you money as well! 


You can check out our wedding planning services by clicking here. You can also book an introductory call for me to understand your wedding planning requirements. All our packages are flexible and every wedding is different, so it’s good to chat over a cuppa! 


Happy Planning!

Linzi x

Book your introductory call here
Photo Kirsty Rockett Photography
nottingham tipi wedding at glebe farm nottingham - bride portrait photo with bouquet
Photo Angela Ward Brown Photography
more wedding planning inspiration

real weddings

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