The engagement ring sparkles on your finger, and now you’re ready to plan your dream wedding. Some people dream about this moment since childhood, while others might feel overwhelmed about where to start. Planning a wedding doesn’t need to be stressful. Every moment of this special experience deserves your enjoyment – from picking the perfect venue to selecting the final touches that will make your celebration uniquely yours.
Let us guide you through each important step of the wedding planning process. You’ll learn to set a realistic budget, pick your wedding style, create your guest list, and choose the right venue and vendors. Our well-laid-out guidance will help you feel confident and prepared as you bring your wedding vision to life while staying organized throughout the planning process.
Set Your Wedding Budget
Let’s discuss the life-blood of wedding planning – your budget. Your wedding budget needs perfect rhythm and balance, just like a beautifully choreographed first dance that creates something truly magical.
Determine who is contributing
The old belief that the bride’s family pays for everything has evolved with modern times. 63% of couples receive financial support from family members, which creates a perfect mix of shared expenses. You should start an open conversation with both families to discuss their possible contributions. Every contribution matters to your celebration’s grandeur, whatever its size, so approach these discussions with sensitivity and gratitude.
Create a detailed spreadsheet
A wedding budget spreadsheet will become your most trusted planning companion. Picture it as your love story’s script that captures every detail perfectly. You should include these essential columns:
- Estimated costs
- Actual vendor quotes
- Deposits paid
- Balance remaining
- Payment due dates
Pro tip: Google Sheets makes your spreadsheet available anywhere, so you can update numbers quickly during vendor meetings or wedding fairs.
Allocate funds to priorities
Planning your wedding budget is like picking the perfect shots for your wedding album – you need to think carefully about what matters most. Here’s a practical breakdown of typical wedding expenses:
- Venue and Catering: 40-50% of total budget
- Photography/Videography: 10-15%
- Flowers and Décor: 8-10%
- Entertainment: 5-10%
- Attire and Accessories: 8-10%
Set aside 10-15% of your total budget as a safety net. This buffer will help you handle unexpected costs, from last-minute transportation needs to backup plans for bad weather.
You should discuss your budget openly with vendors. Most professionals will customize their packages to match your financial goals and still keep your vision intact. Your wedding budget isn’t just about numbers – it reflects your priorities as a couple through thoughtful choices.
Your guest count greatly affects your overall expenses. Each addition to your guest list creates a ripple effect through your budget, with average costs around £90 per person. The most intimate celebrations often create the most magnificent memories.
Choose Your Wedding Style and Theme
Voilà! The creative part of your wedding planning trip starts with selecting your wedding style and theme. Picture yourself as a movie director crafting your own romantic film that tells your unique love story through every detail.
Discuss your vision as a couple
A heartfelt conversation with your partner about your dreams will set the perfect foundation. Your wedding theme should capture your essence, both as individuals and as a united couple. Close your eyes and foresee your perfect celebration. The emotions you want to create and the elements that showcase your personality matter deeply. Wedding styles that might spark your imagination include:
- Modern and minimalist
- Romantic garden party
- Vintage charm
- Bohemian elegance
- Classic sophistication
- Beach-meets-desert fusion
Think about venue options
Your style choice will substantially affect which venue you select – or sometimes the venue itself sparks your theme! Different venues tell their own romantic stories.
A historic mansion’s grandeur reflects timeless elegance, while a rustic barn creates the perfect setting for a charming countryside celebration. Your venue should be realistic to your vision and work as the ideal backdrop for your love story. The right venue feels like finding the perfect setting for your favorite scene – it just clicks naturally.
Decide on formality level
Your wedding’s formality sets the foundation for all other decisions. This guide explains different wedding formality levels:
- Ultra-formal (White Tie): Evening celebrations with strict etiquette, full-length gowns, and multiple-course plated dinners
- Formal (Black Tie): Evening or late afternoon events with tuxedos or dark suits, long gowns, and elegant service
- Semi-formal: The most popular choice gives you flexibility with cocktail attire and various reception styles
- Casual: Relaxed celebrations highlight comfort and personality over tradition
Your formality choice shapes everything from invitations to menu selections. You should think over your budget (as I wrote in earlier), venue options, and what makes both of you comfortable. Your wedding needs to reflect who you really are.
Modern wedding planning gives you the freedom to mix different styles. You might foresee a formal ceremony that flows into a relaxed garden party, or blend traditional service with contemporary celebrations. Your wedding style should tell your story – from classic romance to avant-garde adventure.
A cohesive experience needs consistency throughout. Your chosen theme will guide each decision from save-the-dates to the final farewell. This approach will give a wedding that’s more than just beautiful elements – it becomes a masterfully choreographed celebration of your love.
Create Your Guest List
Think of your guest list as casting the perfect ensemble for your romantic masterpiece. Let’s arrange your celebration’s cast of characters before you start sending those elegant invitations.
Determine approximate size
Let’s envision your dream celebration. Will you host an intimate gathering or a grand soirée? This piece breaks down typical wedding sizes:
- Micro Wedding: Up to 20 guests – perfect for an intimate, focused celebration
- Small Wedding: 20-60 guests – ideal for meaningful conversations and personal touches
- Medium Wedding: 80-120 guests – the sweet spot for many couples
- Large Wedding: 150+ guests – perfect for those who love grand celebrations
Your wedding size sets the tone for the entire event. A 75-person celebration feels nowhere near the same as a 300-person extravaganza, whatever other details you choose.
Make preliminary list
Let’s kick off your casting call! Your guest list should mirror a well-planned film production with these priority levels:
- Must-Have Stars: Your VIPs – immediate family and closest friends
- Supporting Cast: Extended family and good friends
- Ensemble Members: Colleagues and casual acquaintances
- Special Considerations: Plus-ones and children
Pro tip: The A-list and B-list method works best here. Experience shows that about 90% of guests will attend your event. This smart approach lets you send more invitations when early RSVPs decline.
Think over venue capacity
Your venue works like your film set – it must comfortably fit your cast and leave enough room for the action to unfold naturally. The guest count needs careful planning with these cinematic elements in mind:
- Your venue’s maximum capacity is the absolute limit
- Get a sample floor plan based on maximum capacity
- Factor in space for dining, dancing, and candid moments
- Extra room ensures comfortable movement
C’est la vie – love sometimes means making tough choices. Your dream venue might not fit your ideal guest count, so you’ll need to either trim your list or look for another venue. A packed venue can reshape your elegant soirée into an uncomfortable squeeze.
Medium-sized weddings with 82-103 guests represent the current average in the UK. Your perfect number should match your vision, budget (as I wrote in our budget section!), and your desired atmosphere.
Planning tip: A detailed spreadsheet with essential information like dietary restrictions, accommodation needs, and contact details is a great way to get organized. This tool will become your best friend throughout your planning process.
Select Your Wedding Date and Venue
Lights, camera, action! Your wedding venue and date selection is a vital part of your planning trip. This decision will set the tone for your entire celebration, much like selecting the perfect location for a romantic film.
Research venue options
Your venue search needs the same attention to detail as a film director scouting the perfect location. Start your venue hunt at least 12-18 months before your intended wedding date, especially for a peak-season celebration. Here’s everything you need to look at:
- How easily guests can reach the location
- How well the venue matches your vision
- Whether it fits your budget
- What amenities and services come with it
- If it can hold all your guests comfortably
Note that c’est la vie – the perfect venue might show up when you least expect it. Trust your instincts as you learn about different places.
Check availability for preferred dates
Great news! You’ve found potential venues. Now let’s get those calendars arranged. Here are some key timing factors to keep in mind:
- Peak vs. Off-peak: Venues charge premium prices from May through October
- Day selection: You’ll pay more for weekend dates compared to weekdays
- Season effect: Your desired esthetic and weather conditions matter a lot
- Special dates: Local events or holidays might limit venue availability
Pro tip: Your dream venue could cost less if you’re flexible with dates. Venues often give great discounts during off-peak seasons. You might also save money with weekday celebrations.
Book your venue
You’ve found “the one,” and now it’s time to make it official. Your venue contract works like your wedding day screenplay – every detail counts. Before signing, you need to understand:
- Payment schedule: A deposit and installment plans are typical
- Cancelation policy: Available options if plans change
- Included services: Everything from in-house catering to furniture rentals
- Setup and breakdown times: These help coordinate with vendors
- Backup plans: These matter most for outdoor spaces
The venue coordinator becomes your trusted partner in this romantic production. A strong relationship with them helps turn your ideas into reality. Request multiple visits to plan layouts and see how your celebration flows through the space.
Your wedding date becomes official once you book your venue. This creates the final deadline for all other planning elements. Your dream turns into a real path toward your perfect day. After confirmation, you can start planning other aspects of your celebration, from booking the core team to designing your save-the-dates.
The perfect venue frames your love story like a beautiful photograph. Take a moment to picture your first dance, your guests enjoying themselves, and those special moments you’ll always remember. This space isn’t just another location – it’s where your next chapter begins.
Hire Key Wedding Vendors
Your wedding vendors are like a talented cast working together to tell your love story. These professionals combine their expertise to create the masterpiece you’ll remember as your special day.
Research and interview vendors
Wedding vendors are the artisans who bring your vision to life. You should start your search at least 8-12 months before your wedding date, especially during popular seasons. Here’s what you need to think about while doing your research:
- Portfolio Review: Take a look at their previous work to see if their style matches what you want
- Client Reviews: Check testimonials and ask couples who got married about their experiences
- Communication Style: Make sure they respond well and get what you need
- Insurance and Backup Plans: Check their professional credentials and backup arrangements
- Budget Alignment: Their services should fit your allocated budget
Book photographer, videographer, planner
These talented artists will capture and coordinate your love story. They are like casting directors for a romantic film, and you should prioritize booking them first:
- Wedding Planner (12-18 months before)
- Photographer (10-12 months before)
- Videographer (10-12 months before)
Pro tip: The personality and energy of potential media vendors matter significantly. These professionals will stay by your side throughout your celebration, so your connection with them is essential. You should ask them about their shooting style, backup equipment, and delivery timeline.
Secure caterer and florist
No romantic production feels complete without perfect ambiance and culinary delights. Your caterer and florist add sensory magic to your celebration.
Schedule tastings with potential catering vendors. Look at their menu flexibility and creativity. The team should accommodate dietary restrictions and offer various service styles. Staff professionalism matters as much as their setup and cleanup procedures.
Your florist’s expertise should match your vision. Share your color palette and theme so they can bring your ideas to life within budget. As I wrote in our budget section, flowers usually take up 8-10% of your total wedding investment.
Your gut feeling matters when you meet vendors. Ask these essential questions during interviews:
- How many weddings do you handle per day?
- What’s included in your standard package?
- What’s your payment schedule and cancelation policy?
- How do you handle unexpected situations?
- Can you provide references from recent weddings?
Note that: Vendors do more than provide services – they form your wedding day’s creative team. Read contracts carefully and understand every detail before signing. Like a well-coordinated scene, each vendor should blend perfectly to create your celebration.
Strong relationships with chosen vendors need clear communication and shared inspiration. A shared vision board or Pinterest collection helps everyone understand your desired esthetic. These professionals play a crucial role in making your wedding dreams real.
Start Wedding Dress Shopping
Looking for your perfect wedding dress feels like finding the star gown in your own love story. Your wedding dress selection deserves special attention during your wedding planning trip. Let me show you how to find that dream dress that makes your heart skip a beat.
Research styles and designers
Make yourself the director of your own style story before visiting your first bridal salon. Start your research experience 12-18 months before your wedding date to give yourself enough time for ordering and alterations. Here’s your essential research strategy:
- Create a dedicated Pinterest board to capture inspiration
- Find designers available in your local area
- Learn about different dress silhouettes and necklines
- Save images that match your wedding vision
- Write down specific design elements you love
As I wrote in our venue discussion, your dress should go together with your chosen setting perfectly. A ballgown looks stunning in a grand mansion but might feel too much for an intimate garden celebration.
Make salon appointments
Voilà! Your homework is done, and now it’s time to book those bridal appointments. Limit yourself to two appointments per day. This helps you avoid decision fatigue and keeps each visit special. Here’s everything you need to think about:
- Call ahead to check if your favorite designers are available
- Book during quiet hours to get more personal attention
- Make sure the salon’s prices line up with what you want to spend
- Check how many friends can join you (usually 4-5 at most)
- Ask how long each visit takes (typically 60-90 minutes)
C’est la vie – you might not find your dream dress at your first stop, but don’t let that get you down. Just like any great love story, the perfect match takes time and patience.
Begin trying on dresses
Now’s the time to try potential dresses for your big day. Approach each appointment with an open mind and heart, because you might find “the one” in an unexpected gown. Here’s what you need to make the most of your dress fitting:
Your bridal appointment outfit should have:
- Nude, seamless underwear
- A strapless bra (though many dresses come with built-in support)
- Hair tie to try different styles
- Light makeup to keep dresses clean
Your stylist knows best – they’re like your personal costume designer who understands how different silhouettes work in real-life movement. Don’t feel pressured to make an immediate decision. Take photos (if allowed) and write down your thoughts about each dress. Focus on your feelings rather than just your looks.
The practical side of your chosen gown matters too. You should feel comfortable during your first dance and sit easily at your reception. Your dress needs to look amazing through every moment of your wedding day.
Sample sales give you great chances to find designer dresses at lower prices, but you need a good plan. These events need quick decisions and often come with limited sizes. If you’re watching your budget (as i wrote in our budget section!), ask your salon about upcoming sample sales or trunk shows.
Dress shopping should feel like a special part of your wedding story, not something stressful. Bring people who support your vision and understand your budget. The sort of thing i love is having your closest friends there to share that magical moment when you find “the one.”
Conclusion
Wedding planning is a beautiful experience where meaningful decisions shape your perfect celebration. Your budget, dream dress, and other elements build on each other to create a smooth path to your special day. These carefully chosen details fit together like pieces of a romantic puzzle that bring your vision to life and reflect your love story and style.
Your engagement deserves as much joy as the wedding day itself. Take time to pause, celebrate small wins, and cherish these precious planning moments together. You might want an intimate gathering or a grand celebration – being organized will help create the wedding you’ve always imagined. Check out our Weddings Page to learn about our wedding packages and let us help make your wedding dreams beautiful memories.
Considering more intimate calebration? Check out our article on Benefits of Eloping vs Having a Big Wedding.
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