Planning your wedding can be one of the most exciting yet overwhelming experiences! Breaking it down into manageable steps can make it all that much smoother. Whether you're dreaming of an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, these 10 steps will help you kick-start the process and guide you on your way to a day that reflects your unique personality and wedding wishes.
In at number one we've got the guest list. Your guest list will significantly impact the rest of your planning. Will it be an intimate gathering or a large affair? Once you have an idea of how many people you want to invite, you can work out a budget and start searching for venues that accommodate your numbers.
Tip: Make a “must-have” and “nice-to-have” guest list to help prioritise if you need to trim numbers.
Before you book anything or start dreaming up lavish ideas like Helicopter landings and Honeymoons in exotic locations, it’s essential to figure out how much you’re willing to spend. Your budget will guide all your decisions, see our guide to setting a wedding budget here. Start by having an open discussion with your partner, and take into consideration if any family members will kindly contribute.
Tip: Make sure you’ve got a contingency of 10% of the whole budget in place—you’ll thank yourself later! If your budget is £20,000, we suggest £2,000 as your contingency.
Select a few potential dates that work for both of you. Flexibility can help you secure your dream venue or photographer. Consider the time of year, any significant dates, and the availability of your closest loved ones. Popular venues book up fast, we personally book up from 18 months to 2 years ahead. The earlier you lock in a date, the better! Although having said that there are normally excellent late availability deals to fill up any free dates, if you can’t wait to be married explore our complete Whirlwind wedding package.
Tip: Traditionally Saturdays in Summer were the day and season of choice for weddings, now Monday – Thursday and Winter Weddings are much more common and can also bag you a bargain dream Wedding if you’re flexible on dates. Explore our Winter Wedding Package here.
Your wedding venue sets the tone for your entire day. There is a huge amount to take into consideration, location, accommodation, size, type or venue. With more Wedding venues available that ever before, it’s important to get clear on your must haves. Much like buying a house, jot down your must haves and eliminate from there. Once you’ve narrowed it down, arrange visits and request brochures and pricing to get a feel for the atmosphere. The more information you can give a venue on your wants, guest numbers and budget at this stage the more accurate pricing they will be able to provide. In other words, although viewing venues and exploring options can be an exciting part of the process but don't skip the first 3 steps!
Tip: Take time to explore the packages for each venue, get proposals to ensure you’re receiving the complete cost for your wedding day. Don’t be afraid to negotiate. A token of a good venue and coordinator is that they’ll make sure your wishes are accounted for and carried out at every stage. Weddings should be as unique and special as you are!
If your Wedding must haves are a beautiful Georgian Country House Hotel set in acres of manicured gardens with period character and charm and an experienced friendly team - you may not need to look any further - Enquire at the bottom of this page for our Wedding Brochure and pricing.
If you're handling the planning on your own, organisation is key. There are plenty of wedding planning apps available that can help you track your budget, vendors, guest list, and timeline. We recommend Bridebook for their planning tools. Alternatively, if you prefer a paper approach, invest in a wedding planning journal where you can jot down ideas, track progress, and stay organised.
Tip: Bridebook offer free planning tools and checklists to help streamline the process. Or, a physical wedding journal adds a sentimental touch and can become a keepsake.
Do you envision a modern, minimalist wedding or a rustic, boho celebration? Selecting a style or theme early on will help unify your décor choices, colour scheme, and even your outfits. Pinterest boards can be a great place to gather inspiration, but don't be afraid to make your wedding uniquely yours!
Tip: Get sentimental about yourselves as individuals and as a couple. What makes you unique and what’s important to you both, consider if these are things you can include in your wedding. We’ve had horses as wedding guests, Flower Grans and entire Disney themed celebrations. Your day should be a reflection of you!
Once you have your date and venue, it’s time to secure your most important vendors. Photographers, room dressers and florists can book up months (or even years) in advance, so prioritize finding the ones that match your style and budget. Other vendors to consider include the band or DJ, cake, and officiant. Explore our recommended suppliers here if you're in the Cheshire, Wirral area.
Tip: Your venue should have a list of excellent local suppliers that they recommend, you can find ours here. From this starting place we recommend asking for recommendations from other suppliers, before you know it you have a fully fledged wedding team who are used to working together to make dream weddings a reality.
Or create a wedding website. Depending on how technically minded you are of course. If a simple email chain, group chat, or even a shared Google doc to keep your guests informed will suffice then go ahead. Include essential information like the date, venue details, accommodation options, and dress code. This alternative allows you to stay organised and connected without the need for a full website. However, we do love a good wedding website!
Tip: A group chat or email list also provides an easy way for guests to RSVP or ask questions directly, making communication smooth and accessible.
Once your guest list and venue are confirmed, send out save-the-dates to give your guests plenty of notice, especially if they need to travel. The official invitations can be sent closer to the wedding date but save-the-dates allow people to mark their calendars and make arrangements in advance. If your booking your Wedding 6-12 months ahead of time it may be best to skip this step and head straight to the official invitations.
Tip: Save the dates and invitations don't need to be paper, if you're a sustainable saviour opt for the online - digital options that can be just as special and unique.
Wedding planning can sometimes feel overwhelming but remember to enjoy the journey. Schedule breaks with your partner to celebrate your engagement and focus on what truly matters—your love for each other. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that your wedding results in the beginning of your married life together. This next chapter is going to be truly magical! Enjoy every moment!
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to planning a wedding that’s uniquely yours. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about celebrating your love with the people who matter most. For more tips, Real Weddings and planning tools head to our Wedding Hub page.
If you're interested in finding out more about Weddings at Rowton Hall or want to book an appointment to view our venue, then please fill in the form below and our Wedding team will be in touch.
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