How to plan a wedding
As a renowned wedding venue in the heart of the beautiful Eden Valley, we at Heather Glen have witnessed countless couples embark on their journey to tying the knot. With years of experience hosting unforgettable celebrations, we understand that wedding planning can feel overwhelming and knowing where to start even more so.
From choosing your wedding venue and securing the date to coordinating wedding suppliers and sending wedding invitations, we know what works, what doesn’t and how to avoid common pitfalls when planning a wedding. Whether you’re dreaming of an extravagant celebration or an intimate affair, our goal is to provide you with the knowledge you need to bring your vision to life.
We’ve created this wedding checklist to share our expertise and guide you through every step of the wedding planning process. It offers a wedding preparation list and tips to make the process as smooth as possible, reducing any unnecessary stress. Consider this a general guide and make personalised adjustments to fit your specific needs.
How to begin planning a wedding?
Once you’ve enjoyed that newly engaged bliss and have let it sink in that you’re actually getting married, it’s time to start thinking about how to plan a wedding.
One of the most important things for any wedding plan is for you and your partner to sit down and discuss what is most important to you. Common priorities include your wedding location, your guest list, entertainment and whether you’ll have children or no children on the day. Whatever your priorities are as a couple, once you have decided on them together, write them down. This will help you stay focused on what’s really important to you.
How long does it take to plan a wedding?
On average in the UK, it takes a couple between 12 and 24 months to plan a wedding. A minimum of 12 months gives couples a comfortable time frame, as popular venues and suppliers often get booked up quickly, especially during peak wedding season.
Our wedding planning list
1. Set Your Budget
Any plan for a wedding should begin by determining how much you can afford to spend and allocate funds to different aspects of the wedding. Be realistic and include a buffer for unexpected costs.
2. Finalise Your Guestlist
Decide who you want to invite to your wedding, considering your budget. Having a solid guestlist helps with planning other details like choosing your wedding venue, catering and invitations.
3. Choose a date
Pick a date that works for you and key guests. Consider the time of year, whether you want to hold your wedding on a weekend or mid-week and travel logistics.
4. Book Your Wedding Venue
Next on our wedding checklist is to book your wedding venue early to avoid disappointment. Popular venues often get booked years in advance, especially for weekend dates in the peak wedding season months of May-October.
5. Send out save the dates
Let guests know your wedding date well in advance, especially if it’s a destination wedding. This helps them plan time off, arrange childcare and travel.
6. Register your intention to marry
Make an appointment to give notice at your local register office. This will involve signing a legal statement to say you intend to get married or form a civil partnership and you must do this at least 29 days before the wedding ceremony.
7. Buy Wedding Insurance
Some couples choose to protect themselves from damage and liabilities on their big day by applying for wedding insurance. You can do this as soon as you start planning your wedding or once you have a venue secured.
8. Decide On The Overall Wedding Theme
Choose a wedding theme that reflects you and your partner’s personalities. This will help guide your choices in wedding décor, attire and basically every detail of your day.
9. Book Wedding Suppliers
Hire your key suppliers such as a wedding photographer, videographer, florist, entertainment and officiant. Popular wedding suppliers often get booked up quickly, so act early to avoid disappointment.
10. Assign Wedding Roles
Choose your bridesmaids and groomsmen and be clear about your expectations and the responsibilities you would like them to take on.
11. Order Wedding Stationery
Design and order your wedding invitations and any other printed materials like, wedding table plans and seating cards. Make sure they align with your theme.
12. Start Shopping for Wedding Attire
Begin the search for your wedding dress or suit and allow time for fittings and alterations. Our helpful guide on how to choose a wedding dress is a great place to start.
13. Arrange wedding transport and accommodation
Next on our wedding preparation list is arranging wedding transport and accommodation. How will you get to the wedding venue? Where will you stay? These are questions you will need to consider when planning a wedding.
14. Book your honeymoon
Plan and book your honeymoon in advance to give you something to look forward to and to ensure you have time to find the best holiday deals.
15. Create a wedding website
Some couples set up a wedding website with essential information for guests, helping to simplify the wedding planning process.
16. Send your wedding invitations
Send out wedding invitations about 4-5 months before the wedding. Often details of your wedding website can be included in your wedding invitations to provide further information for guests.
17. Buy your wedding rings
Choose and purchase your wedding bands, allowing time for sizing or custom engraving. Make sure to choose something that compliments your engagement ring and make sure they fit within your set budget.
18. Create a schedule of the wedding day’s events
Plan a detailed timeline for the big day, including the ceremony, reception and key events like the wedding breakfast, speeches and first dance. This is usually coordinated with your chosen wedding venue, who will make sure the events of the day are seamless.
19. Plan your wedding menu
Another exciting step in your wedding planning process is planning your wedding menu. Firstly, you should check if your wedding venue provides in-house catering or if they allow outside caterers. You should then book a menu tasting to design a bespoke wedding menu for your wedding day.
20. Arrange stag and hen nights
Traditionally the maid of honour and best man are in charge of arranging stag and hen nights, so all you have to do is show up and have a fantastic time. The perfect time to host your hen or stag party is around 2-3months before the wedding.
21. Write your vows
If writing your own vows, begin drafting them early. Practice out loud and revise until they feel just right.
22. Decide on toasts, speeches and readings
Choose who will speak during the ceremony and reception if you’re planning on following traditional formalities. Coordinate with them to ensure they are aware of the schedule of the day.
23. Do your seating plan
Once you’ve received your RSVPs, you can create your seating plan. It’s best to leave this job to the very last minute in case of cancellations.
24. Arrange final bridal fittings
Schedule final dress or suit fittings a few weeks before the wedding to ensure a perfect fit.
25. Final details
Lastly on our list of the most important steps in planning a wedding, make sure to confirm all bookings and suppliers, and delegate day-of-the-wedding tasks to others so you can relax and enjoy.
It’s worth noting that this is not an exhaustive list of all the things you need to do before a wedding, but it’ll be a lot easier to relax the night before and morning of your wedding knowing that everything on this wedding preparation list is complete, allowing you to enjoy your day.
Weddings at Heather Glen
Heather Glen Country House Hotel is a charming wedding venue on the edge of the Lake District with an array of facilities to cater to wedding parties big and small. Our dedicated team will work with you to plan and arrange a day that you and your guests will cherish forever. By working closely with you, we make it our mission to transform your dream wedding into a beautiful reality. If you’re considering Heather Glen as the wedding venue for your special day, we’d love to hear from you.
