Top 5 Things To Think About When You First Start Planning Your Wedding
It’s that time of year. Christmas is the time of festive celebrations, copious amounts of food and drink and making small talk with your uncle that you don’t really like, but have to see on Christmas Day.
But, Christmas is also a magical time for PROPOSALS! In 2020 - yes we were all at home - but Bridebook estimated that over 100,000 engagements took place over the Christmas season.
Our videographer Ben on his wedding day with the gorgeous Sophie!
So, if you are or are hoping to get engaged over Christmas (we’re rooting for you!), check out our top five things to think about when you first start planning your wedding.
We attend 50-100 weddings PER YEAR, and have had four spectacular weddings in our own team in 2024 (you’ll see pictures of them all throughout this article), so we are definitely in the position to give sound advice!
ENJOY BEING ENGAGED
This might be a weird way for us to start, but sometimes you get so caught up in wanting to get everything planned, you forget to sit back and enjoy being engaged.
Becoming a fiancé(e) is THE MOST incredible feeling. You have the rest of your life to be a husband or wife so revel in your engagement glow as much as you can - you won’t be a fiancé(e) for long.
2. DEFINE YOUR NON-NEGOTIABLES…
…and stick to them.
These are the elements of your wedding that matter most to you and your partner and should guide all your decisions.
Write down the top 3-5 elements most important to you as a couple (venue style, guest count, vibe, food, entertainment etc.)
My wedding timeline - something I always wanted was a saxophonist to play with the DJ!
Some questions to help:
1. What do you want your guests to remember most about your day?
2. What weddings have you been to and enjoyed the most? Why?
3. What vibe perfectly captures your relationship?
4. Is there anything you’ve always dreamed of having there?
This will help you stay focused, prioritise the important things and minimise stress.
3. SET A BUDGET
Sorry to be a buzzkill but we can’t stress the importance of setting a budget and, trying at least, to stick to it!
Everything will likely cost more than you initially imagined. But still, it can be easy to get so wrapped up in the planning that before you know it, you’ve gone way over budget. You can have a beautiful wedding for whatever budget you choose, so make sure to work out one you can afford so it doesn’t add to the wedding planning stress (and there will be stress! But mostly good stress.) And learn to let go of every single idea you have. You likely will have to cut some of the wild imaginings to stay within check. And trust us - the more you have going on - the more stressful the lead up becomes!
A good place to start with setting a budget, as well as how much you’re able and willing to pay and save up, is knowledge of how much different types / scales of weddings cost. Here’s some handy info for you:
As these point out, prices really can range depending on what venue type you choose, and how many guests you’re paying for. Which leads us to our next point…
4. DRAFT A GUESTLIST
Phoebe from our marketing team used to be a wedding planner - this year it was her turn!
Many couples (me and my new husband included!) were shocked when we drafted our first guestlist as to how many people we actually COULD invite. Now, could, doesn’t mean you should. So be honest with each other, and yourselves, about not only who you want there, but the feel of the day you want. Do you want only your nearest and dearest to hear your vulnerable, heartfelt vows? Or are you more big party people, let’s get everyone in?
Of course, having evening guests as well as all-dayers really helps your bottom line. The average catering cost for weddings in the UK is £80 per head. So balancing your guestlist, alongside your budget, is key.
5. LOCATION
We have so many options when it comes to venues and destinations, it can be very overwhelming.
My wedding to my partner Matt, out in Seville in Spain! After performing at maybe 5000000 weddings, it was finally my turn!
If you want to guarantee yourself nice weather (and a smaller guestlist, as it’s an easy way to trim down to the important folk) why not look at a wedding abroad? Just remember to research marriage license requirements in your location and ensure all necessary documents are prepared. Most destination weddings require you to get officially married in the UK before, or after, your wedding day there. But then… you get two!
If you have family who would want to be there but will struggle to travel or a wedding abroad is simply not you, how about a venue in the UK that is close to where you live? By booking somewhere near your circle, you are almost guaranteeing attendance from your nearest and dearest - and it will make planning VERY convenient.
If you can’t find somewhere you like near you, or where you live isn’t too nice (sorry!) - broaden the net. There are some incredibly picturesque destinations in the UK with venues to match, like North Wales, Surrey, the Highlands, and Cornwall.
From manor houses, to converted barns, castles and restaurants - there is something to suit every couple and budget.
DO WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU
Tailor Maddy and her partner Mike opted out of many traditions, like wearing white, or even cutting their own cake. They selected at random two guests to do it for them. It was hilarious.
Remember your wedding day is about you as a couple, no one else. Obviously do listen to the wedding professionals who are there to guide you, like your venue co-ordinator, florist and caterers, about what works best - but maybe Aunt Gladys should pipe down. People will always have opinions on what you should and shouldn’t be doing, but their opinion doesn’t matter.
For example, if you want to have a personalised singing waiter team come and sing all about you and your guests, and blow everyone away - then you absolutely should! 😜 (Talk to our Tailors team if this is you!!)
But seriously - it’s very easy to get pulled in multiple directions on expectations and traditions. But your wedding has to reflect you as people and as a couple. If you stick to your guns, you won’t regret it.
Do what is your right for you both and enjoy every minute! Let us know if this post has helped you in the comments.
And whatever stage of wedding planning you’re at, we would love to help bring your day to life with a personalised performance or surprise show. Talk to our friendly team today about how we could become a highlight of your wedding!