You're getting married? Hell yeah, congratulations!
So you're probably wondering where to bloody start with planning this thing. This is your no bullshit guide to planning the wedding of your dreams and I'm here to help you plan your day so it goes off without a hitch. This guide covers all the things you'll typically want for a traditional wedding and where to find the suppliers that will give you the absolute best wedding experience. Just a side note - all the photos in this blog post were taken by Folkstar Photography! (that's erm... me, Liam, by the way) It's lovely to have you here!
Your no bullshit guide to planning an awesome wedding in the UK
1. Decide on your budget.
A wedding doesn't have to cost the earth. It's entirely up to you how much cash you're gonna put into your wedding. But decide it up front, you can adjust it later if need be - but start with a clear figure in mind.
It's likely the venue will be the biggest cost but this doesn't have to be the case. If you're doing it on a shoe string - a registry office/village hall DIY combo can mean you could spend more of your money on the food or an epic honeymoon
2. Decide who's going to be there.
This will either be decided by your budget, or will decide your budget for you. When my wife and I got married we invited people we've not seen since the wedding, and that was in 2013 - so just be aware it's easy to get carried away trying to please everyone! Think about how grand or intimate you want your day to be.
3. Pick your date and venue.
Your venue will absolutely set the whole vibe of the day so really think about what you want and visit as many places as you can before deciding. A hint from a photographer - as much natural light as possible will make your ceremony and reception photos SOOO much prettier.
4. Find and book your suppliers
Been to a wedding that was awesome? Reach out to those friends and family that have done it before you and find out who they used and whether they recommend them.
A word of mouth recommendation is the best way to know exactly what you're getting. If you've found someone yourself and you love their work - speak to them! Get on a zoom call or meet for a drink and tell them all about your plans. A good supplier will want to know you so they can serve you best!
5. Plan your ceremony.
There are loads of types of wedding ceremony to consider. If you're having a religious one - talk to your place of worship and set a date with them.
For a civil ceremony, you'll need a registrar. The personality of the registrar will totally affect the tone of the ceremony so meet with them and find someone you connect with if this works with your venue.
You may even consider having a minimal registry office job to make it legal and then having a totally personalised ceremony in the woods or on a cliff. There are rules around what makes a legal marriage but you can celebrate it however you want.
Think about your vows, any readings by friends and family, and music - these all affect the vibe of the whole thing.
6. Get shopping for your dress or attire!
I'm sure you'll have Pinterest boards coming out of your ears by this point. Take your inspo and go shopping! Make a day of it, take your bridesmaids or groomsmen and try them allll on. Remember they'll need dresses and suits too.
A lot of dress/attire shops need you to book an appointment before you rock up so check this first!
It's a good idea to think about your dress/attire well in advance as you may need time for alterations.
Consider the weather and in which season you'll be getting married, you'll probs want to wear something different in October than you would in June!
7. Decor and details.
This is where you'll really be able to incorporate your personality into your wedding. These little details are what will make your wedding look and feel different to other weddings at the same venue.
As I photographer, I often shoot at the same venues multiple times so it's great when a couple has done something unique to really make it their own.
8. Plan the reception and food
Everyone sitting down for 3 courses? Hog roast? Vegan buffet? Open bar? Bring your own booze? (believe me that last one can be a great way to keep costs down if you're on a budget)
It's these things that can have people talking about your wedding for years to come.
Speak with your venue to see if they provide food or if you can arrange something yourselves, and if you you're planning to source something yourself - think outside the box to make it fun! Pizza van, have everyone bring a picnic, the world is your oyster. Probably don't serve oysters.
9. Find the perfect cake
When you've got a theme or a vibe in mind, you've picked your decor and the details are coming together - you'll probably have an idea of what you want your cake to look like, but the big question is WHAT FLAVOUR?
10. Invitations
Around 6 weeks before is traditionally when people would send invites out but do whatever you want with this. Send a save the date early, send the invites out 6 months before, it's really up to you.
I would suggest waiting until you have the decor and/or theme for the wedding nailed so you can have the invites match. This then gives your guests an idea of what to expect. You can include a dress code on there too if you want.
11. Entertainment
I cannot stress enough how much of an impact your choice of music will have on how good the party actually is. The phrase "wedding DJ" rather unfairly makes me think Cha Cha Slide and Macarena but there are so many absolute legends out there bringing down the house night after night.
A good live band is basically guaranteed to have everyone dancing the night away and there are so many other options too.
A favourite of mine is actually a DJ and saxophone combo and there are plenty out there doing it at the moment.
12. The legal stuff
Make sure you've got everything you need regarding legal documents. This could include marriage license and any permits you may need.
I'm no expert on this - so have a google and find out what's required. You should also check with your venue if there's anything specific regarding insurance from outside vendors.
13. Finalise timings with suppliers
Most wedding suppliers will have these final checks built into their workflow and you'll likely be hearing from them as the wedding getting closer.
If you have any doubts or want to check anything with your suppliers - just reach out. I know I'd rather put my couples at ease if something is worrying them and I can answer it in an email or a quick call.
I have a pre-wedding questionnaire that goes out to my couples a month or so before the big day to make sure I have all the timings and locations nailed down along with any other important details.
I also have a call with all my couples a week or two before to just check in and make sure they have everything they need from me and vice versa.
14. GET BLOODY MARRIED!
Nothing to it but to do it! However you decide to make it official - do it your way and make it amazing. If you're on the hunt for a wedding photographer, by all means get in touch with me here and let's talk about your exciting wedding plans.
And that's it!
It's a fair bit to think about, that's for sure. But there are wedding planners and countless couples who've done it before so reach out to others and ask for advice - just remember... it's your day and don't let anyone else tell you how to do it.
