Congratulations if you’ve just got engaged! It’s such an exciting time, but also – where should you start? Here's my short guide on how to start planning a wedding ...
Well first things first, you need to have some idea of when you are aiming to get married. If you are looking at 2025 or 2026 now is the time to find your venue and set the date! Here’s my guide to get your planning started:
GUEST LIST
The first thing you need is a guest list. My suggestion is you should have two lists – a “must have” and an “all included” list. Within each list delegate who would be invited to the Ceremony and who is Reception only.
This will give you the minimum (the must haves) and maximum (all included) number of guests you need – and you’ll need to know this when you are viewing venues. You can also use these numbers to start working out costs - Without having a rough idea of the cost of things, you can’t even begin to set a budget!
WEDDING FAIRS
January to March and October to December is wedding fair season – go and visit them! Not only will you get to see an array of venues, but also many great wedding suppliers. I know wedding fairs are daunting – so many suppliers wanting to show you what they can do, but believe me when I say we are just as daunted as you – selling ourselves isn’t our favourite thing to do, we would much rather be doing our job which we are passionate about, so passionate that we give up our Sundays just to find couples like you who are going to love our service!
While you are there speak to as many suppliers as possible – start getting price lists or at least ball park figures. Once you’ve done this, you need to put together a budget.
BUDGET
A budget isn’t just a finger in the air and pick a number – you really need to consider this. My advice is that you shouldn’t start married life in debt so try to be realistic about what is affordable and if you need time to save – take the time to save, you are in love so what’s the rush?
Again, list what you consider to be the “must haves” (ie venue, ceremony, photos, clothes, rings, food, entertainment) and another list for the “extras / or things you would like if money allows” (ie photo booth, cake, accessories, gifts, extra styling)
As you start booking your suppliers – update the costs! This will give you a running total so you can be sure not to be going over budget without realising.
CEREMONY
Before you book your venue, you need to make a choice about your ceremony.
There are three choices to consider;
Religious Ceremony in a Place of Worship (I think this speaks for itself)
Non-Religious Ceremony (Civil Ceremony) with a Registrar – either in a Registry Office or a licenced venue. This is a standard ceremony, that will be the same or a slight variation per couple.
Celebrant led ceremony a complete one-of-a-kind ceremony which is written for you, is totally personalised, can include religion if you wish, and that can be held in a licenced or non-licenced venue. Not only that you get to choose your celebrant – with both the above options you get who you are given on the day.
Allow me now to get excited, I mean, this is what I’m here for! I’m a celebrant with over 7 years’ experience and would love to tell you all about it. If you are a fun-loving couple, who love adventure, or who are quirky or simply would prefer to have a ceremony that isn’t like every other you’ve ever been to – contact me for an informal video call and let me tell you all about it! Yes, I know everyone will tell you “it’s not legal” – but is that really a deal breaker? Read about how to do the legals here >> https://www.kellyhcelebrant.co.uk/post/the-legal-bit
And if you don’t know the difference between a celebrant and registrar read this >> https://www.kellyhcelebrant.co.uk/post/the-difference-between-a-celebrant-and-a-registrar
DECISION TIME
Once you’ve made a decision on your ceremony, have a budget to stick to and an idea of guest numbers, now it’s time to make a decision on your venue and book your date.
OTHER TIPS
If you find a supplier you like, follow them on social media and keep in touch, let them know you are interested and start giving an idea of dates – they will tell you their availability around your preferred dates. Once you have a set date reach out and book the suppliers that are only likely to take on one booking a day (celebrant, photographer, DJ, food, videographer, entertainment).
Keep at eye on that Budget. If it’s tight, make sure you are utilising your funds on your “must haves” rather than extras. In my opinion there’s money to be saved on give aways – like flip flops, favours, bathroom sets, even bridesmaid boxes – these are all trends that have crept into weddings in the last few years and frankly we managed good enough without for decades!
There are also other traditions that you might not want to follow, such as cutting a cake – in which case, do you even need a cake?
Cut down on bridesmaids and groomsmen – especially if you are paying for their outfits, and hairdos.
If you are dressing your ceremony area, make sure you make choices that can also serve as the reception decorations.
When it comes to stationery and signage consider if there is an online alternative for save the dates and/or invitations. If you wish to send paper invites, consider a website link for the extra pages such as travel details, and order of the day – think of the printing savings here! Look for hired or second hand signage and table numbers.
Another big tip is try not to use lots of items that are disposable – think of saving the plant too!
I hope this has been helpful. For more information on celebrant led weddings drop me an email info@kellyhcelebrant.co.uk, call / text 07827927947
Now go start planning that celebration!
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