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Planning Your Wedding

Congratulations on your engagement!

Unless you’ve done it before the planning may seem daunting. There’s a lot to organise but don’t panic, we’re here to help. Below you’ll find lots of useful information about wedding etiquette, planning things in the right order and getting your timing just right. There's probably too much information to read and digest all in one go so use the links below to jump to the sections you need.

Choosing the Date

Season

Spring weddings in the UK, March – May:

Foliage is returning to the trees
Flowers (daffodils, bluebells, etc) may be blooming but many others aren’t
Temperatures are picking up but can’t be guaranteedThe sun may still be relatively low, particularly early in the season, and this can cast long shadows on photographs taken late in the afternoon
There are a number of spring bank holidays to consider

Spring is a less popular season for weddings than both summer and autumn. However, there are some good reasons to marry in the spring:

Because it’s less popular, booking the church/venue/cars of your choice is often easier
Venues often have discounted rates and special offers
Holidays (honeymoons) can generally be booked for less
Churches may be full of spring flowers around Easter time

Flowers in season include roses, tulips, hyacinth, lilies, calla lilies and gerbera daisies

If you choose a spring wedding we recommend you have the ceremony relatively early in the day so that you have enough good daylight for photographs.

Summer weddings in the UK, June – August:

Flowers are in full bloom
Temperatures are typically at their best but the UK does have a temperate climate and you can never guarantee a dry day!
The sun is higher in the sky, particularly in June and July, making it a good season for both early and late weddings
This is the most popular season for weddings so it may be harder to book your preferred church/venue

Flowers in season include roses, tulips, hyacinth, lilies, calla lilies and gerbera daisies, sunflowers, orchids, and many more!

If you choose a summer wedding book early but don’t commit to either church (if you’re having a church wedding, that is) or venue without confirming that both are available on the same day! Do consider the option of a mid-week wedding if you’re looking to keep costs down or have a particular venue in mind.

Booking an early or late summer wedding may reduce the cost of you honeymoon, as the school holiday period can be avoided.

Autumn weddings in the UK, September – November:

Many flowers are still in bloom
Temperatures are often good throughout September and into mid-October but morning may be noticeably cooler
From October onwards, the sun is noticeably lower in the sky, casting long shadows by early afternoon
Autumn is often dry and foliage on trees may take on a warm golden or red appearance

Many flowers are still available throughout much of autumn; however, the use of autumn berries and grasses complement the harvest season and these are becoming more and more popular.

If marrying in the autumn, we recommend having your ceremony late morning or early afternoon to avoid any chill in the air and allow plenty of afternoon sunshine for your photographs.

Winter weddings in the UK, December – February:

Trees are generally bare and there is usually not much colour on the ground
Temperatures are noticeably colder. This may be evident in photographs – less colourful grounds, guests well wrapped up and shivering bridal parties!
Daylight hours are very short, so it will be difficult to get really good outdoor photographs if your service takes place in the afternoon
Many venues will be booked for seasonal parties so availability may be tight or at a premium
Holidays bookings may be cheaper but only in out-of-season destinations

Obviously, there is a smaller choice of flowers available during the winter. However, as with autumn, these can be supplemented with holly berries and leaves, mistletoe and other such varieties to create a wonderful seasonal look.

Winter is often dry but usually cold. The low position of the sun casts long shadows and gives rise to strong contrasts. We recommend an early ceremony and a venue that has interesting architecture and evergreen trees rather than deciduous varieties to maximise your potential for good photographs.

The contrast of white dresses against warm colourful backgrounds in the summer may be lost in the winter; consider colours that will complement the season: champagne, ivory or burgundy can be stunning!

Date

Before visiting any venues consider the significance of your proposed date – does it coincide with any other significant events? For instance, choosing FA Cup Final day could end a few of your friends’ marriages or result in fewer of your male friends being happy to celebrate your nuptials!

Having decided on a date, if getting married in a church, make sure your reception venue is also available on the same day before making your booking.

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Venue – Church & Reception

Church

If you are having a church service, you should make sure you feel comfortable with the clergyman who will marry you. If you don’t feel comfortable when first meeting the vicar or priest find out if there is another at the same church.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions:

How long will the service take?
Where will the signing of the register take place?
Are photographers and/or videographers permitted within the church? If so, what restrictions are there placed upon them?
If it rains on the day can photographs be taken within the church after the service?
Are there restrictions on where confetti may be thrown?
Will there be any other wedding services on the same day?

When choosing a venue for your reception (and possibly the ceremony also) consider:

Location & Size

Location. Where is it in relation to your home and the church, and how easy it is to get to for your guests (particularly those most important to you). To make the most of your big day, the reception venue should be in comfortable travelling distance. This way you will maximise the time you have with friends and family, no one will get lost and things will run much more smoothly from making your entrance to the wedding breakfast to being toasted as the bride and groom, cutting the cake and having time for photographs.
Its capacity. If the venue isn’t big enough to cater for the number of guests you have in mind you will have to rethink either your guest list or the venue. Changing the venue after you’ve booked it could cost you dearly!

Facilities, options and grounds

Can the venue cater for all of your guests’ needs? Do you require/can they provide disabled access?
Is there sufficient parking?
Do meals meet your expectation? Are menus appropriate? Does the management allow outside catering?
Does the price include a champagne reception and wine on each table? If not, how much extra will you be expected to pay?
If the venue requires you to provide your own wine, will you be charged corkage?
What entertainment options are there? If these do not meet you requirement, are outside entertainers allowed?
Does the venue have a dedicated coordinator responsible for making sure everything goes to plan?
How big and what shape are tables? How many people can be seated at each?
Is there a toast master/mistress? Is this service included in the price?
How will the venue be dressed? Are there any restrictions on how outside companies can dress the room? What access will be permitted to such a company?
Will the venue have to be vacated by a particular time?
What accommodation is available at or close to the venue? Are there discounted rates for large parties?
What are the grounds like? Will you need these for photographs? Are there any restrictions?

It’s not unheard of for venues to double-book. So, if your chosen venue appears to meet all your requirements and you’re ready to pay a deposit, make sure you get a signed contract that lists all the things that have been agreed.

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