Wedding Planning Tips for 2025

Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life, but it can also feel overwhelming with so many details to consider. Whether you're newly engaged or just starting to think about the finer details, having a clear plan in place will help ensure that your special day is everything you’ve dreamed of. 

As a sought-after Knutsford wedding venue, we’ve helped countless couples create unforgettable celebrations. Here are our top tips to guide you through wedding planning in 2025, with expert advice and practical insights to make the process as smooth as possible.

Wedding Planning for Beginners

If you’ve just said “yes” and are wondering where to start, don’t worry – every couple feels this way at the beginning! The key is to take things one step at a time. The first big decision is choosing your venue, as this sets the tone for the entire wedding. A beautiful Cheshire wedding barn like Larkspur Lodge offers a romantic, rustic backdrop for your celebration, blending countryside charm with elegant style. 

What many of our couples love about our Knutsford wedding venue is how easily it can be customised, so whether you dream of pink decor adorned with disco balls or classic ivory and green, you can make our wedding barn your own. Once your venue is secured, you can begin considering your guest list, budget, and overall vision for the day. After booking your venue, we’d also recommend securing your registrar or celebrant as soon as you can, as popular dates can get snapped up quickly.

Once those initial foundations are in place, it’s time to explore your wedding style. Do you picture a classic, formal event or a relaxed countryside wedding with a more vintage feel? Whilst your venue will help to influence these decisions, you can still use your decor and theming to add to your vision. With your date, venue and the legal bits confirmed, you can move on to the fun details, such as choosing a dress, designing invitations, and sampling delicious wedding menus!

Wedding Planning Without a Planner

Hiring a wedding planner is a fantastic option for couples who want professional guidance, but it’s not essential. Many couples plan their weddings themselves and enjoy the process of bringing their vision to life. If you’re going down the DIY route, the key is staying organised. 

Create a detailed wedding timeline and break tasks into manageable steps. If you choose our Cheshire wedding barn for your big day, you’ll be able to lean on your wedding co-ordinator’s expertise. Our wedding coordinators have years of experience planning couples’ special days and will work closely with you to provide recommendations for trusted local suppliers, from florists to photographers. 

Whilst planning your wedding, you may also want to delegate tasks to family and friends where possible - they’ll most likely be more than happy to help! This might involve asking a family member to assist with making the favours or briefing your bridesmaids on the style of dresses they should wear and then asking them to search for ones they like!

Keeping communication clear with your suppliers is also essential. Set reminders for payment deadlines, schedule regular check-ins, and ensure everything is confirmed in writing. Most importantly, give yourself time to enjoy the process. Wedding planning should be an exciting journey, not a stressful one!

Wedding Planning To-Do List UK

While every wedding is unique, there are certain key steps all couples should take when planning their big day. To help keep you on track, here’s a suggested wedding planning timeline tailored to UK weddings:

12-18 Months Before:

• Set your budget and determine your priorities.
• Look at ideal wedding dates/seasons. 
• Book your venue (popular Knutsford wedding venues fill up quickly!).
• Book the legal aspect of your ceremony (e.g. registrar or church ceremony).
• Start researching photographers, florists, caterers, and entertainment.
• Think about the style and theme of your wedding.

9-12 Months Before:

• Finalise your guest list and send save-the-dates.
• Choose your bridal party.
• Begin shopping for wedding attire.
• Book key suppliers such as photographers and caterers.
• Consider accommodation options for guests.

6-9 Months Before:

• Send out invitations.
• Plan the details of your wedding ceremony.
• Organise transportation for the day.
• Look at honeymoon ideas - and get booking the trip of a lifetime!
• Finalise your menu and schedule tastings.
• Think about decorations and floral arrangements.

3-6 Months Before:

• Arrange dress fittings and finalise accessories.
• Confirm your music and entertainment choices.
• Organise your seating plan.
• Schedule hair and makeup trials.
• Book any additional rentals, such as furniture or lighting.

1-3 Months Before:

• Confirm final numbers with your venue and caterers.
• Ensure all outfits are ready and fitted.
• Arrange final supplier meetings and walkthroughs.
• Create a wedding day timeline.
• Write vows and plan speeches.

Final Weeks:

• Have a final venue walkthrough.
• Pack an emergency kit for the day.
• Enjoy your hen or stag do!
• Have any final beauty appointments.
• Pack for your honeymoon. 
• Relax and get ready to enjoy your special day.

Finding the Perfect Countryside Wedding Venue

Choosing the right venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. If you’re dreaming of a countryside wedding, consider a location that offers a mix of scenic beauty and practical convenience. A Cheshire wedding barn like Larkspur Lodge provides the perfect balance of rustic charm and modern comfort, allowing you to celebrate in a picturesque setting while ensuring that you and your guests have a wonderful, seamless experience.

At Larkspur Lodge, we pride ourselves on creating magical weddings with a personal touch. Our venue offers stunning original features, a truly unique ceremony space, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes every wedding feel genuinely special. Whether you’re planning a large celebration or a more intimate gathering, our experienced team is here to bring your dream wedding to life.

Enjoying the Wedding Planning Process

Above all, wedding planning should be an enjoyable experience for you and your partner to treasure. It can be easy to get swept up in the finer details, but make sure to take the time to savour each moment. Whether that’s choosing the perfect florals, tasting cakes or simply spending time with your loved ones getting excited about the big day, these are the memories that will stay with you forever.

If you’re still searching for your dream Knutsford wedding venue, we’d love to welcome you to Larkspur Lodge for a viewing. Get in touch with us to book a viewing, or download our brochure to learn a bit more about our Cheshire wedding barn.