We know at Larkspur Lodge that planning a wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming. It is a significant milestone in a couple’s life and there are tons of decisions to be made.
While many couples choose to hire professionals to assist them in managing their wedding plans, there are several reasons why they might also choose to take on the majority of the responsibilities themselves. One possible reason is a tight wedding planning budget.
Wedding Planner Checklist
While it may seem like a daunting task, it is entirely possible to plan the wedding of your dreams on your own.
Let’s Talk Budget
When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the most important aspects to consider is your wedding budget. Before you start envisioning your dream wedding, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of how much you can afford to spend. This will help you make informed decisions throughout the planning process and ensure that you do not overspend.
It is essential to be realistic and consider your current financial situation. Additionally, you should also discuss whether anyone else will be contributing financially towards the wedding. This could be your parents, close relatives, or even friends who are willing to lend a hand. By including contributions from others, you can increase your overall budget and potentially expand your options when it comes to choosing vendors and venues.
Determine which aspects of the wedding are most important to you and allocate a larger portion of your budget towards those elements. For example, if having a picturesque wedding venue in Cheshire is a top priority for you, then allocate more funds towards securing the perfect location. By prioritising your expenses, you can ensure that you allocate your budget in a way that aligns with your vision for the wedding.
Wedding Styles & Themes
When planning a wedding, one of the first steps is to collect wedding ideas and inspiration. This allows you to narrow down the style and theme of your big day. With so many sources of inspiration available, it can be overwhelming to sift through them all. However, it’s important to remember that these ideas are just that – ideas.
Just because you love various elements doesn’t mean you need to incorporate them all into your own wedding. Take the time to carefully consider what resonates with you and reflects your vision for your special day.
Instagram and Pinterest are great sources for wedding inspiration. You can find countless photos of beautiful venues, stunning decorations, and unique themes. Browsing through these platforms can help you discover new ideas and trends that you may not have considered before. Additionally, checking out celebrity weddings can offer inspiration and insights into how they planned their own special day. However, it’s essential to remember that celebrity weddings are often extravagant and may not be realistic for everyone.
The Perfect Venue
When planning a wedding, one of the most crucial decisions is selecting the perfect venue. A wedding venue sets the atmosphere for the entire event. With careful research and planning, couples can find the ideal venue that aligns with their vision and budget.
The wedding venue sets the tone and will determine the date, location and maximum guest numbers.
Before you start visiting wedding venues, it’s essential to set a budget and decide on a theme for your big day. These factors will guide your decision-making process and help you narrow down your options. Once you have a clear idea of your budget and theme, you can start looking for a wedding venue that aligns with both.
Securing and booking your venue should be one of your top priorities. Popular venues tend to get booked up quickly, especially during peak wedding season, so it’s important to act fast. By securing early on, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your date and location are locked in. This will allow you to start planning other important aspects of your wedding, such as catering, decorations, and entertainment.
Stay Organised!
While planning a wedding can be overwhelming, it is essential to stay organised and prioritise tasks. Once you have secured your wedding venue, it’s time to dive into the details and start planning the rest of your wedding.
Take advantage of our timeline below! This will help you stay organised and ensure that no important details are overlooked.
Next, make a list of all the vendors you will need to hire such as a photographer, florist, caterer, and DJ. Research different options and schedule appointments to meet with them in person. This will allow you to discuss your vision and determine if they are the right fit for your wedding. Don’t forget to also consider other important factors such as transportation, accommodations for out-of-town guests, and any additional services you may require.
Make sure to keep an open line of communication with your partner, family members, and wedding party. Delegate tasks and involve them in the planning process to alleviate some of the stress. Regularly update them on the progress and make sure everyone is on the same page.
Our Wedding Planning Checklist
Our checklist provides a comprehensive timeline to help you stay organised and ensure that everything runs smoothly on your big day.
By following our step-by-step guide, you can ensure that every aspect of your wedding is thoughtfully planned and executed, resulting in a day that you and your guests will remember for a lifetime.
Congratulations, You are Engaged!
- Talk about dream weddings with your partner and make sure that your dreams align (or find a happy middle ground!)
- Agree on a budget
- Decide on the approximate number of guests – this is important when you start to look at venues
- Decide on a wedding season – then hone in on a few potential wedding dates – check with important guests to avoid clashes
- Research wedding venues online and book some viewings – and see if you fall in love with anywhere. You will know when you find ‘the one’
1 Year To Your Big Day
- Book your venue
- Based on your theme explore local photography, florists and decor providers
- Decide on a wedding gift – if you are going to ask for money for your ‘moon – know this before ordering invites. If you want a traditional list this can be created digitally here.
- Design your invitations and save the date cards and order
- Plan out and reach out to local bakers (for your cake!), bands and DJs, hair and makeup specialists.
- Book photographer and or videographer
- Create a digital mood board of wedding dress styles you LOVE (We love Pinterest for this!)
- Propose to your wedding party
- Research accommodations for guests
- Send save the date cards (share accommodation suggestions at this point!)
10 Months To Your Big Day
- Book the reception entertainment
- Contact decor hire companies and book
- Book a honeymoon – flights and accommodation – and ensure your passports are in date!
- Order wedding cake
8 Months To Your Big Day
- Invite bridesmaids and other special wedding guests to join you on a day of trying on wedding dresses.
- Say yes to the dress and order yours!
- Decide on ceremony music or musicians
- Give the best man/bridesmaids a nudge to ensure they are planning your hen and/or stag parties
6 Months To Your Big Day
- Decide on bridesmaid dresses
- Meet with your florist to discuss options
- Groom’s day shopping for suit’s – decide on rental or bought
- Arrange travel vaccinations if necessary
- Plan wedding transport
- Organise a hair trial and makeup trial and book a makeup artist
- Organise the legalities of your ceremony
- Choose wedding rings
- Menu tasting with your venue or wedding caterer
3 Months To Your Big Day
- Start gathering addresses for the guest list or set up a wedding website – create a spreadsheet for RSVPs
- Ensure dress alterations are booked in
- Organise gifts for parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen and each other
- Choose and buy accessories
- 8 weeks prior to the big day – Give venue/caterer a final guest headcount
1 Month To Your Big Day
- Have a final wedding dress fitting
- Make any last-minute adjustments with suppliers
- Finalise details for, and order mass booklets/order of ceremony
- Complete any wedding DIY or craft projects
- Review the final RSVP list and call any guests who have not yet responded
- Pay any final balances
2 Weeks To Your Big Day
- Deliver must-have shot lists to photographer and videographer – including who should be in portraits and determine when portraits will be taken
- Create your table plan
1 Week To Your Big Day
- Pre-wedding prep – manicure, pedicure and waxing
- Pack an overnight bag for the reception
- Pack for the honeymoon
- Confirm pick-up times with wedding transport
- Grooms pick up your outfit
Days Before the Wedding
- Arrange delivery of cake to venue
- Print off a sheet with the running order for the day, and the main suppliers’ contact details, give copies to your best man and maid of honour
- Drop off anything that needs to be at the venue ahead of time
- Get plenty of rest and relax – and don’t forget to enjoy every single second.
