Recently said “yes” to the big question, and started to think about wedding plans? Congratulations! Your engagement is an exciting time full of celebrations, happiness and, of course, wedding planning. We know that wedding planning can be a bit overwhelming at first, but fear not. As a Cheshire wedding venue, we’ve got years of experience helping couples plan their dream days. We’re here to guide you through the process with our wedding to-do list to ensure that you don’t miss a single step on your path to “I do.”
What’s an ideal timeline for wedding planning?
The age-old question! While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, we generally recommend starting to plan around 12-18 months before your desired wedding date.
This allows ample time for you to secure your dream wedding venue at your own pace, without feeling pressured to choose due to time constraints. Of course, if you prefer a shorter engagement, it’s entirely possible to plan a wedding in less time – it’s all in the organisation!
If you’re just starting out, and looking for your dream wedding venue in Cheshire, why not take a look at our exclusive hire wedding barn? Full of rustic charm, our converted 18th century shippon barn provides the perfect setting for your special day.
How to organise a wedding to-do list?
Now that you have a timeline in mind, let’s talk about organisation. A well-structured to-do list will be your best friend during this journey. So whether you use a notebook, an app or a spreadsheet (or all three!), it’s best to get everything you need written down in a place where you can easily see what you need to do and when.
We recommend breaking down your tasks into manageable chunks, assigning deadlines, and prioritising the most important elements. You could also leave space on your list for pricing and budgeting, so you can quickly see an overview of costs.
To help you stay on-track, you could also add calendar reminders for important dates (e.g. dress fittings, venue payments and makeup trials) so that you know exactly what’s coming up soon. And, if you find that you already have a pretty busy inbox, you could set up a special wedding email address that both you and your partner have access to, so that all of your correspondence from vendors is in one place.
It’s little things like these that may seem excessive, but ultimately save you time and worry in the long run!
What should be on a wedding to-do list?
Type A brides and grooms, this is where the real fun begins! If organising is your thing, you’ll love our to-do list of wedding essentials.
- Set a Budget: (12+ months out) Before getting your heart set on venues, drinks packages and floral arrangements, it’s absolutely essential to establish a realistic budget. This will help to guide your decisions and prioritise what matters most.
- Choose a Date and Venue: (12+ months out) For most couples, this is the most important part of planning, as your venue sets the stage for the entire day. Whether you’re drawn to unusual wedding venues or classic settings, finding the perfect backdrop for your saying “I do” is essential. And of course, we highly recommend our charming wedding venue in Cheshire, Larkspur Lodge!
- Book your Registrar: (as soon as you’ve booked your venue). If you’re having a civil ceremony, make sure to book your registrar as soon as you can to secure the legal aspect of your day.
- Guest List: (10-12 months out) Determining your guest count early on helps with venue capacity and overall planning.
- Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional): (10-12 months out) If you’d prefer a helping hand to navigate the planning process, a wedding planner can be a lifesaver. If you’d like one, be sure to secure them nice and early so they can help with all those initial important details.
- Send Save-the-Dates: (9-12 months out) Especially important for destination weddings or those with guests traveling from afar.
- Choose your Wedding Party: (9-12 months out) Bridesmaids, groomsmen, page boys, flower girls… Whoever you want by your side, make sure to “propose” to them with plenty of time!
- Book Key Vendors: (9-12 months out) This includes your photographer, videographer, florist, venue dresser, caterer, and entertainment. Booking early will ensure that you secure your top choices.
- Shop for your Dress: (9-12 months out) This is a big one, so you’ll want to make sure to leave plenty of time to visit a few different shops, and also allow for fittings and alterations.
- Plan your Ceremony: (6-9 months out) Decide on the style, readings, and any special elements you’d like to include.
- Book accommodation: (6-9 months out) Find a hotel near your venue for you, your partner, your bridal party and your closest family members and friends.
- Choose your Wedding Rings: (6-9 months out) A symbol of your partnership, take some time to give this careful consideration as you’ll be wearing these for many years to come.
- Organise Transportation: (6-9 months out) Ensure that you can get to and from your venue in style! This is especially important if you’ve got two venues to travel between.
- Plan your Menu: (6-9 months out) This is a fun one! Arrange a tasting and choose all of the food you and your guests will enjoy throughout the day, from canapés to the wedding breakfast.
- Choose your Cake: (6-9 months out) A sweet ending to your perfect day – make sure to choose you and your partner’s favourite flavours!
- Stationery: (4-6 months out) This includes invitations, RSVP cards, a seating plan, place settings and thank you cards. Whilst final place settings and seating plans will come after the RSVPs, it’s good to get an idea of styles and themes you like and discuss this with your stationary designer.
- Organise Wedding Favours: (4-6 months out) Wanting to purchase (or make) unique wedding favours for your guests? Give yourself plenty of time to browse the different options and get these sorted.
- Plan your Honeymoon: (4-6 months out) If you’re dreaming of jetting off straight after your wedding, now’s the time to start booking your post-wedding escape.
- Hair and Makeup Trials: (3-4 months out) Perfect your wedding day look ahead of time with your stylists.
- Finalise Guest List and Send Invitations: (3-4 months out) Get those invites in the mail so that everyone can RSVP with plenty of time.
- Confirm Vendor Bookings: (2-3 months out) Ensure everyone is on the same page.
- Apply for a Marriage License: (2-3 months out) A legal requirement in the UK.
- Create a Seating Plan: (1-2 months out) Thoughtfully arrange your guests for your reception, and communicate this to your stationary designer for any final pieces you may require.
- Write your Vows and Speeches: (1-2 months out) The vows and speeches are both such big parts of your wedding day – make sure to write and practice these in advance so that you feel confident.
- Pack for your Honeymoon: (1-2 weeks out) Don’t forget those essentials!
- Final Dress Fitting: (1-2 weeks out) Ensure the perfect fit for your big day.
- Confirm Final Details with Vendors: (1 week out) A final check-in for peace of mind.
- Delegate Tasks: (1 week out) Enlist the help of your bridal party and family members for any last minute errands you need help with.
- Relax and Enjoy! (Wedding day) You’ve planned everything to perfection, now it’s time to celebrate!
What to do 40 days before a wedding?
Traditionally, the 40 days leading up to your wedding are a time for reflection and preparation. While you’ve likely ticked off most of your to-do list by this point, it’s a good time to finalise any outstanding details, confirm timings with vendors, and indulge in some pre-wedding pampering.
What is the 30-5 minute rule for weddings?
This is a handy little rule to keep in mind on your wedding day. This suggests that things that would typically take 5 minutes will take 30 minutes on your wedding day. So, when planning timelines, you may just want to allow for tasks to run over more than they usually would.
What four things is a bride supposed to have?
Ever heard of “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”? This lovely rhyme symbolises the bride’s connection to her past, present and future and is said to bring good luck to the day.
Why choose Larkspur Lodge?
If you’re dreaming of an elegant wedding venue full of vintage charm, Larkspur Lodge offers the perfect setting. Our beautifully restored barn, nestled in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, provides a stunning backdrop for your special day.
Want to find out more? Download our brochure or get in touch with us today!