Are you finding it hard to get your wedding planning off the ground?

You'll not be the first and you certainly wont be the last. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming and stressful for the best of us.

Thats why we've created this Wedding Planning Guide to help you along your journey.

BEFORE WE START, WE HAVE A FREE PRINTABLE WEDDING CHECKLIST FOR YOU BY CLICKING BELOW:

WEDDING CHECKLIST

SET A REALISTIC BUDGET

Make sure you set a realistic budget that's not going to put you into debt. Considering the UK average wedding costs a little over £30,000, you need to think if this is something that's doable. Draw up a list and make a wedding folder for your big day, this will help immensely. Have a rough idea of how much each part of your wedding will cost.

FIND YOUR PERFECT VENUE

Booking your wedding venue really has to be your first port of call. Before you do this you cant really start booking any further vendors.

Make sure you have a rough date in mind, whether you're looking at 2 or 3 years down the line, or you're wanting to get wed in the next 12 months. Maybe you want your ceremony in your local Church and your reception in a wedding venue. Either way, you'll need to make sure you can get the same date booked by both.

When it comes to finding your perfect wedding venue, there are a few things to keep in mind. Capacity.....Is the venue big enough to house all your guests for the day. Catering......Are you wanting your own caterers or do you want the venue to take care of it all? Photography.......Does your venue have gardens, ect to have all your wedding photos? Are there any spots indoors just in case the weather isn't on your side?

If you'd like any more help on booking your wedding venue here are a couple of articles which may help you:

10 TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING VENUE

TOP 10 WEDDING VENUES IN YORKSHIRE

WEDDING INSURANCE

Taking out wedding insurance is one of your main priorities as soon as you start booking your venue and wedding suppliers. It doesn't cost the earth, but it will give you peace of mind while you're planning.

BOOK YOUR PERFECT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

We say "Wedding photographer" as there are many professional photographers out there who may have never shot a wedding before. Look for a seasoned wedding photographer as they are the ones who wont crack under pressure, and are skilled and experienced in wedding photography inparticular.

You may want to base your decision on cost, but we really advise you to book your perfect wedding photographer on their photos and style. Do you fall in love with their photos, or price? Look around and make a few consultations with some in your local area. 

We have a couple of articles on finding your perfect wedding photographer by clicking below:

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU SPEND ON YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

FIND YOUR PERFECT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

We offer a free (no obligation) studio consultation, where we take you through our work, style and answer any of your questions which you might have. Please contact us here ---------> CONTACT

VENDORS YOU SHOULD BOOK EARLY

Here's a list of the vendors you should consider booking early. These suppliers usually get booked up anything up to 2 years before the wedding.

• Photographer
• Videographer
• Registrar
• DJ and Band or Musicians
• Entertainers
• Florist
• Cars
• Caterers

12 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

In the year leading up to your wedding, you need to look at getting all the things tied up that you still haven't sorted.

DECIDE ON THE DRESS

If you're having a custom wedding dress made, then you need to start booking a few fittings and find that perfect dress. Designer dresses can take anything up to 6 months otherwise a couple of months should be fine, allowing for alterations.

THE HONEYMOON

You've probably got a few ideas for your honeymoon and now is the time to get planning it. Make sure to book it in your maiden name and then change your documents when you return.

SAVE THE DATE

Get your Save the date invites sent out 12 months before the wedding. This allows your guests to book holidays away from your date and spend the special day with you.

HEALTHY EATING AND EXERCISE

Couples can sign up for a host of different classes, etc if you so wish to keep trim on the lead up to your wedding.

6 MONTHS BEFORE

WEDDING INVITES

Now's the time to start thinking about invitations. Whether you're making them yourself or getting them professionally made. If you're making them yourself then give yourself some extra time to practice around your job and other commitments.

This is also the time for your other stationary, like place cards, thank you cards, orders of service,etc.

WEDDING CAKE

This includes cakes, cupcakes or any other delights to offer at your wedding.

HAIR AND MAKE UP

You might have someone in mind for this, maybe not. Have a look around and get some recommendations. Book in your trials and make sure you take along any veil or headwear you may be wearing on the day.

WEDDING SHOES AND ACCESSORIES

Make sure you know what shoes you will be wearing by the time you go for your dress fitting. This will give you a better idea of the full outfit for your wedding. There's also your jewellery to think about in these last few months.

BRIDAL PARTY DRESS

Whether you're paying for your bridal parties clothing or not, It's time to be thinking about getting bridemaids and groomsmen measured up for their attire.

HEN AND STAG PARTIES

Start to organise your Hen and Stag parties. You might want to get your Maid of Honour and Best man involved. 

3 MONTHS BEFORE

YOUR BODY IS NUMBER 1

From this day forward you need to keep on top of facials and your diet. Keep that skin glowing for your wedding day and you'll have some photos to cherish.

WEDDING DRESS ALTERATIONS

Once you've had your final fitting, you need to try and keep you're weight balanced. No more Dieting, but no more take out either.

WEDDING RINGS

Now that you're entering the last 3 months, you can think about the rings. Have a look around and start trying a few on. If you already have an engagement ring, make sure your wedding ring will sit comfortably against it.

WEDDING INVITES

Those invites you've spent days and nights making are now ready to be sent out. Send them out too early and people forget about them. 3 months before is perfect to keep it fresh in your guests memory. You want to make sure you add any information for your guests like accomodation, transport, dress code, parking,etc.

Make sure you add reply sections so that you know for definite numbers.

WEDDING MUSIC

I have an article that may be of interest --------->HERE 

VENUE DECORATIONS

Make sure your room setup is all in order 3 months before, so you can make any alterations needed.

1 MONTH BEFORE

ARRANGE THE WEDDING REHEARSAL

Always best to arrange for a few days before. Its a good idea to invite your bridal party and parents for a meal afterwards for everyone to get to know each other a little better before the big day.

FINALISE THE SEATING PLAN

Make sure you know who you want sat where in the room and stick with it. This is the time to make or order your table planner.

CHECK IN WITH ALL YOUR SUPPLIERS

Make sure you contact all your suppliers and confirm all your details with them.

FINAL FITTING

Have your final fittings with your family and bridal party. Also arrange when you are to pick up any hired suits and when they need to be returned.

WEDDING SPEECHES

Whether you love em or hate em, now is the time to write up your speeches.

THE WEEK OF YOUR WEDDING

HAVE YOUR WEDDING REHEARSAL

Make sure you have a rehearsal. It will help you to remember where to stand and what to say. It should also relieve any stress you might have about the big day.

HONEYMOON PREP

Start to pack for your honeymoon. You might not have much time after the wedding and it'll be one less thing to think about. You could also buy any foreign currency you may need and get your passports together.

WEAR IN YOUR WEDDING SHOES

Its a good idea to wear in your wedding shoes, to make sure they're not uncomfortable during your wedding day. Wearing them around the house should make sure you don't skuff them on the days leading up to your wedding.

BEAUTY TREATMENTS

Go and have a pamper on the lead up to your wedding. Waxing, fake tanning, brows and facials are all something to consider.

LIST OF SUPPLIERS

Make sure you have a list of all your suppliers and their contact numbers, as well as arrive times, etc. Leave them with your best man or Maid of Honour so that they can deal with any complications.

THE DAY BEFORE

TAKE AN EXTRA DAY OFF

Take the day off from work and spend the day relaxing with friends and family. The last thing you want is a day full of things to do.

GET AN EARLY NIGHT

Its always our best intension, but try and make sure you get an early night. Tomorrow will be a long day.

A FINAL THOUGHT

Don't stress if things don't go as planned, that's the last thing you want to remember about your wedding. Enjoy the day and everything it holds and take breathers away from your guests during the day to take it all in.

We hope this guide helps you towards making your wedding day a huge success. If you'd like any more guides which might help then please follow the link to some more helpful articles ---------> CLICK HERE