Get Wedding Ready! Our Guide to Planning Perfection

Following the romantic high of your dreamy proposal, it’s only natural for thoughts to swiftly turn to wedding planning. That said, unless you’re a professional event planner, the idea of actually getting started can be pretty overwhelming. Whether you can’t wait to get wed straight away or are planning something a little later down the line, there are a number of things to think about and stages to plan to help make the overall process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Afterall, this should be one of the most fun and exciting chapters of your life!

Setting the Scene
First things first, it’s important to assess what you and your partner would actually like from your day. What does it look like to you? Who will be there? Are there any moments you’ve always dreamed of? From bespoke themes and personal touches to how many people you would like around you, it’s essential to sit down with your betrothed and discuss the key elements of your special day. Compile a list of features you would like and share them with each other so you can decide which ideas you both like the best. Once you have agreed on styles and the broader aspects of your celebrations, you can then take your wedding planning to the next step and focus on the specifics.

Bank your Budget
Bottomless pockets would certainly be nice to have, but most of us do need to set a budget when it comes to wedding planning. Crunching the figures early on and agreeing your maximum spends can make a huge difference and ensure life is much easier down the line. Use checklists and spreadsheets to help you compile all your wedding must-haves and fancies, keeping the final figures all in one place so you can easily plan your finances. This will help you to work out what you can afford and how much you need to save so you can focus on what really counts to you. No matter your budget, you can plan the most magical day to remember – especially when infused with a little creativity. Wedding planners can be a great help, and you can also use free resources such as Pinterest and wedding magazines.

Venue Requirements
As you dive into your wedding planning, it’s important to have an idea of the kind of venue you would like before you start arranging meetings and tours. Country escape? Oceanside idyll? City celebration? Sit down with your husband or wife-to-be and decide the kind of setting that reflects you as a couple and also makes you feel welcome and relaxed. Once you’ve a theme or style in mind, start researching options that match this and cater to your party size and agenda. Top considerations include the capacity, location of your venue for ease and accessibility, the indoor and outdoor spaces available, catering options, how well it lends itself to wedding photos, and so on.

Set a Date
Of course, one of the biggest factors of wedding planning is setting the date. Do you want a spring wedding? Summer celebration? How about a snow-kissed winter romance? Decide on the season that speaks to you the most as a couple and work with your venue of choice to agree on a date. Just be aware, your favourite venues may be sought-after and have limited availability, so the sooner you can work this out, the better. Organising the wedding date will also help your wedding guests to plan their calendars well in advance, as well as make it easier to secure photographers, videographers, caterers, bands, and more.

Say Yes to the Dress (or Suit!)
For many, the wedding wardrobe is one of the biggest parts of wedding planning. To get truly wedding ready, give yourself as much time as possible to choose your dream wedding dress or outfit to ensure you feel as beautiful, confident, and comfortable as possible during your big day. Whether you’re saying yes to the classic white dress or opting for something a little more unique, make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to browse options, try on different styles, and arrange alterations if need be. Complementing your finished look, you should also think about how you can pair accessories – for yourself and your partner, bridesmaids and groomsmen, as well as coordinated decorations. Of course, don’t forget to pick your rings too!

Self-Care Routines
As exciting as wedding planning is, it’s also vital to make sure you’re checking in with yourself and your beloved along the way. Incorporate plenty of self-care into your routines to destress and reconnect. To keep happy and healthy, nourish your body with good food and lots of water and prioritise exercise and consistent sleep routines. Should you be thinking about beauty treatments, you can also start scheduling appointments to create your perfect wedding day look, such as facials, waxing, hair colouring and styling, make-up trials, nails, and so on. Health and happiness intertwine, and it’s how you and your partner feel that really matters!

Donnington Grove Showround
If you are seeking inspiration for your wedding, turn your attention to our stunning wedding venue in Berkshire. An exquisite 18th century manor house encompassed by landscaped gardens and ponds within 500-acre grounds, we offer one of the most luxurious settings imaginable.

To uncover our fairytale venue, get in touch with our skilled wedding planner and book a showround. Helping you to curate your dream wedding day, we pride ourselves on facilitating the most beautiful celebrations, with each detail carefully considered.