How to kick-start your wedding planning

historic country house, with turret looking facade and conservatory attached over gardens

Samantha Gilchrist, Co-Founder and CEO of the UK's largest wedding venue collection, The Gilchrist Collection, shares her top tips on how to kick-start your wedding plans, taking away any unnecessary stress and disappointment in preparation for that special day.

Set a Date - possibly the most important aspect of planning as getting this date in the diary will allow you to move forward with your plans. When choosing a date, it's worth carrying out a simple checklist to help you nail that day down such as:

  • Think if there is a time of year you both always wanted to get married in? A season you both love or a month that is special to you is a great starting point.
  • Is there a type of wedding you would love? If it's an outdoor wedding, I always think May and September are most reliable when it comes to British weather
  • Avoid major clashes such as large sporting events scheduled on that day - do a quick online search to put your mind at ease.
Gather your guestlist - An idea on numbers for your day will help with exploring venues and understand your budget. I like to split it into an 'A,B,C' approach:
A. Those who are essential to making your day special - they have to be there.
B. Potential guests for your day or evening
C. Evening only invites if numbers allow - those who will bring some party energy to dance the night away

Shortlist your venues - Whether you are a bride or groom that has had a dream venue your whole life, or someone who is unsure on the type of venue they are looking for, my advice is to do your research, check-out their social media accounts for real wedding inspiration and then schedule visits. Venues can be booked up to two-years in advance so it's worth getting in there quickly.

Book your photographer, florist, make-up artist & hair stylist - Many wedding suppliers open their books a year in advance to meet the demand, so as soon as you have your date it's worth pencilling it in with your chosen photographer, florist, make-up artist & hair stylist to avoid disappointment if they are already snapped up.

Enjoy your engagement - Once you've got your date, venue and some of your favourite suppliers locked in, it's time to get back to enjoying your love bubble. You've got the essentials covered.

You may also be interested in

Find County Wedding Magazines on YouTube

Find County Wedding Magazines on YouTube

We're never satisfied when it comes to providing our readers with enough wedspiration, which is why we've...

READ ARTICLE

5 unique winter wedding trends for 2023

5 unique winter wedding trends for 2023

From décor inspired by the season's natural beauty to creative ways to keep your guests warm, wedding...

READ ARTICLE

A more sustainable, ethical, and zero-waste approach to weddings

A more sustainable, ethical, and zero-waste approach to weddings

Reports suggest that 4,910 tonnes of unrecyclable plastic was used up and left...

READ ARTICLE

Book a festive seasonal break at The Manor House

Book a festive seasonal break at The Manor House

Book a festive seasonal break at The Manor House in Castle Combe, Wiltshire with a three-night...

READ ARTICLE

Subscribe to Your Glos & Wilts Wedding Magazine for free

VISIT SITE

Submit your wedding to be featured in Your Glos & Wilts Wedding Magazine

VISIT SITE

Follow Your Glos & Wilts Wedding Magazine on Facebook

VISIT SITE

Follow Your Glos & Wilts Wedding Magazine on Instagram

VISIT SITE