Planning a Wedding

Wedding Planner

Planning a wedding

Planning a wedding is an exciting yet intricate process that involves countless decisions to make your day unforgettable. One of the first things to consider is the venue, whether you're dreaming of a grand ballroom, a rustic barn, or a picturesque outdoor setting, your choice will set the tone for the entire event. Next, booking a skilled photographer is essential to capture every magical moment, ensuring you have stunning memories to cherish forever. Catering also plays a key role; you'll want to find a provider who offers delicious menus that reflect your tastes and can accommodate dietary needs.

Entertainment brings the party to life, so think about whether you want a lively band, a talented DJ, or something unique, like a string quartet, for the ambiance. Then there’s the dress, a central piece of the day, spend time finding one that makes you feel confident and beautiful, and don’t forget to coordinate the attire for your partner and wedding party. Florals and décor should complement your theme and colour palette, from bouquets to dramatic centrepieces or subtle arrangements. Finally, hair and make-up need careful planning—professional stylists can ensure you and your bridal party look picture-perfect from the first look to the last dance.

Choosing a wedding venue

Wedding venues

Finding the perfect wedding venue is one of the most exciting steps in planning your big day. Whether you envision saying "I do" in a grand ballroom, a rustic countryside barn, or a charming seaside venue, the location plays a key role in setting the tone for your celebration. Every couple has their unique style, so your venue should reflect your story and create unforgettable memories for you and your guests.

Ideas for wedding venues include:

  • Hotel banquet halls

    – ideal for large celebrations with catering and accommodation on-site.

  • Country houses or manor estates

    – perfect for a classic and elegant countryside setting.

  • Barns

    – rustic charm with modern upgrades, great for a cosy and relaxed atmosphere.

  • Beaches

    – a serene setting by the water with breath-taking natural backdrops.

  • Gardens

    – perfect for outdoor lovers, surrounded by vibrant flowers and greenery.

  • Castles

    – a dramatic and regal option for a fairy tale wedding.

  • Urban lofts or studios

    – sleek, modern spaces with a trendy vibe in the heart of the city.

  • Churches or chapels

    – traditional venues steeped in cultural or religious significance.

  • Winery or vineyard

    – picturesque views and delicious wines to complement the celebration.

  • Museums or galleries

    – a sophisticated option with unique artistic or historical elements.

  • Other ideas include - marquees, yachts, parks, industrial warehouses, villas, community centres and restaurants.

Choosing a wedding photographer

Wedding photography

Wedding photography is more than just capturing moments; it’s about telling a story that will be cherished for a lifetime. From the intimate exchange of vows to the joyous celebrations on the dance floor, a skilled wedding photographer knows how to blend artistry with emotion. By preserving the candid glances, heartfelt tears, and radiant smiles, they create a visual narrative that reflects the couple's unique bond.

With a keen eye for detail and a knack for making people feel at ease, wedding photographers ensure that every shot is as timeless as the love it represents. These treasured images become a lasting tribute to the day two lives became one.

Organising catering for a wedding

Wedding catering

Catering is one of the most memorable aspects of any wedding, providing your guests with a delightful experience to savour as they celebrate your special day. From elegant sit-down meals to trendy food stations, great wedding catering should balance flavour, presentation, and service.

The menu should reflect your preferences as a couple while accommodating diverse guest needs, such as vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions. Whether opting for a classic three-course meal or something more modern like a sharing-style feast, exceptional catering sets the tone for the reception and ensures every guest leaves with a smile.

Don't forget about those late-night cravings. After hours of dancing and celebrating, guests will appreciate something to nibble on before heading home. Supplying evening food is an excellent way to keep the energy alive and satisfy post-reception hunger. Think along the lines of indulgent comfort food, such as sliders, wood-fired pizza, or even a dessert bar.

These thoughtful touches can transform your wedding from a great event into an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance.

Entertain your wedding guests

Wedding entertainment

Make a wedding unforgettable by incorporating unique and engaging entertainment options for guests. No matter the theme or budget, these ideas can elevate a wedding day and leave guests with memories that last a lifetime.

  • Live band or DJ

    – keep the dance floor alive with a live band or a professional DJ who knows how to get the crowd moving.

  • Acoustic musicians

    – choose for a string quartet, a harpist, or an acoustic duo to create a romantic and relaxed vibe during the ceremony or cocktail hour.

  • Silent disco

    – provide your guests with headphones and multiple music channels so they can dance to their favourite tunes without disturbing others.

  • Photo booth

    – set up a photo booth with fun props for guests to capture memories.

  • Caricature artist

    – give your guests a personalised souvenir with a live caricature drawing session.

  • Magician/illusionist

    – add a touch of magic to your day with live close-up performances during the reception.

  • Fire performers

    – thrill your guests with a captivating fire dancing show during the evening celebrations.

  • Bagpiper or fiddler

    – a stunning touch for couples who want their cultural roots (for Scottish or Irish weddings) to shine through.

  • Outdoor games

    – set up giant Jenga, cornhole, or croquet for those who love casual fun.

  • Fireworks display

    – end your special day with a bang by putting on a spectacular fireworks display.

  • Lantern release

    – celebrate love and light by releasing paper lanterns with your guests.

Wedding firework displays

Wedding fireworks

Fireworks can add a truly magical touch to a wedding day, creating an unforgettable experience for the happy couple and guests. Whether it’s a dazzling display of colours lighting up the night sky or a more intimate showcase of sparklers for your guests to enjoy, fireworks are a stunning way to celebrate in style. They can be tailored to fit a theme, with custom colours, shapes, or even personalised effects, such as your initials or a heart symbol.

Fireworks also offer an opportunity to enhance key moments in the celebration, such as the first dance, the cake cutting, or when rounding off the night in spectacular fashion.

When planning fireworks for a wedding, make sure to consult professional pyrotechnicians who can ensure everything is both safe and compliant with local regulations. It’s also important to coordinate timings so everything fits seamlessly into the schedule. Whether a grand finale or a surprise moment of sparkle, fireworks are a fantastic way to add excitement, romance, and a touch of wonder to a wedding.

Choosing a wedding singer

Wedding singers

A wedding singer adds a personal, heartfelt touch to your special day, creating unforgettable memories with live music that resonates with every guest. Whether they’re performing during the ceremony as you walk down the aisle, enhancing the atmosphere during the reception, or kickstarting the evening with a lively set, a wedding singer can tailor their repertoire to reflect a unique love story. Their ability to adapt to the mood and engage with the crowd ensures an enchanting and emotional experience that recorded music simply can’t replicate.

Music at weddings

Wedding musicians

When choosing wedding music, consider the tone that's trying to be set for each part of the day - romantic, lively, or laid-back - and the size and style of your venue. Many musicians offer packages tailored to specific wedding needs.

  • Acoustic guitarist

    – perfect for a romantic ceremony or cocktail hour.

  • Pianist/keyboard player

    – ideal for elegant, classical vibes or modern ballads.

  • Harpist

    – a timeless choice with a soothing touch of sophistication.

  • Violinist

    – adds a romantic, classical charm to your ceremony or dinner hour.

  • Saxophonist

    – great for jazzy, smooth tones during the reception or cocktail hour.

  • Acoustic duo

    – (guitarist + singer) intimate and versatile for ceremonies or small receptions.

  • String quartet

    – elegant and classic, perfect for ceremonies or formal weddings.

  • Jazz trio/quartet

    – great for a lively but sophisticated cocktail hour or dinner music.

  • Folk band

    – ideal for a relaxed, boho-chic wedding theme.

  • Cover band

    – perfect for getting guests up and dancing with classic hits and modern favourites.

  • A cappella group

    – beautiful harmonies for ceremony music or light entertainment.

  • Solo singer

    – ideal for creating an intimate atmosphere during a first dance or dinner.

  • Bagpiper

    – perfect for a Scottish or Irish wedding.

  • Mariachi band

    – brings a festive energy to receptions and after-parties.

  • DJ with saxophone or electric violinist

    – combines modern beats with live musical flair.

  • Other wedding musicians include - steel drum band, klezmer band, wedding DJ with live percussionist

Choosing a wedding dress

Wedding dresses

Choosing the perfect wedding dress is a deeply personal decision that allows brides to express their unique style on their special day. With a multitude of styles available, there’s something for everyone. From elegant A-line dresses that create a classic silhouette to intricately beaded mermaid gowns that hug every curve, each design exudes its own charm.

For those looking for something modern and minimalistic, sleek sheath dresses or chic jumpsuits are increasingly popular, while princess-like ball gowns remain timeless for those seeking grandeur. Brides can also explore options with sleeves, strapless cuts, bold lace details or even coloured gowns for a unique twist.

The price of a wedding dress can vary widely, with financial budget often playing a significant role in the final choice. High-end designer gowns can command a premium, but there are plenty of stunning options at more affordable price points. Off-the-rack styles, sample sales, and even renting are excellent ways to find a dress within budget without compromising beauty or quality.

Brides often find that setting clear priorities—for instance, focusing on fabric quality or intricate detailing—can help guide their decision while keeping costs manageable. Ultimately, no matter the style or price, the right wedding dress is the one that makes a bride feel radiant and confident.

Choosing a florist for your wedding

Wedding flowers

These blooms are perfect for bouquets, centrepieces, floral arches, or any decorative arrangements that fit your vision. Consult a florist to ensure availability, and select blooms that align with the season and theme.

  • Roses

    - timeless and romantic, roses come in a variety of colours to suit any wedding theme.

  • Peonies

    - known for their lush blooms and sweet fragrance, peonies are perfect for spring and early summer weddings.

  • Tulips

    - symbolising deep love, tulips bring elegance and simplicity to wedding arrangements.

  • Lilies

    - sophisticated and fragrant, lilies, especially calla lilies, are a popular choice for modern weddings.

  • Hydrangeas

    - their voluminous clusters make for stunning bouquets or arrangements.

  • Ranunculi

    - with layers of delicate petals, these flowers offer a whimsical yet elegant aesthetic.

  • Sweet Peas

    - these fragrant, pastel-coloured blooms are ideal for adding softness to a bouquet or centrepiece.

  • Gardenias

    - known for their creamy white petals and rich scent, gardenias evoke classic romance.

  • Daisies

    - simple yet charming, daisies are great for casual or outdoor weddings.

  • Lavender

    - adds texture and a calming scent—perfect for a rustic countryside vibe.

  • Eucalyptus

    - while not a flower, eucalyptus is a must for bohemian arrangements, adding texture and greenery.

  • Sunflowers

    - a bold statement flower, ideal for warm, outdoor, or late summer weddings.

  • Orchids

    - elegant and exotic, orchids are perfect for modern, tropical, or formal weddings.

  • Proteas

    - these eye-catching blooms add drama and are ideal for bold décor themes.

  • Anthuriums

    - striking and modern, they are particularly well-suited for tropical and contemporary weddings.

  • Cherry blossoms

    - symbolise renewal and beauty, ideal for delicate centrepieces in spring.

  • Amaryllis

    - gorgeous for winter weddings with their bold, trumpet-shaped blooms.

  • Chrysanthemums

    - add warmth and depth, especially in earthy hues during autumn.

Choosing a wedding makeup artist

Wedding hair and makeup

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable and photographed days of your life, making hair and make-up an essential element of the celebration. Thoughtfully done hair and make-up not only enhance your natural beauty but also ensure you feel confident and radiant throughout the day.

A professional stylist can help create a cohesive look that complements your dress, theme, and personal style, while also ensuring your look lasts through tears, laughter, and dancing. More than just aesthetics, the right hair and make-up can help you feel your absolute best on such a momentous occasion, making every moment even more special.