Wedding planning can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, with a seemingly endless list of tasks. From choosing the perfect venue to organising the details of your reception, there’s a lot to think about. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. This comprehensive timeline breaks down each essential task, offering a step-by-step guide to help you stay organised, on budget, and calm throughout the process.
With this guide, you’ll be able to break down the tasks into manageable steps, 14 to be precise, making the wedding planning experience as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. Imagine the peace of mind knowing every detail is carefully considered, leaving you free to savour the joy of your engagement and look forward to a day as magical as your dreams. And remember, at St John’s House, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way, offering guidance, expertise, and a personal touch to ensure your wedding day is everything you’ve ever dreamed of.
12 Months Before Your Big Day. Get Yourselves on the Same Page.
1. Set Your Budget
The first and most crucial step in wedding planning is setting your budget to make informed decisions, avoid overspending, and reduce stress. Begin by determining your total wedding budget, considering all major expenses, including venue hire, catering, photography, flowers, transport, attire, rings, a honeymoon, and miscellaneous expenses like wedding favours or extra décor.
The average wedding in the UK costs upwards of £20,000, but weddings here at St John’s House certainly don’t need to total this much. For even half the budget, you can still achieve the wedding of your dreams, with accommodation and refreshments. But, whatever your wedding fund, make sure you communicate openly with family members who may be contributing to help manage expectations. Always include a buffer for unexpected expenses.
We offer a range of flexible wedding packages designed to accommodate different budgets, making it easier to plan your finances and ensure your dream wedding remains within reach. Our team can guide you through the options, helping you maximise your budget without compromising on quality or style.
2. Make a List of Wedding Priorities
Prioritising your wedding elements helps you allocate resources effectively by determining what’s most important to you and your partner. Identify your top priorities—whether that’s a particular venue, catering, or a specific band for your reception- to narrow your focus and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Talk to recently married friends or family members to get insights and be prepared to compromise in other areas to stay within budget.
3. Start Saving
The earlier you start saving, the more control you have over your financial situation. Wedding costs can creep up unexpectedly, and having a “wedding fund” can significantly reduce the need for loans or credit. Begin setting aside money specifically for your wedding as soon as you can, creating a separate savings account to track your progress easily. Consider setting up automatic transfers into your wedding savings account to ensure consistent progress. Be realistic about your savings goals and time frame, and cut back on discretionary spending if needed.
4. Book Your Venue
Your venue will set the tone for your entire wedding, so it’s important to choose one that fits both your vision and your budget. Booking early ensures you secure your preferred date and venue, as many popular locations book up quickly. Research venues in your desired location and size, visiting a few options to get a sense of the atmosphere and logistics. Once you’ve found the right place, book it to lock in your date.
Don’t just consider the aesthetics of the venue; think about practicalities like accessibility, parking, catering policy, decor, and music. We pride ourselves on offering not only a stunning location but also a seamless booking process. Our experienced events team will work closely with you from the outset, answering your questions, providing guidance, and ensuring all your needs are met. We aim to make the venue selection process as stress-free as possible so you can focus on other aspects of your wedding planning.
5. Select Your Wedding Date
The date you choose will influence your vendor availability, guest list, and overall wedding vibe. It’s important to select a date that works for both you and your partner and allows your key guests to attend. If you’re planning a destination wedding or have key family members who need to travel, be sure to check their availability as well. While it’s tempting to pick a “special” date, be aware that popular dates can be expensive, and venues and vendors may be in high demand. Ensure your wedding date is far enough in advance to allow ample time for planning, typically 12 months or more.
6. Perhaps You Want to Hire a Wedding Planner?
Hiring a wedding planner can be a great way to reduce stress and ensure every detail of your day runs smoothly. They help manage logistics, coordinate with vendors, and bring your vision to life, allowing you to focus on enjoying your engagement. However, wedding planners do come at a cost, and not every budget can stretch to include one.
That’s where we’re a little different. When you choose St John’s House as your venue, you as good as gain your own wedding planners in us, Dan and Danielle. With years of experience and a genuine passion for weddings, we go above and beyond to help bring your day together. From liaising with suppliers and creating timelines to providing on-the-day coordination, we offer the kind of hands-on support that rivals a professional planning service, but without the price tag.
So whether you’re planning everything yourselves or need a helping hand to pull it all together, rest assured, you won’t be doing it alone.
9-12 Months Before the Date… Don’t Worry! There’s Still Time.
7. Create Your Guest List
Your guest list will influence many aspects of your wedding, from the size of the venue to your catering budget. Start drafting your guest list as early as possible, being mindful of how many guests you can accommodate based on your budget and venue size. Consider whether you want to invite children. Be flexible with the guest list, and start with your “A-list,” having a “B-list” of backup guests. For example, we can accommodate weddings of various sizes, from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations. Our versatile spaces allow you to create the perfect atmosphere for your special day, regardless of your guest list size, but not all venues have this flexibility.
8. Choose Your Wedding Party
Your wedding party plays a significant role in supporting you throughout the planning process and on the big day itself. Select your maid of honour, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, and other key members of your wedding party. Consider their personalities, availability, and how much time they’re willing to commit. Be clear with your wedding party about what you expect from them to avoid any misunderstandings, and be mindful of the size of your wedding party, as it can affect your overall wedding budget.
9. Choose Your Wedding Theme or Style
Your theme or style will set the mood for the entire event. It influences the colour scheme, décor, attire, and overall aesthetic of your wedding. Determine the overall theme or style that resonates with both you and your partner. Once you’ve decided on your theme, use it as a guide for making all other decisions and keep practicality in mind when choosing a theme. Our elegant interiors and beautiful grounds provide the perfect canvas for any wedding theme or style. Whether you envision a classic, romantic affair or a modern, chic celebration, our venue can be transformed to match your unique vision.
10. Research Vendors and Book Suppliers
Your wedding vendors, such as photographers, caterers, florists, and entertainers, will have a direct impact on the quality and experience of your day. Begin researching and booking vendors early, looking for suppliers who align with your vision and budget. Check reviews and get recommendations from other couples to ensure you choose reputable vendors. Be sure to book popular vendors early and ensure that all vendors know exactly what is expected of them on the day.
Remember: If you choose to have your wedding at St John’s house, our team is at your disposal! We’ll sort out all your catering needs, giving you the choice of our extensive selection of menus, as well as liaising with any additional vendors and suppliers. With over 13 years of experience in the industry, we have built up an eye for the details and are always happy to help take the weight off. We are proud to be an exclusive-use wedding venue, allowing you to enjoy the build-up to your special day.
The 6-9 Month Countdown. Time to Finalise the Extra Details.
11. Choose Your Wedding Attire
Your wedding attire should make you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful on your big day. Start shopping for your wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, and groomswear, not leaving this until the last minute to allow time for alterations. Don’t be afraid to try on different styles before settling on the perfect one, and consider the time of year and the weather when choosing your wedding attire.
12. Send Save-the-Date Announcements
Save-the-date cards give your guests ample time to clear their calendars, especially if your wedding falls on a busy time of year or involves travel. Send your save-the-date announcements at least 6–12 months before your wedding day. Keep your save-the-dates simple and in line with your wedding theme, and include the date, location, and any other important details that your guests might need.
13. Give Your Notice to Marry
Giving notice of marriage is a crucial legal requirement for your wedding in the UK. You must give notice at least 29 days before your wedding date at your local register office, where you must have been a resident for at least seven days. Both partners need to give notice, and if you live in different areas, you must do so separately. When giving notice, you’ll need to provide documents such as a valid passport or birth certificate, proof of address, and details of your wedding venue. The notice will be displayed for 28 days, after which you can marry, and it remains valid for 12 months. For Church of England weddings, banns may need to be read instead. Additional requirements may apply if either partner is not a UK national.
14. Arrange Wedding Transport and Accommodation
Coordinating transport ensures smooth logistics for both the couple and guests. Whether you’re providing transport for the wedding party or helping out-of-town guests with accommodation, having everything arranged in advance will make the wedding day much more relaxed.
Book transportation for the couple, bridal party, and any guests who may need it, and arrange accommodation for any out-of-town guests, ensuring they have a convenient place to stay close to the wedding venue. Don’t forget to coordinate with the venue regarding parking arrangements, and be mindful of the timing, allocating extra time for travel between venues. For added convenience, some venues offer all of this as a package.
At St John’s House, we offer luxurious on-site accommodation for you and your guests. Our beautifully appointed rooms provide a comfortable and relaxing retreat after a day of celebration, allowing you to truly enjoy your wedding experience without worrying about transportation or travel. As an exclusive-use venue, our rooms offer more than a hotel stay. Our property is yours for the entire day, night or complete weekend. Your wedding celebrations and party will be uninterrupted throughout, allowing you to have complete control of your surroundings, dining and overnight experience.
Don’t Panic and Stay Organised
By following this detailed timeline, you can ensure that your wedding planning process is organised, stress-free, and enjoyable. The journey toward your big day should be as memorable as the day itself, and proper planning is key to making that happen. Remember, at St John’s House, we’re committed to providing exceptional service and creating unforgettable wedding experiences. Contact us today to learn more about our venue and how our team can help you plan the wedding of your dreams.
Happy planning!