Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! With a clear plan and the right suppliers, your dream wedding will come together seamlessly. As a wedding planner with years of experience in beautiful English country marquee weddings across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and The Cotswolds, I always recommend booking your suppliers in a specific order. This ensures everything flows smoothly and takes the pressure off.
Start with your venue. It sets the tone, informs your date, and dictates the size and style of your celebration. Whether it’s a grand marquee or a beautiful country estate, nothing else can be booked until your venue is secured. With your venue locked in, the rest will follow.
Next, focus on your caterers and marquee. These are the big-ticket items, so hold off until you know your venue’s requirements or restrictions. Many venues have a preferred list of suppliers, so it’s important to understand any limitations. Good food and a beautiful marquee are essential to creating the perfect wedding atmosphere, so choose wisely.
Your photographer is essential to capturing memories of your big day, but there’s no rush here. Take your time to find someone whose style you love and who you feel comfortable with. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time with them on the day!
If you’re planning on sending out save-the-dates, you’ll want to get your stationery sorted sooner rather than later. This gives guests plenty of notice and helps you set the tone for your wedding style.
Read more on wedding stationery here
Suzy Elizabeth Photography
Once you have a clear vision for your wedding, it’s time to book your stylist, venue dresser, and florist. They’ll help bring your ideas to life, so make sure they understand your style and have the expertise to make it happen.
Shopping for your wedding dress is an exciting but sometimes overwhelming task. Take your time – there’s no need to rush. You’ll want to start looking at least six months before your wedding to allow for any necessary alterations, but don’t expect to find “the one” straight away!
Your hair and make-up style will naturally follow once your dress is chosen. Wait until you have your dress before booking a stylist to ensure the overall look ties together beautifully.
For music, if you have your heart set on a particular band, book them early to avoid disappointment. Otherwise, take the time to research different options to find the right sound for your big day. Read my guide to wedding ceremony music here.
Booking your cake can wait until about six months before your wedding. Whether you want a classic tiered cake or something more unique, there’s plenty of time to make the right choice.
If you’re looking for full support throughout your planning journey, book a wedding planner as soon as you’re engaged. For those just needing help in the lead-up to the day, aim to book around nine months before the wedding.
Remember, there’s no need to do it all at once. Approach it in chunks, and if you ever need help along the way, I’m here to guide you. Feel free to explore my services at Joanna Wilford Weddings. Let’s bring your wedding vision to life!