When planning a wedding where do you start?

So, you have found the partner of your dreams and have decided to get married. Now you need to know where to start planning a wedding?

At Future Inns, we hear I have no idea how to plan a wedding. But we do! When planning your big day, some things are nice to know, and there are things you need to know. Here are our tips when planning a wedding that will hopefully make you say, “I’m so glad someone told me that!” Check out our expert advice:

The first and most crucial step on your wedding planning checklist is to nail your budget. Until you set a realistic budget, it is unwise to start wedding planning or spend anything. It is common to forget the little extras like dress alterations, fittings and beauty expenses. The earlier you start planning, the less stress you will put on yourself as the big day approaches. Having a clear plan before you start will help you keep on top of everything and be sure you do not forget something important.

Top tip – one of the biggest things to remember is whether it is the venue, wedding dress or suits, or the wedding cake, you will need to make an appointment. This will ensure that the supplier puts aside enough time to spend with you, and so you get the unrushed, correct information.

Before you start visiting wedding venues, you will need to get an idea of the approximate number of guests for the day and for the wedding party. Your budget will be a big factor in the planning process, and your wedding reception venue will take a large part of it.

Whether you are planning a wedding for 50 family members or planning for 200 on your guest list, it is essential to discuss when you would like to get married, including the day of the week. Getting married on a weekday can mean you can get more for your budget, as we have previously discussed in 5 reasons why you should pick a weekday wedding. You will also need to consider if you would like to get married at a religious ceremony, at the registry office, or the venue – they will need a license for you to do so. It is good to consider all-inclusive wedding packages at the venue.

Top tip – when contacting venues to get prices, make sure you have a wedding date range in mind. It is much easier for the Wedding Co-ordinator to check availability if you can be specific. For example, “I would love a Friday in April next year.” They will also ask for your rough numbers to check which function suites are suitable.

Choosing your decorations is what makes your wedding unique. Centrepieces, chair covers, bows, and lighting help complete the wedding day look, whether it is a budget wedding venue or a more elegant affair. Some venues include aspects of this in their wedding packages, or you could have to hire suppliers or do much of it yourself—this is something you will need to consider.

Top tip – embrace your venue! If they have a red carpet in the function suite, then blue chair covers may not be the right way to go. Ask the venue what colours have been in the room before and looked great, or even ask for pictures of past weddings to give you further inspiration.

One crucial detail often overlooked when planning a wedding is hotel room blocks for your guests. Reserve a set number of rooms at Future Inns so that your family and friends have a convenient and comfortable place to stay, especially if they’re travelling from out of town. Having everyone in one place creates a seamless experience, making it easier to coordinate pre-wedding gatherings, transportation, and even a post-wedding brunch.

Did you know why it is called a wedding breakfast? It is because it is the first meal you share as newlyweds. Your wedding breakfast will fuel the event and provide a chance to infuse your personality and style into the celebration. There is a lot to consider, from afternoon tea to a sit-down meal with 2, 3, 4 or more courses. Could you have a locally themed menu? You will also need to consider the evening affair from hog roasts, buffets and BBQs.

Top tip – When sending out your invites, ask your guests if they require a special diet or have any allergies. If they need a vegan menu or have a medical allergy such as being gluten-free, the Chef will need to know this in advance so that the guest is not sat with an empty plate in front of them whilst the Chef hurriedly makes something for them.

It’s completely up to you; it’s your wedding, after all! You can choose a cake that is compatible with the style of your venue and the season and even get it to look like the wedding dress or flower arrangements. You could choose different flavours for the layers, including the traditional fruit, or indulge with one of your favourites, such as salted caramel, red velvet, chocolate, lemon or a Victoria sponge.

Top tip – generally, a 3-tiered cake will serve around 120 guests, and you will likely need 5 layers for 200 guests or more. Ask the venue to have a separate cake table so it can be a feature in the room and make it easy to have photographs of and with when cutting the cake.

Research this carefully and find someone who understands precisely what you want. It is important to get on well so you feel comfortable with time. Engagement shoots are a great way to get to know your photographer and start to build a relationship. They also allow you to practise your poses.

Top tip – ask your photographer to shoot in documentary form, meaning they will be captured naturally. You will get pictures of your guests enjoying a drink at the bar, sharing a laugh and even strutting their stuff on the dancefloor.

Did you know that not having a wedding video is the number one regret? Although often overlooked, a wedding videographer really is an essential consideration for your big day. Your wedding day will fly by, and many will tell you that you will see less of your wedding day than your guests as you are caught up with the ceremony, photoshoots, catch-ups with friends and family and then the same at the evening reception.

Top tip – a videographer will capture the words spoken during the vows and speeches, and interviews with guests. The filmed record of your day is great to look back on with your children or grandchildren and to fondly remember those who have passed on.

Everyone wants to make their wedding romantic and make it feel ultra-personal. Pinning something to your flower bouquet can be a lovely way of carrying a loved one with you, such as a photograph or a piece of jewellery. Some like to have a table of photographs of their parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents. Write your own vows or show a slideshow at your wedding venue or a dove release.

You can make your wedding fun without breaking the budget. You and your guests will dance the night away with a DJ or band, but there are other options for entertainment, too. Hiring a magician is a perfect way to keep your guests occupied, especially if they are a good trickster. Photobooths and selfie mirrors are also very popular,r and the keepsake fun photographs will be fun to look back on.

Is planning a wedding stressful? It can be if you overdo it beforehand. Everyone wants to look and feel amazing on their wedding day, but if you starve yourself or spend every waking moment in the gym, you will be exhausted and hungry by the time the wedding arrives.

Experts recommend that you do not set a weight goal but some fitness goals instead. Want to wear a sleeveless dress but need to tone your arms? This is something that can be worked on in weekly classes or with personal training.

Top tip – get your bridal or stag party involved too. A one-day boot camp is an alternative to a boozy night out and is designed to kick start and boost your fitness as well as be great fun. It is also a good way to introduce key guests to each other before the big day.

The top three things brides say are the main culprits here: too much fake tan, too much foundation, and overfilled eyebrows. Wedding day beauty should not begin on the day; whilst sitting in the stylist’s chair, it starts in advance so you can look your best on the big day.

If you do not usually wear a lot of make-up, it may initially feel a bit odd, but a good make-up artist makes your features stand out. Equally, your hair will require a little love and devotion. Experts recommend Vitamin B to bring out the natural shine, which can be found in foods like fish, nuts, and eggs. Deep conditioning treatments can help hair feel silky and manageable, as well as regularly getting those split ends trimmed.

Do not forget to get your hands and nails in top condition, including gents. Most photographers like to zoom in on the hands, especially on that new wedding ring. Biters may need to start 6-8 weeks in advance to get the length and shape there. Investing in a good moisturiser is also recommended to keep cracked nails and dehydrated skin at bay.

Planning for a wedding ceremony does take time. Make sure you schedule time to organise the bigger and smaller things, and that will make planning a wedding fun.

Ultimately, you are getting married to the love of your life. Even if you are planning a wedding without your fiancé’s help, with or without a parent or when looking after a baby. Take a step back and remind yourself what the wedding is really about. Our experienced teams are on hand to give you advice and let you know what to know when planning a wedding:

Our wedding packages offer luxury and flexibility to suit a range of budgets. We clarify what costs are included and are priced per person, and we have affordable wedding packages available, including welcome drinks, evening food, and hotel stays. If our packages don't seem quite right for you, we will happily create a bespoke package to make your wedding both individual and unforgettable.

From an intimate feel to a grander affair (up to 200 guests), the wedding suites are on the hotel's top floor with fantastic views over Bristol city centre. There is even a small terrace balcony to take in some air and enjoy the scenery. Please speak with our wedding planners, who can advise you on weddings in Bristol on 0117 304 1010 or meetings.bristol@futureinns.co.uk.

Our wedding venue in Cardiff Bay has various suites to choose from, all of which are on the ground floor. Choose from an all-day wedding celebration, wedding breakfasts, or evening-only events. Appointments must be booked with Martin in advance. They can be contacted on 02920 487111 or meetings.cardiff@futureinns.co.uk. Ask about their Welsh-themed wedding breakfast menu, too!

You are welcome to speak with our highly experienced Wedding Coordinators, Ellie or Ben, on 01752 701000 or meetings.plymouth@futureinns.co.uk. Our wedding venue in Plymouth has been nominated for several wedding awards over the last few years, so you are in knowledgeable, safe hands. The wedding suites are all on the ground floor, and guests love the outdoor space for photographs in the summer months.

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