Berwick Lodge is Bristol’s hidden gem. This beautiful 19th century country house has so much character, you are bound to fall in love it!
Simone, Wedding Coordinator, tells us what makes their venue and all the weddings they host (big or small) so incredibly special.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Living in the gorgeous Wiltshire countryside, I adore being outdoors and sitting in the garden with our lovely hens and beautiful black cat, Salem. I love a good series or documentary (Louis Theroux and David Attenborough are my heroes!). I also like to be creative – with baking and crafts such as macramé, pottery and painting.
I graduated from Bournemouth University in 2018 with a first-class Event’s Management degree and went straight into the industry working as a wedding coordinator at the beautiful Berwick Lodge.
What drew you to the wedding world?
I always knew I wanted to be in the events industry. I have always loved researching and planning for things, seeing everything pull together on the day is just the icing on the cake!
During my university placement I began working mainly on social events, but with our wedding coordinator moving onto a new career I quickly picked up this side of things and was so pleased that I did. You get so much joy out of being part of someone’s wedding. Every couple is so unique, with different personalities, ideas and flares. It is so lovely to build up relationships with each couple and then finally see them enjoy the happiest day of their life.
What do you think makes Berwick Lodge unique?
Our ‘yes attitude’. At Berwick Lodge, nothing is ever too much trouble and we will always work with our couples to try and create the day that they want. If a couple is looking for personalisation, a non-traditional wedding, a huge celebration or a simple elopement, we are always happy to have that discussion and love that every wedding is unique.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Berwick Lodge?
The most memorable wedding experience was most definitely that of drag performer ‘Lady Diamond’. This couple was all about the details and creating a completely bespoke and personal day. They hadn’t told any of their guests about the special performance, so there were a few nerves among me, the couple and even Lady Diamond herself. However, her ‘Be My Guest’ entrance, honing a floral teapot and serving alongside our team, was met with love, laughter and pure joy. All the guests joined in with the songs, comedy and serenading the grooms and it made for the most amazing energy and a truly memorable evening.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
The ‘kettle is always on’ at Berwick Lodge. We always encourage couples to come visit us – bring their family, friends, photographer, dog, whomever they like! We love to hear about the couple’s background – how they met, all about the proposal, their jobs, their family, just who they are as a couple! We are here to listen about all the excitement of the wedding and also here for any problems they face too. By the time the couple gets married, we all know each other very well and they are one of the ‘Berwick Family’.
Why should a couple book Berwick Lodge?
We are an exclusive venue, meaning couples have no intrusion from other people and the team are focused solely on the couple and their guests for the day.
We pride ourselves on exceptional, warm and attentive service.
We have stunning grounds with many unique features.
Our beautiful onsite accommodation with 14 unique boutique bedrooms and choice of bridal suite.
Our award-winning food in our 2 Rosette restaurant.
A wedding coordinator (me!) to offer support through the whole process- from the viewing, all the way through to the wedding day itself.
Booking Berwick ticks a lot off of your list (venue, ceremony, food, drink, hotel)!
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
When people are planning the ‘perfect’ wedding, they often consider the tangible aspects of the day – the food, drink, décor, etc. These are all very important, however, a few years on, a lot of the tangible details will be forgotten – it’ll be the atmosphere of the day and the couple enjoying themselves that people will remember.
During the planning process couples should ensure that they are always thoughtful of their guests, but the most important thing to remember is that the day is their day, so they should do what makes them happy and this will shine through on the day.
When it comes to the day itself, leave it in our capable hands, enjoy every minute of it and don’t worry about the small things… the day will be perfect!
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
I would say, just be as organised as you are able to be! We want our couples to have the most stress-free planning experience, so to kick things off we send a ‘Welcome Pack’ which includes a timeline for wedding planning, a schedule for the day, our recommended supplier list, and a Q&A. This is in the hope that the couples will have everything they need to start the planning process. We are then available to help throughout, making suggestions, giving our experiences and helping to pull everything together in planning meetings.
Bridebook tip: you can also use the Checklist, Budget Planner and Guest List tools to help you stay on track with your wedding planning!
What’s the best photo spot at Berwick Lodge?
This is such a hard pick! At Berwick Lodge we are very lucky to have an amazing 18 acres of grounds to explore, and the beautiful 18th century red brick manor house. The gardens of Berwick Lodge are so enchanting and are abundant with photographic opportunities. The most spectacular being our marble ladies, which are just so striking and unusual! A lot of people also make use of the fountain, swing and spiral staircase, among the orchard, flowers and foliage which are ever-changing in the grounds throughout the seasons. Of course, the weather can’t always be on our side, but the interior is just as gorgeous!
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Our guests comment time and time again that the place is made more special by all of the staff there and that you can see we all enjoy what we do. We always pride ourselves on creating a ‘home away from home’ and ensuring that our guests feel like part of the Berwick Family. Our team is who I’m most proud of, for always having a positive and attentive attitude and creating the friendly atmosphere that keeps our guests coming back.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Don’t panic! I know it is easier said than done, but we are all in this together. This time allows us to reflect on what is important to us and what we are grateful for and things will eventually return to normality. Ensure you are having open and honest conversations with your venue and suppliers. They will be constantly adapting as best as they can and will be sympathetic to the fact your wedding may have to change. We have seen the wedding community really come together in this difficult time and your venue and suppliers are here to support you and be as flexible as they possibly can be.
For those who are still looking for a wedding venue, there’s no need to panic or put plans on hold either. A lot of venues (including ourselves) are adapting to the current situation and we are doing virtual tours of our venue. For any couple that books during this time, we are also relaxing our booking contract, so once our doors are back open you have some time to decide if the venue is definitely for you (we are of course confident that it will be)!
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
Technology is a huge part of a wedding now – for better and for worse! The internet is an instant resource, which has allowed couples to freely research their wedding day in depth and they don’t even have to move from the sofa to do so! Suppliers can easily showcase their work more widely and have reviews posted about them, allowing couples to make informed choices. Social media is also amazing – with couples, suppliers and guests all able to share material, ideas and experiences instantly. Technology has changed the planning process, with couples creating websites, using apps and even purchasing at home.
However, we find a lot of our couples are still coming to us based on word of mouth and very often use our recommended suppliers list. We are also finding couples still like having tangible items, such as planners and sending out real invites.
Technology is amazing, but every couple is different, and everyone needs to strike a balance that they are comfortable with!
What do you love about Bridebook?
Bridebook is so helpful, as it guides couples through the entire wedding planning process. Firstly, it has a very functional venue directory, which is easily filtered in order to help couples decide on their venue and suppliers. It also offers a ton of articles to help inspire and kick start ideas for couples who may be stuck or lost along the way! The planning app is an extremely useful tool which many of our couples use. It ensures the wedding is more organised by keeping everything in one place. Modern life is always so busy, so being able to have the Bridebook app on the go is an absolute winner!
Fancy a 13th century manor house for your wedding? The gorgeous Elmore Court in Gloucester may be the one for you! Read on to find out what Adele, Marketing & Events Manager, believes makes their venue unique!
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I have been in the wedding industry for nine years. I started out with my own business as a stylist, creating designs and decor for couples alongside a well reputable florist. My passion for events grew, I loved the buzz of being at events and fancied another challenge so decided to turn my hand to the organising side of things. In my free time I like to take to the stage, singing, dancing and acting as part of a local theatre group along with keeping fit and socialising with friends.
What drew you to the wedding world?
My love for design and creating something spectacular. I have a passion for coming up with ideas and bringing visions to life. I like to be in a busy environment and am not afraid of hard graft. The satisfaction you get from seeing something through from start to finish, and happy clients, is second to none for me.
What do you think makes Elmore Court unique?
When you book Elmore Court as a wedding venue, you don’t just become another couple in the diary, you become part of the ‘Team E’ family. We make it our mission to ensure that each couple’s individual wants and desires are met and pretty much say anything is possible. Our customer relation is what we pride ourselves on, having an extremely close relationship with our couples from the minute they walk through the doors to the very last song on the dance floor. We are with them every step of the way, from ironing grandad’s shirt in the morning to cutting up the evening cake – anything you need, you can be sure that one of us is an ‘expert’ in it!
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
Before the big day, we have two planning meetings with our couples to discuss and help with plans. Couples also get to come back to Elmore and enjoy a private tasting, where they can sample their chosen wedding menu. Alongside this, we usually hold two annual open days where couples can come back to pick up some wedding inspiration as well as talking to Team E. Overall, there is opportunity to come back and get to know your dedicated coordinator and the team on several occasions.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
A day full of love and laughter with your nearest and dearest. Mix this in with some exceptional food and drink and a grooving dance floor, and you have your perfect wedding day!
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Elmore Court?
They all hold something memorable for us, as they are all so uniquely special. But if we were to choose, then we fell in love with a full to the brim of entertainment, cosy winter wedding last year. Live music was around every corner and styling to die for. Live performers on podiums in the Gillyflower, singing as you enter the room for dinner, roaring fires, champagne towers, games and sparkle… the atmosphere was off the scale!
Why should a couple book Elmore Court?
When you book Elmore, you book in memories that will last a lifetime. We are no ordinary house in the country. This house has something quite special and rare about it. With over an 800 year old heritage, built for celebrations, our beautiful big house is steeped in history. It’s important to us that it feels like a home from home, because that’s exactly what it is: a family home. And that’s not it – you also have use of our modern day, purpose built, sustainable, eco ballroom. A unique spin on a permanent marquee, the Gillyflower is a soundproof space where you can entertain. Our roots are deep in music and events and this is illustrated here, with a built-in, top of the range sound system and design, the Gillyflower is the perfect contrast to the house. Essentially you get two venues in one, with the flexibility to create your dream day with no limitations.
What’s the best photo spot at Elmore Court?
Under our Purple Birch tree, just as our cyclamen carpet is in bloom and the sun is setting.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Enjoy it! Make it fun, start early so you can savour the moment and not feel rushed.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
New developing CRM systems that are helping reduce the amount of administration time for the team. They are also offering couples some nifty tools to help with planning and easing stress for them too. For businesses, it means that coordinators have more time to focus on other areas of the business, helping it grow as well as giving more time to clients.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Don’t beat yourself up for feeling sad, allow yourself some time to grieve the date you had dreamed of and planned for so long. There are many challenges that come from this and emotions to follow.
Once you’ve given yourself some time to feel sad remember your wedding day is postponed not cancelled, and all of your family and friends will be so excited to celebrate with you when they can. In fact this extra waiting (and extra planning time) will make the celebration all the more joyous, and there will be so many more reasons to party after all this is done!
In fact, your wedding may not be on the date you originally planned but it is very likely to be even better than the original…
What do you love about Bridebook?
Their fantastic customer service and additional tools that help us monitor our enquiries.
Looking for a fabulous venue in London? Olivia Parrott, Wedding & Events Executive at RSA House, tells us all about what makes their venue and team the perfect one for your big day!
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I have been in the weddings world for around five years! In my spare time I love to binge watch my favourite series on Netflix (I may or may not be able to re-enact every episode of Friends… oops!) I love socializing with friends & family, hitting the best brunch spots and exploring new places.
What drew you to the wedding world?
How personal it is! The feeling of making couples dream wedding days a reality is what sold it. Seeing the look on a couples face when they walk into the venue will never ever get old.
What do you think makes RSA House unique?
Our venue is unique because it really is so versatile – there is a style for everyone. The Georgian town house is traditionally elegant and beautiful but also very contemporary which gives great flexibility for couples to create their own unique journey through the spaces. Our approach to our couples is to most of all flexible, friendly and loving! We are with our couples every step of the way and the relationship doesn’t end after their wedding day at RSA – we have created really amazing friendships with a lot of our couples.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Personality! Having seen more marvelous weddings than we can mention, the team here at RSA House know a thing or two about personalizing weddings so if you’re looking to put your own stamp on your big day, you’re sure to find some inspiration, or a little extra confidence to do your own thing, right here!
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
We get to know them as people! Regular drink catch ups, video calls, venue visits, supplier visits! Getting to know the family is also a big thing for me, too.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at RSA House?
This is a hard one as we have seen so many memorable ones! How many weddings have you been to where the guests can say they were serenaded not once, but twice by the groom?! From a personally re-written version of Elton John’s ‘This Is Your Song’ to kick-start his speech, to a performance of Backstreet Boys ‘I Want It That Way’.
Why should a couple book RSA House?
For this, I would say actions speak louder than words and to have a look at testimonials. However, knowing their wedding contributes to the RSA charity is an incredible thing to know. Booking RSA means you are in for a fun and memorable time planning the most incredible day of your lives and that we promise.
What’s the best photo spot at RSA House?
Our staircase!
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Trust your venue and your suppliers, they are experts and will go above and beyond to create the most incredible day for you!
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Our incredible behind the scene team: the people who make dreams a reality and it wouldn’t be possible without every single one of them!
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Postpone to not cancel, we are all in this together and talk to your loved ones. We will get through this and your wedding celebrations will be more amazing than you could ever imagine!
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
In an amazing way! Virtual tours, wedding videos and galleries of images allow couples to imagine their day even more.
While you may not be able to view wedding venues physically right now, we want to make sure you’re still exploring your options and to shed some light on the incredible teams at some of the best wedding venues in the country! With our Venue Showcase series, you will learn more about what makes each venue unique and find out how their team works with couples to put together the day they dream of!
The first in our series is The Wellbeing Farm – a fun, quirky farm venue in Bolton. The founder and Managing Director, Celia, shares the story of the venue below.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
After experiencing work-related stress in the NHS, I resigned from my role and set about transforming a neglected farm in Bolton into The Wellbeing Farm. In the process, I experienced every type of business scenario and won various awards such as Implementer of the Year at the National Entrepreneur Awards. I secured a publishing deal to tell my story and my book ‘Why Put a Bow Tie on a Llama? How a crazy idea can change your life and transform your business’ was published in January 2020.
In my spare time I love yoga, meditation, reading, walking, gardening, baking and family days out with my son, Matthew, age 12, and partner Stephen. I also love walking with my dog, Maxy.
What drew you to the wedding world?
After I opened the business in March 2013, everyone kept asking me whether they could get married at the farm. I didn’t have anywhere for anyone to get married, but I set about transforming an indoor riding school into a wedding barn. Our first wedding was in July 2015 and since then enquiries have never stopped rolling in!
What do you think makes The Wellbeing Farm unique?
We apply the concept of Wellbeing to everything we do at the farm. We help couples’ wellbeing by managing the stress of wedding planning and organisation through a thorough and structured programme of meetings, resources, planning and support to ensure EVERY wedding held at The Wellbeing Farm is fun, quirky and magical. We also are a green business with the highest award achieved in green business so sustainability and wellbeing is at the heart of not only our ethos but within the fabrication of our buildings.
Our most memorable way we stand out is through our furry friends – our llamas, donkeys and alpacas – they are the true stars of the show – how many weddings have you attended where you can pose with a bow tie-wearing Llama?
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
We really do love getting to know our couples, and without it sounding like a complete cliché, by the end of the process we really do feel like we have made a long lasting friendship! From the very first time we meet, we always welcome them with a warm hug, a cup of tea and a piece of homemade cake – which is always a good start to the exciting process that lies ahead.
We have a very hands on planning process, and in addition invite our couples to all of our open days and a yearly Quirky Wedding Fair- so they know they are always welcome up to the Farm even if just for a nosey around, to bring their parents for a grand tour or for a cup of tea!
We now also offer a wedding planning service from abroad! We have planned weddings with couples from Dubai and the Philippines over FaceTime and Zoom – the couples arrived in the UK a week before their wedding to found everything planned and organised for them! Our record time for meeting the couple and delivering a wedding is two weeks!
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Amazing food, plenty of booze, memorable entertainment and of course a beautiful ceremony where as a couple you are surrounded by your family, friends and loved ones.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at The Wellbeing Farm?
We really do believe that no two weddings are the same and feel strongly that it is the extra special touches that truly count. We really do go on a journey with all of our couples and do everything we can to make their day one we will all truly remember. This last year (so far!) we have had lots of doggy ring bearers, a Bride drive a tractor to her wedding, a ceremony broadcast to Canada, a couple bring their horse to a wedding and a first dance outside under the stars and a couple who wanted to do a karate fight as their first dance!
Why should a couple book The Wellbeing Farm?
We won the UK Events Team at the National Wedding Industry Awards 2020. We provide so much support for couples in both booking and planning their wedding. We even have a guarantee on the quality of food served at your wedding.
We fully accept that if a couple is looking for a hotel type wedding in a sophisticated setting – we are probably not the venue for them! This is something we are proud of and will continue to be proud of. We want to be a venue the wedding guests all remember for a long time to come. If a couple wants a wedding where their guests can kick off your shoes, dance on a hay bale, wrap ties around their heads and forget their inhibitions, then we are the venue for them!
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Forget tradition – go with what type of wedding YOU want. You can enjoy a relaxed, informal wedding just as much as a five course experience. Don’t try and please everyone, make it your wedding, your way.
What’s the best photo spot at The Wellbeing Farm?
Probably where the couple sit on board a vintage blue tractor with each of them holding a bow tie-wearing llama!
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Winning UK Events Team of the Year at the National Wedding Industry Awards.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
I feel that after experiencing lockdown, in future more wedding planning will be done using Zoom or FaceTime and live streaming will be something that venues will be offering at weddings.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Covid-19 is nobody’s fault and worrying never does solve anything. The panic and fear is just as contagious as the blasted virus. Work with your venue to both agree on a revised date for your wedding. Even if the date isn’t what you originally wanted, I have taken this great advice from Alan Berg – ‘When you look at your photos, can you tell what day of the week it was? Does food taste any different on a Tuesday? Do people dance differently on a Wednesday? Does the sun not shine on a Thursday? Your guests will remember your wedding not what day of the week it was on’.
The support Bridebook provides is amazing, the industry reports you distribute and the coverage you gain from being with Bridebook is brilliant.
Any other comments?
Your wedding is one of the milestones in your life. It’s something that you’ve spent months planning (or even years). So you want the planning of your wedding to be an amazing happy experience, but so often it can turn into a huge amount of work full of stress. Make sure you choose a venue which will help you through the process and support you every step of the way.
When the time comes to sit down and properly start planning your wedding, one of the very first questions you’ll face is ‘what day of the week shall we get married?’ Your first instinct will likely be on a weekend – but, you’ll have to compete with thousands of couples who’ll have exactly the same thought process.
But, is a weekend the best time to have your wedding? What about midweek? And which month, or even season, would make for the best choice?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but there may be a one-day-fits-budget answer that could make your decision a little easier.
In this post, we’re going to dive into the busy world of how to choose which day you should get married. We’ll explore the considerations to keep at the forefront of your mind, the most popular dates and days to have a wedding, and why a midweek wedding might just be the best decision you make.
What are the most popular dates to get married on?
As discovered in our 2023 UK Wedding Report, the top 10 most popular dates to get married are:
19th August
26th August
9th September
16th September
23rd September
12th August
8th July
2nd September
20th May
7th October
As you can see, most of these dates are during the summer months, which is when you might expect the weather to behave itself – although this is in the UK after all, where nothing is guaranteed when it comes to the weather.
However, there is something that each of these dates has in common, which we’ll come on to next.
What’s the most popular day of the week to get married on?
The most popular day of the week to get married is Saturday. Because of this, everything from venues and caterers to photographers and transport generally has higher rates on a Saturday than any other day of the week.
However, for the first time, less than half (48%) of weddings in 2023 took place on a Saturday, according to our 2024 Wedding Report. This is a continuation of the trend in recent years away from Saturday weddings.
Why is Saturday the most popular day of the week to get married on?
The most obvious reason why Saturday is still the most popular day couples choose for their wedding is because it’s when most of your guests will be free from work and school commitments. Around two-thirds of employees don’t work weekends, which means the majority of your guests won’t have to book annual leave to come to your big day. Plus, they’re more likely to let their hair down and enjoy themselves if they don’t have to get up early for work the next day – this goes double for any guests who may have travelled a long way to be there.
The cheapest day to get married on is a Tuesday, with the average Tuesday wedding costing £16,273, compared to the overall average of £20,775. This is also over £6,000 cheaper than the average Saturday wedding, which costs £22,290.
Despite being the cheapest, Tuesday is actually the least popular day to get married, with only 4% of couples tying the knot on the second day of the week.
Just like how Saturdays are the most popular day for a wedding because most of your guests are off work and school, Tuesdays are the least popular in part because the reverse of this is true. Unless they work shifts, your guests are likely to be at work or school on a Tuesday, and because it’s not on either side of the weekend like a Friday or Monday, guests might not be so keen to take a day’s annual leave. Then there’s the additional travel time for guests who don’t live close by, which might mean another day or two of holiday.
In 2023, just 7% of weddings took place during the first three months of the year. As the weather got warmer so did couples’ love for a wedding, with a fifth having their big day in April, May or June. Then another 41% had summer or early autumn weddings in July, August or September, and the final quarter tied the knot in October, November or December.
From this, it’s obvious that couples prefer to get married during the warmer spring, summer and autumn months, with more than two-thirds of all weddings taking place between April and September. Because of this, these months will be among the most expensive within which to get married. That said, autumn weddings are rising in popularity, with October especially now being sought-after (16% of weddings in 2023 took place in October).
What do superstitions say about the best and worst months for a wedding?
If you believe in superstitions, there are some to consider before choosing your date, because some think that certain months are luckier to get married in than others.
When it comes to bad luck, there’s a rhyme that states, ‘Marry in May and you’ll rue the day’ which dates back to Pagan fertility rituals. Among its most famous believers was Queen Victoria, who supposedly banned her children from getting married in May. Clearly, not many modern couples believe this superstition, with May currently being the fourth most popular month for weddings.
If you’re seeking some good luck, here are some of our favourites to bear in mind:
Marry when the year is new and he’ll be loving, kind and true.
Marry in April when you can, and joy for maiden and for man.
Marry in September’s shrine, your living will be rich and fine.
What’s the luckiest day of the week for a wedding?
Now that you know some of the superstitions surrounding months, what about the days of the week? Well, there are Gaelic superstitions that state:
Marry on Monday for wealth,
Tuesday for health,
Wednesday the best day of all,
Thursday for crosses,
Friday for losses,
and Saturday no day at all.
You may not be a big believer in superstitions, but even if you’re not, it can’t hurt to err on the side of caution, right? Besides, would a Tuesday wedding in September be so bad? It would certainly be cheaper, if nothing else.
Should you get married on an important date, like Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve?
Christmas Day is the most popular day to get engaged on, followed by Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. But, what if you want to get married on a date like this and have a shared celebration with your friends and family?
The first thing to be aware of is that not all of the guests you invite will want to give up a special date, so don’t be surprised if you get a few Xs on your RSVPs. Travel and accommodation can also be tricky, not to mention expensive during holiday periods.
It can also be extremely expensive for you if you choose to have a Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve wedding. Staff may be paid double or triple rates, and this is already a popular date in the hospitality industry anyway, which means it might be difficult securing your chosen venue.
If you’re keen to have a wedding that falls on a holiday date, then there’s absolutely nothing wrong with this. But, just be prepared to pay a little more for the privilege.
What else should you bear in mind when booking your wedding date?
While it will usually be cheaper to get married between October and March, we get that this might not always be an option. You might be tied to school holidays, weekends or other specific times of the year, which means you have a limited choice for when to book your wedding.
If this is you, then we recommend booking your venue as far in advance as possible to ensure you secure your chosen date. And when we say far in advance, we mean it – popular venues at busy times of the year can book up several years into the future, so get in there as soon as you can and throw down your deposit.
If you’re still not sure about a midweek wedding, here are eight reasons why you should consider getting married on a school night.
1. You can get married sooner
As we already highlighted, Saturday is a popular day to get married. That means the most popular venues are booked up for weekend dates years in advance. It might also mean that you or your guests have already committed to attending someone else’s wedding on almost every Saturday this summer or next summer.
So if you want to get married in your dream venue and you want your best friend to make it, you might be looking at two or three years until the dates (and the stars) align for you to have a weekend wedding at your number one choice of venue.
But, if you book your wedding on a weekday, you’ll have far fewer availability worries to think about. No need for this to turn into a five-year engagement. Being more flexible with your date opens up a much wider variety of options, meaning you’re more likely to get your dream venue and avoid clashes with other weddings.
2. You can secure the best suppliers (and pay less)
Not only do venues get booked up early on weekends, but so do all your other suppliers. You’re much more likely to get your dream team with a weekday wedding. Many suppliers will also lower their prices during the week so you might even be able to push the boat out and get a truly top-notchphotographer, caterer or florist that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford. With a weekday wedding, you’re much more likely to get exactly what you want and have a far smaller bill at the end of it.
3. You’ll save yourself from stress
Planning a wedding can sometimes be stressful – especially when things don’t go to plan, such as your favourite photographer or caterer becoming unavailable because another couple snapped them up. Because far fewer couples get married midweek, you’ll have less competition, which means you’ll save yourself from stressful planning-related scheduling conflicts.
4. You can have your loved ones there
Despite all the perks that can come with a weekday wedding, one concern that many couples have is that their loved ones won’t be able to make it. While this is a possibility, we’d always expect those most important to you to do everything they can to be there for your big day. After all, it’s only one day of holiday (or two if they have to travel).
That said, you should think about your guest list when making this decision. If you’re planning a weekday wedding and your parents are teachers, for example, you’ll want to prioritise school holidays to make sure they can make it. But at the end of the day, your nearest and dearest will want to show up for you – and a weekday wedding won’t stop them.
5. You can keep things intimate
If you don’t want a blowout bash, a weekday wedding can be a great opportunity for a more relaxed and intimate affair. Without the fuss that can come with a huge weekend do, you can just have your nearest and dearest around you and get to spend more time talking to the people you care about the most. If you know there are people you’ll have to invite but don’t really want to, a weekday wedding is also a cheeky way to make it less likely they’ll show up.
6. You can save your guests some money
While you might think a weekday wedding would make it harder for guests to attend, it can actually solve a lot of problems for them. By holding your wedding on a weekday, it means better availability for travel and cheaper accommodation for your guests.
7. You can keep the party going
Another benefit of a weekday wedding is you can spread the celebration out and extend the fun, particularly if you host your wedding on a Monday, Friday or around a bank holiday. After all, you only get married once – make the most of it. Organise a cocktail party the night before or a relaxed brunch the morning after.
You could even go old school and decide to jet off on your honeymoon straight after the wedding. Travelling midweek can mean huge savings on flights and accommodation, leaving you with more cash to splash elsewhere.
8. You’ll support local businesses
Because so few wedding vendors provide their services to midweek weddings, they may find themselves with empty calendars between Mondays and Thursdays. By planning something for the start of the week, you’re doing your part to support smaller local businesses.
Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook
Here at Bridebook, we have everything you need to plan your perfect wedding, whether midweek or not. Sign up today and start planning your big day!
While we all continue to do our bit for the NHS by staying indoors, a lot of us are finding ourselves with a lot of spare time on our hands and with spirits that need some lifting.
If you’re recently engaged, now is the perfect time to start getting excited about planning for your big day.
Here at Bridebook, we know that it may seem a little daunting to plan your wedding from your living room, but with this expert guide, you’ll be getting started soon.
Getting started
Knowing where to start can be the trickiest part of planning a wedding, but with our handy wedding checklist, it couldn’t be easier. Simply start by working your way through the individual tasks and you’ll be rolling in no time!
Invite your partner to collaborate with you so that you can start assigning tasks to each other. At Bridebook, we strongly believe that wedding planning should be a joint effort, so get them involved if they aren’t already!
Feel free to start browsing for inspiration at this stage too. The hashtags #wedding and #weddinginspo on Pinterest and Instagram are particularly #stunning.
Agreeing your budget
It’s good to sit down with your partner and talk about what you both want from your wedding: a small and intimate affair with close friends and family or a lavish party with hundreds of guests?
Once you’ve worked out what you both want, you need to decide how much you are willing to spend for your big day. With that in mind, let Bridebook do the hard work for you! With data from the 500,000 weddings we’ve helped to plan, we’ll help crunch those numbers. Just enter your total budget and we’ll tell you how much you should be spending on each item, from your venue to your cake.
Booking your Venue
Booking your venue is often the most exciting part of the wedding planning process, but it might seem a bit tricky to do from your sofa. But don’t fret! There are now loads of ways that you can use modern technology to get a feel for your venue without the need to visit.
Use Bridebook’s search tool to browse through thousands of venues that meet your specific needs and quickly narrow down by shortlisting your favourites. Look through our extensive picture galleries and read the reviews from our previous couples to start getting a feel for the place.
Next, get brochures from your favourites and reach out to see what remote viewings they can offer. Lots of venues are now offering virtual tours or videos that can help you get a better picture of your perfect wedding: all from the comfort of your own home.
Booking your suppliers
Again, Bridebook’s search tool comes in handy here, allowing you to look through all of our wedding suppliers in your preferred area and explore their photos and reviews.
Your venue can also be a great help here too. They will often have a list of preferred suppliers for their venue, which can help you narrow down your choices. This way you can be sure that the supplier knows the space well and that the venue trusts them to do a great job.
Managing your guests
Deciding who to invite to your big day can be a challenge for any couple, but with Bridebook’s guestlist tool, it’ll be a breeze.
Add all of your potential guests (or import them straight from your contacts to make it even simpler!), then choose if they are coming for the day, evening, or on the waitlist for now.
Then use our Guest Info Collector to gather their email and physical addresses, so that you can send them their save the dates and keep them updated throughout the planning process.
Start building your gift list
Getting married is not just about throwing a party, it’s also about the rest of your life too and a gift list can be a great part of helping you prepare for that.
Start thinking about what you want from your gift list: a gift registry, a honeymoon fund, or perhaps asking your loved ones to contribute to a charitable cause that’s close to your heart.
Then, start adding your dream gifts, knowing that they’ll be with you sooner than you think!
Enjoy it
Weddings are very special. There is no better reason on earth to throw an epic party than two people falling in love. And the world is certainly going to need some incredible parties soon… and you are going to be at the very centre of them.
Make sure to take stock and enjoy planning this amazing event with your loved one, your friends and your family (virtually) by your side.
Hamish Shephard, CEO of Bridebook and owner of Hedsor House shares his Covid-19 advice for couples with weddings in March, April & May 2020.
Dear couples,
With the news from the government solidifying the ‘stay at home’ message, I know that you are concerned about what this means for your weddings in the coming days, weeks, and months.
Below we have outlined our advice based on the information that we currently have, based on feedback from couples, venues, other industry profiles, insurance companies, legal advice, and government recommendations. Of course, there will be nuances, and this will not apply to every single couple. Nonetheless, we hope that it is helpful for a large number of couples planning weddings in the coming months.
We know that the situation is far from ideal, but remember that one day it will be over, and you WILL get married to your partner in a wedding filled with love. However, at this time, we all need to be realistic, understanding and flexible.
Remember, also, that your venue and suppliers are going through an extremely stressful time too, trying to protect their livelihoods, while ensuring they do what is right for their couples. It is a time for all of us to come together and be understanding of a very difficult situation for everyone.
If your wedding date is in the next few months (March – May):
Our strong recommendation is that you should work with your venue and suppliers to postpone your wedding as soon as possible. This is the right decision on the basis of public health, your financial interest, and for the overall success of your wedding. If your wedding is scheduled any time between now and the end of May, your wedding will certainly be affected and may not be able to go ahead at all. Making postponement arrangements now with your venue will put you in the best position to find a date that works for you, and keep most of the plans and financial commitments that you already have in place. Priority no.1 is to talk through your options with your wedding insurer, if you have cover.
We next suggest you speak to your venue to discuss alternative date options, and then discuss with your partner and key guests which dates work best for everyone. Keep an open mind with off-peak seasons and non-Saturday wedding dates, as they will undoubtedly become desirable for the many couples rescheduling their weddings. Venues typically have greater availability in Autumn and Winter, and the industry as a whole already sees a trend for couples booking Thursday, Friday and Sunday weddings. These dates are going to be the solutions for many couples, and you should start considering them now.
It is important to recognise that your venue is likely having an extremely stressful time too. They are likely a small team, dealing with a huge amount of change and many very anxious customers. They will be doing their best handling these unprecedented challenges, which significantly threaten their livelihoods, so work with them and give them your support. They likely need support at this very tough time as much as you do.
If you are still considering going ahead with your wedding, please remember that the risk of losing your deposit or other financial commitments will be greater if you don’t make plans to rearrange your wedding date. Given that the government have now stopped public gatherings, your wedding will likely need to be cancelled or affected in a drastic way and it is not always clear who will be financially responsible for these cancellations. Since these are unprecedented times and there are so many unknowns, we suggest acting now rather than waiting with fingers crossed. There is a very real possibility that your wedding will not be able to go ahead as planned, and the costs may not be covered by your or the venue’s insurance policy.
If your wedding is planned for the Summer (Jun-Aug):
While your wedding may not be in immediate jeopardy, it has the potential to be disrupted, especially if you have overseas or elderly/vulnerable guests. Making a contingency plan now will give you the greatest opportunity to control the outcome and costs, and find a wedding date that works for you without the ongoing stress and anxiety of a potential cancellation or disruption. We recommend starting to have conversations with your partner now about alternatives that will work for you including the possibility of postponing your wedding or contingency plans if some guests are unable to attend. You don’t need to make any immediate decisions right now, but you should be having the relevant conversations. Remember to be patient with your venues and suppliers, as they are having to shuffle weddings that are supposed to take place in the coming weeks too.
If your wedding is in September 2020 or beyond:
Our advice at the moment is to keep monitoring the situation closely. Keep an eye on the latest information and consider thinking about basic contingency plans, should you need them. At the moment, we are hopeful that September weddings and beyond will go ahead as planned, but of course we need to monitor the situation closely.
Once again, I want to express my utmost sympathy with all of you going through this incredibly tough situation. Now is the time for you and your partner to stick together closer than ever and Bridebook will be there to support you too. Remember, this will be over and your big day will come.
Best wishes and keep safe,
Hamish
Here at Bridebook, we believe strongly in the power of community during times like these, so we have set up a Facebook group for anyone involved in planning a wedding. Join here for some practical tips from our team of experts, as well as friendly support from others in a similar situation.
At Bridebook, our mission is to make it easier for everyone to plan their weddings. However, if you are getting married in the coming weeks and months, we understand that you have concerns about how the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic could affect your wedding day. We’d like to help you navigate this tough time by providing a wedding-specific checklist to help you manage your wedding plans and any adjustments that you may need to make.
We also believe strongly in the power of community during times like these, so we have set up a Facebook group for anyone involved in planning a wedding. Join here for some practical tips from our team of experts, as well as friendly support from others in a similar situation.
1. Keep your loved ones safe
First and foremost, your number one priority should always be keeping you and your guests safe, especially those who are at a high risk (elderly people and those with underlying health conditions). As weddings are often a gathering of generations including parents and grandparents, try to be understanding if your loved ones are not able to attend your wedding. There’s no doubt that you and your guests will be frustrated, but remember that it is possible to celebrate your wedding from afar.
It also goes without saying that you should look to official sources (government, WHO, etc.) for specific guidance on what measures you and your wedding guests should take regarding gatherings, travel and social distancing. These recommendations are changing regularly and may affect your wedding in different ways, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with official sources.
Bridebook tip: Continue to check the government and other official sources to keep up to date with what guidance is in place.
Bridebook tip: Start thinking about ways to allow guests to participate in your wedding from afar. Consider live-streaming or recording some of your event if you are in a situation where the wedding can go ahead, but not everyone can attend. Ask if your venue has these capabilities or look at other DIY options, such as Facebook Live, Skype, or Zoom.
2. Talk to your wedding venue and suppliers
The wedding industry is facing a very difficult and stressful time ahead to maintain their businesses. We know that they are hugely sympathetic to you all. Industry professionals care passionately about making couples’ days special and go to extraordinary lengths to do so. They are now facing a whole new challenge to balance this, while considering the short, mid and long term impacts on their business and livelihoods.
While the government only has suggested guidelines in place rather than official closure, you may find that there is little they can do that’s outside of what is covered in the contract. Your best bet is to ask them what their policy is at the moment, but be appreciative of the fact that they have no more information than you and will likely be responding on a day-by-day basis, depending on what new information is provided.
Bridebook tip: Check in with your venue and suppliers, but be understanding that they are just as concerned as you about the situation. They’ll likely have different policies in place so you’ll need to understand how your specific providers are managing these challenging circumstances.
3. Check your wedding insurance
If you have wedding insurance, check what you are covered for and under what circumstances. We understand that coverage varies across different insurance providers, so you’ll need to understand specifically what your policy entails regarding cancellations and postponements. Once you get in touch with your policy provider, share the details with your venue and suppliers where possible.
Bridebook tip: Ask the following questions to your insurance provider where relevant:
a) If we ourselves have to self isolate, will you cover our wedding being postponed?
b) One of our parents/grandparents could fall into a category that is forced to self isolate (age, health conditions). If this scenario were to arise, would we be covered to postpone our wedding?
c) Our Best Man / Maid of Honour lives overseas and is banned from travelling – will a postponement be covered?
d) We have planned for 140 guests. Would you cover a postponement if the government officially limits gatherings to under 100, 50 or 10?
e) What is your policy based on the government’s current advice? If the wedding is formally banned under any future government ruling, will you cover the cost of postponement?
f) If the wedding is unable to go ahead but I am offered an alternative date which would usually be cheaper (e.g. off peak), will you cover the cost differential?
4. Understand the travel guidelines for guests and your honeymoon
Living, as we do, in a globally connected world, many weddings have guests from all over the world. Check to see if guests from other countries can make it, but plan with the expectation that they may not be able to travel. This may affect your guest transport and accommodation providers, so you should familiarise yourself with their policies if guests are unable to attend. Be aware that travel restrictions are changing daily, which may mean some people do not feel comfortable travelling at the moment.
Similarly, your honeymoon may be affected by travel restrictions. You should check what travel restrictions are in place for your honeymoon destination, whether it is within the UK or abroad. Check with your honeymoon transport and accommodation providers to see what policies are in place in the event of a cancellation or postponement. Additionally, if you have purchased travel insurance you should contact your policy providers to understand your coverage.
Bridebook tip: Check the FCO pages about travel guidelines here.
5. Discuss contingency plans with your partner
With the situation changing on a daily basis, you may need to make contingency plans for your wedding. While there may still be some unknowns, it is good to have a think about the different scenarios and what you would do in each case. Talk to your partner and see what they feel about these plans too.
Remember that the purpose of getting married is to bring your and your partner together, and during this time you’ll need to make decisions together and rely on each other for support. Your wedding plans may get interrupted and altered which will be very frustrating, but you’ll get through these challenges together.
Bridebook tip: Discuss potential plans with your partner, so that you know what is important to both of you. Start with the following 4 questions:
a) If necessary, would you want to get legally married at the earliest opportunity but postpone the party? Or would you rather postpone both?
b) Who would need to be able to attend for you to be happy for the wedding to go ahead?
c) If we need to postpone the wedding, what would you rather do? Postpone for a short time (and use an off-peak season or weekday) or push back further to keep the plans as similar as possible?
d) What should we do about the honeymoon? Would you prefer to postpone it or change location (if possible)?
Bridebook tip: Prepare for potential changes to the event itself. Start by asking yourself these three questions:
a) What would we do if we need to reduce numbers to meet future government guidelines? How would we go about it? Use the Bridebook guest info collector in the guest list tool to collect email addresses. Just add five guests to the list and the feature will pop up.
b) How can we still make those not present part of the celebration? Can we arrange for someone to live-stream or record the ceremony?
c) What if a supplier has to pull out at the last minute? Do we have relatives or friends who can capture photos or videos for you, bake a cake, or create an amazing playlist? What really matters for the day?
6. Update your guests
Whatever tools you are using to communicate to your guests (wedding website, email, paper), keep them informed about any changes in wedding plans that may affect them. Also, let them know how best to contact you if their RSVP status changes.
Bridebook tip: Communicate with your guests as early as possible, and let them know how to communicate with you.
7. Join our Bridebook community group on Facebook
We know that this is a stressful time for everyone planning a wedding at the moment, so we have created a Facebook group for all couples to join. We hope we can all help each other with practical tips, as well as find and connect with other people in similar situations. You are not alone!
Bridebook tip: Join the Facebook group today and find some comfort and support in these tough times.
Finally
We hope that you found this article useful and we look forward to seeing you in the Facebook group, so that we can offer more support in the coming weeks.
Stay strong, keep safe, and know that this will all be over at some point. In the meantime, we hope that Bridebook can be a source of support for you.
Finally, give us a follow on Instagram if you would like some funny/cute/inspirational distraction from the news.
Simply enter your total wedding funds, give us a few basic details, and in one click you’ll have your very own expert breakdown of your wedding costs. You’ll know exactly where to spend your money for your special day – and the real fun of planning can begin!
Want to get started with ballpark figures? Below you’ll find a complete wedding budget breakdown, based on the average total costs of UK wedding suppliers. The average amount spent by UK couples on their wedding in 2025 comes to £20,822 (or £26,583 including the engagement ring and honeymoon). If you want to find out how to stay on budget, take a look at our other articles for some of our top wedding saving tips. We’ve got advice on how to save on photography, flowers, invitations and more.
Creating a wedding budget breakdown is one of the most important steps to tick off on your wedding planning checklist, whether you’re planning a more affordable DIY wedding on a budget or a more extravagant celebration. In this video course, Bridebook founder (and qualified wedding planner) Hamish Shephard explains how to set and manage your wedding budget, and reveals how you could save thousands on your wedding venue, catering and other suppliers.
Your wedding venue is easily the single most important part of your planning – so it’s no surprise that it’s also the most expensive part of your wedding budget! Choosing your wedding venue really is step one of your wedding planning journey, and it affects every aspect of your big day.
Not sure where to start when it comes to choosing your venue? Well, don’t worry, we’ve got you! We don’t mean to brag, but we’ve the largest wedding venue directory in the UK.
With our wedding venue search tool, you and your partner can find your dream venue faster than you can say, “I do!” If you know exactly what you’re looking for, you can kick things off by searching by name, location or style. If you’re just getting started with your venue search, try using filters such as “barn” or “city” and “budget” or “luxury” to get an idea of what’s out there.
As you might expect, the total cost of your catering will be 100% dependent on the number of guests you invite to your wedding. Your guest list will have a big impact on what you’ll spend on your wedding overall as well, so we recommend making some rough decisions about the size of your guest list as early as possible in your wedding planning if you can.
Since caterers usually charge by the head, cutting some co-workers or +1s from your guest list might be your first move if you’re looking to save a few hundred pounds on your wedding. Another easy way to cut costs is to go for food trucks, sharing plates or a buffet over a set menu or traditional sit-down meal. Not only is this a great option for couples planning a wedding on a budget, but it’s also ideal for those wanting a more relaxed atmosphere on their big day.
For even more ways to save on your wedding catering and make your budget go further, check out our top tips on slashing the price of your wedding breakfast.
Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, so it’s important that those memories last forever. That makes choosing the right wedding photographer one of your key decisions. After all, you’ll be looking at their photos for years to come, so it’s absolutely worth the investment!
How much you pay will depend on the photographer, the service you want and the specific package you choose. If you want to cut costs and make your budget go further, ordering a digital album instead of a hard copy can save you some serious cash.
You might be asking yourself, “Why do I need a wedding videographer when I already have a wedding photographer?” Well, while a photographer can capture the key moments and highlights in a few snapshots, we’re betting you’ll want to remember every second of your wedding day – and having a designated wedding videographer will allow you to do just that.
As with wedding photographers, some videographers cost more than others. If having an absolutely jaw-dropping video is a priority for you, consider cutting back on some of your other suppliers to make room in your wedding budget.
If you don’t know how or where to find wedding videographers in your area, try using our wedding supplier search and then selecting the “Videographer” category. And be sure to check out our top tips on choosing your wedding videographer before you book yours!
How much do wedding flowers cost? Well, that depends on the type of flowers you want at your wedding. Though, in our opinion, our best bet is to go with seasonal flowers. It’s a great aesthetic, can mean big savings if you’re on a budget, and can even bag you some sustainability points! But whatever you do, never, ever underestimate how much flowers can transform your wedding!
If your heart’s still set on elaborate floral decorations but you’re worried about breaking the bank, check out our top wedding flowers penny-saving tips. You’ll be amazed how much you can save on your wedding flowers without sacrificing the “wow” factor.
Decoration isn’t just about the flowers! Don’t forget that many venues require you to hire all your furniture and other decorative features (especially “blank canvas” venues). This might be from the venue itself, your caterer, or a third party – but either way it’s an additional cost to factor in.
Something that can also eat up a big chunk of your wedding budget is marquee hire. If you’re hiring an outdoor venue for a winter wedding (or, let’s face it, probably for summer too!), you’ll definitely need one. If marquee hire isn’t included, this extra cost will add a few hundred pounds to your budget. So our top tip? Aim to book an all-inclusive venue which offers a two-in-one decoration and hire package. That way, you won’t have to worry about extra costs later on!
There are two main things that will affect the cost of your wedding cake. The first is the number of tiers you go for. This comes down to how many people you’re trying to feed and what kind of look you want. At the end of the day, more cake means more money…but one sneaky way to cheat the system if you’re on a budget is to order a cake that uses dummy layers.
The second factor is whether you want a traditional fruit wedding cake or a more modern sponge with fresh fruit. While the former can be made further in advance, the latter will need to be baked the night before or even the day of the wedding itself, which makes them that bit more expensive.
If you have a baker in the family, why not ask them to bake your wedding cake? They might offer you “mates rates” or even make it for free as their wedding gift to you. Then you can use the money you save to invite a couple more guests…or put it towards your honeymoon!
With a million-and-one amazing options to choose from, deciding on your ideal wedding entertainment is no easy decision. You’ll want to think carefully about three things. Firstly, what do you and your partner want? Do you see yourself and your partner swaying to a romantic live band, or is techno not something you’re giving up on your big day? Secondly, what will your guests enjoy? And finally, what will fit in with the style and vibe of your wedding?
When it comes to pricing and budgeting, the first question is whether or not you have your heart set on live music. A DJ is almost always cheaper than a live band and can be just as good.
There’s a breathtakingly beautiful wedding dress out there for everyone – and it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg! Our handy list of wedding dress saving tips will help you find that dress of your dreams…even if you’re trying to avoid the (shockingly large) average dress cost of £1,515!
Not included in this total are your bridesmaids’ dresses! Whether you’re taking the hit yourself, splitting the cost or asking your main girls to pay, you can find our favourite places to buy your bridesmaid dresses here. From budget to luxury, your girls will look fabulous no matter the choice!
Don’t overlook the shoes! You want to look both fabulous and comfortable — and that comes at a price. Some brides will go with simple ballet flats so they can take the dance floor by storm, while others are comfortable in stiletto heels for all eight hours of their wedding day. If you want to save on shoes, just go with the favourites in your wardrobe. But if that perfect pair of brand-new wedding shoes is something you’ve been dreaming of since your engagement, why not step into Jimmy Choo’s wonderful world of weddings shoes guide right here on Bridebook.com?
And don’t overlook the other wedding fashion accessories! From the classic bridal veil to belts and sashes or hats and capes, accessories are a great way to make a statement, especially if you’re on a budget. A bit of sparkle is a sure-fire way to liven up a more affordable, simple gown.
The way a bride envisions her wedding is simple: she looks drop-dead gorgeous next to her prince or princess. And who makes all of this possible? Trick question! All you need to look absolutely stunning is a beautiful, happy smile…but yeah, a little hair and makeup will help too!
When it comes to figuring out how much you should spend on each part of your wedding, most couples overlook the groom’s attire and menswear But the groom and groomsmen will want to look gorgeous on their W-Day just as much as the bride and bridesmaids will, so why not let Bridebook help you decide on the perfect groom and ushers attire for your wedding day?
Our top tip? Communication. Make sure both your ushers and your bride are comfortable with what you choose to wear. You don’t have to be all “matchy-matchy”, but when your wedding comes together as a whole, the groom will be one of its central pieces…so keep that in mind!
Factoring your wedding jewellery into your budget is just as important as the wedding dress itself, as it can really add up. From necklaces and earrings, to bracelets and hairpieces, sourcing the dreamiest jewellery is crucial if you want to look fabulous walking down the aisle.
And as small as they are, don’t forget your wedding rings! They might just be the most significant detail of your wedding. After all, they’re a lasting symbol of your love and commitment to your partner, and will be with you both for the rest of your lives. Just like engagement rings, they’re also an added cost to your overall wedding budget…but definitely one you shouldn’t cut! Having trouble deciding on which metal and design to go for? We’ve put together a handy guide on all the different types of wedding bands available and their pricing.
You may feel a bit overwhelmed when it comes to choosing your wedding stationery. After all, when there’s everything from save-the-dates and invitations to programmes and place cards to consider, it’s not easy to know where to start. But, luckily for us, Papeterie Eugenie (who did George Clooney’s wedding stationery) shared their insider knowledge with us to help make picking out your stationery a piece of (wedding) cake, no matter your budget.
Do also keep in mind that this figure can vary widely depending on your unique needs and preferences. While both DIY or online invitations (such as those from Paperless Post) can cost next to nothing, bespoke and handcrafted stationery can cost closer to £800 or more.
Yes, yes, we know…organising your registrar isn’t exactly the most exciting part of your wedding, but it is very much one of the most crucial. Despite that, they’re an often overlooked expense that can come as a bit of a shock if you’re not expecting it! Even the royals have to pay their registrar fees, and it’s the one cost on this list where there are no sneaky loopholes or cost-cutting measures.
If you’re looking to save money on your wedding, or simply want an intimate legally binding affair, a registry office wedding is by far the cheapest option.
If you’re on a budget, consider hiring a wedding planner. Adding in this extra cost might sound counter-intuitive, but it could work out in your favour in the long run. Wedding planners have invaluable industry connections and a knack for haggling down prices – so they’ll likely have access to deals us mere mortals can only dream of!
If you’re looking for a less traditional and more personalised wedding ceremony, you’ll want to hire a celebrant. They’ll give you the freedom and flexibility to truly personalise how you celebrate your love with your partner. Just bear in mind that celebrant ceremonies aren’t legally recognised in England, Wales and Ireland (but are in Scotland). So hiring a celebrant will be an additional cost – you’ll still need to make provisions for the legal paperwork to be done at a registry office.
To ensure your wedding day runs smoothly, consider hiring a toastmaster as well. A lot of couples overlook toastmasters, but they play a vital role on the wedding scene. In addition to working with fellow wedding suppliers, they’re responsible for announcing toasts and introducing the speakers, and making sure your guests are in the right place at the right time. Hiring a toastmaster may eat up some of your budget, but it’ll leave you to enjoy your big day stress-free.
Who doesn’t like wedding favours? They’re a great way of giving your guests something to remember your special day by. We’ve kept the number on the lower side, based on 2025 average wedding costs (check out our ideas for affordable wedding favours), but favours can be as big or as small as you like, depending on your budget and preferences (and how many guests you have.
And remember, you don’t have to give favours at all! A lot of couples wonder whether or not wedding favours are a necessary cost – and honestly, it depends! For many of your guests, attending your big day will have been enough of a gift. But if you have money left in your budget…go for it! We actually get this question a lot on our Bridebook Instagram page, which you should follow immediately if you want wedding tips, inspiration and a little bit of Bridebook silliness.
Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you organise taxis for your entire guest list! But whether you’re thinking of making a low-key arrival or even planning on flying down the aisle (no, seriously, it’s been done before!), don’t overlook your own wedding transport. From vintage cars and carriages to tandem bikes and trucks, you’ll find the wedding transport to suit you on Bridebook.
When making decisions about your transport, a key consideration is how far your ceremony is from your accommodation and the reception venue. So maybe don’t choose to make your entrance on a tandem bike if you’re getting married five miles away from your wedding breakfast! And if you’re looking to cut this cost completely, why not ask a friend or relative if you can borrow their super cool car? Not only will they be flattered, but you’ll also save some £££!
Don’t forget your honeymoon, and any other hidden wedding costs (think organists and choirs, delivery costs, accommodation for your guests and suppliers, service charges, feeding your suppliers on the day, insurance, VAT). Your main focus might be on the wedding day itself, but it’s important to budget for any post-wedding spending too, as these costs can be significant. For example, you might need to dry clean clothing, buy thank you notes for your guests, and so on. For a more complete list, check out our post on hidden wedding costs every couple needs to know about.
The honeymoon is understandably a big post-wedding cost. According to our 204 Wedding Report, while older couples are more likely to stay within England, younger Gen Z couples are looking to travel more, favouring the beaches of the Maldives, Caribbean, Greece and Italy for their honeymoons.
Plan your dream wedding on Bridebook
So, that’s how a wedding breaks down for the average couple in 2025. Now it’s time to find out what your personalised budget breakdown will be, so you can get cracking with your planning!
And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding, we’ve got plenty of cost-cutting hacks, so you can have your dream wedding without going over your budget. From venue saving tips to guest list considerations, we’ve got you covered.
Okay, so you’ve found two or three wedding venues you love – now it’s time to quiz ‘em! But what should you ask? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here’s twenty-two questions to ask your wedding venue before you make it official.
Psst! Still looking for your dream wedding venue? Then check out Bridebook’s state-of-the-art Venue Search Tool and unlock the UK’s biggest (and best!) wedding venue directory. With the ability to search by location, style and capacity, you’ll find your perfect match in no time.
In this video, Bridebook founder (and qualified wedding planner!) Hamish Shephard gives the lowdown on the questions you should ask your wedding venue, as well as some expert tips and tricks on coming up with wedding venue ideas and finding your wedding venue. And all this while keeping your wedding budget on track!
1. Which Dates Are Available In Our Chosen Month?
We wish we could guarantee that your dream venue will be available on your dream date… But that’s just not how it works. Make sure to ask your venue what dates are available as soon as you get in touch to avoid disappointment – and try to stay flexible if possible. Remember that weekends (especially Saturdays) in spring and summer are particularly popular choices for weddings, with these dates often getting booked up over a year in advance. If you’ve found your dream venue, you might want to consider a weekday wedding instead – and here’s why.
2. How Many Guests Can You Accommodate?
On the whole, most couples start by making their guest list then look for a venue that can accommodate it. Others, however, are more willing to shape their guest list to fit their dream venue. Whichever camp you fall into, you’ll still want to know how many guests your venue can host, as well as whether this number varies between rooms and locations.
Top Tip: If you search for wedding venues using our Venue Search Tool, let us know how many guests you expect to be hosting and we’ll only show you venues that can accommodate that.
3. Can We Have Our Ceremony Here Too?
Not every venue is able to host wedding ceremonies as well as wedding receptions as this requires a special license. Even if they can, you may only be able to hold your ceremony in certain locations at the venue – so make sure to check out your options. Use our Venue Search Tool to filter for venues with a marriage license to narrow things down if you know you want to hold your ceremony and reception at the same venue.
4. How Long Do We Have The Venue For?
Restrictions vary from venue to venue, but as a rule, we expect venues in more densely populated areas (like cities) to have noise restrictions or even a full curfew. Hotels, for example, may set a firm end time for celebrations. If you go for a rural barn or manor house, on the other hand, you’re much more likely to be able to party until dawn. Make sure to check before you book so you can make plans to accommodate this.
5. Will You Be Hosting Any Other Weddings At The Same Time?
If you want complete privacy for your wedding, this is what’s called “exclusive use” and you can filter for it using our Venue Search Tool. If you don’t have exclusive use, it’s possible that not only will there be other people in the venue but that there might even be other weddings taking place at the same time. This is most common in hotel wedding venues which will be hosting other guests. Now, there isn’t much you can do about this – so make sure you know in advance.
6. When Can We Start Setting Up?
Usually, you’ll be able to start setting up the day before or early in the morning the day of your wedding – but make sure to find out for sure. You’ll want to communicate this to your other suppliers as well as to your wedding party if they’ll be helping you out. When it comes to it, use our article on the final wedding checks you’ll need to do so you don’t miss anything.
7. What Kind Of Decorations Can We Have?
Some venues have restrictions surrounding the use of candles and confetti or on flash photography (particularly if they’re an art gallery or museum). Make sure you know exactly what your venue does and doesn’t allow to avoid any conflicts or nasty surprises later down the line. You don’t want to spend hundreds of pounds on tealights – only to find you can’t light any of them.
8. What Do You Provide And What Should We Rent?
A lot of venues will offer a package that includes decorations and furniture as well as glassware and table linens. If you choose to do this rather than providing your own, make sure to get all the details in writing – otherwise, they might change their colour scheme and you’ll end up with clashing colours!
9. Do You Have A List Of Preferred Caterers?
At some venues, you won’t be permitted to bring in external caterers and you will need to choose one from their list. Other venues will have caterers they suggest but don’t insist on. Either way, it’s always good to find out who they recommend.
10. Can We Bring Our Own Alcohol? Do You Charge Corkage?
Not all venues will allow you to bring in your own alcohol and may ask that you purchase it from them directly. If they do, they will likely charge you “corkage” – a surcharge on every bottle that you open. Sometimes, these corkage fees can be so high that it actually works out cheaper to buy from the venue instead so make sure to discuss what they offer. And if you’re feeling stuck, check out our guide to wedding alcohol where we go into much more depth on every aspect of wedding alcohol.
11. Is A Cash Bar An Option?
You might not want to provide alcohol at all, instead asking your guests to pay for their own drinks. If that’s the case, you’ll want to know whether this is an option – and if it is, make sure to find out if there’s a minimum spend. Otherwise, you might find yourself facing unexpected costs at the end of the day!
12. Can We Have A Band or DJ?
Even if you haven’t already booked your band or DJ, you’ll want to find out whether or not your venue can actually accommodate their needs. You don’t want to have booked your dream DJ, only to find out that there are no electrical sockets available for them or that there’s nowhere to set up their equipment.
13. Do You Have Any Special Facilities For Children?
If there is a spare room that could be used for children, we’d always advise you to use it! Having somewhere where you can put on a Disney movie or set up a few games is a great way to occupy children at a wedding, leaving the adults to enjoy themselves.
14. Do You Have Disabled Access?
If anyone on your guest list has access needs, make asking your venue about accessibility a priority.
15. When Do We Need To Pay Our Holding Deposit? Are There Any Other Fees?
When you pay your deposit, you secure your venue for the agreed date. Be clear about when this payment is due to avoid disappointment. And now’s a good time to ask about any other potential fees, taxes or service charges too. For more information about the hidden costs couples can encounter in the run up to their wedding day, check out this article.
16. Will There Be A Venue Coordinator Available On The Day?
If there is a venue coordinator available, we’d always recommend at least looking into working with them. They’ll be the person who’s most familiar with the venue, so they can ensure that everything runs smoothly and you have a stress-free experience on the day.
17. Is VAT Included In The Price?
Always, always, always check whether VAT is included in the price. You might think you’ve bagged yourself a bargain – only to find that this was exclusive of VAT and the real cost is as much as 20% higher.
18. What Are Our Bad Weather Options?
This is only really relevant if you’re planning an outdoor wedding – but if so, it absolutely is! Find out what inside spaces will be available to use as a back-up and make sure to view them so you can give at least a little thought to how you might use them. If there aren’t any suitable inside spaces, you’ll need to hire a marquee instead – and this can cost a pretty penny.
19. Are Fireworks Allowed?
Not every venue permits fireworks, so if ending your big day with a fabulous fireworks display is a must for you, make sure to check this nice and early.
20. What Car Parking Is Available On The Day?
If you’re not arranging transport for your guests, question number one is whether there’s enough parking spaces for everyone driving in. This is particularly important if you have elderly relatives who may find it difficult to travel any great distance to your venue. If it’s not obvious, you’ll also want to check whether there will be someone to show your guests how to get from the carpark to the venue. And don’t forget to reserve spaces for your suppliers too.
21. Is There Anywhere Guests Can Stay Overnight?
If you’re expecting to have guests coming from all over the country (or even from abroad), it’s good to get an idea of what possibilities there are for accommodation well in advance. It could be a dealbreaker for you and your partner if there’s no accommodation available. If your guests can stay at the venue, fantastic, but if not, can the venue recommend anywhere nearby? Remember, you might not need it but you’ll want to include this information on your wedding information sheet later.
22. Do You Have Liability Insurance?
We’re keeping everything crossed for you – but you can’t plan for everything! Put your mind at rest by asking your venue whether they’re covered for any (thankfully unlikely) accidents that may happen on your big day.
When planning your big day, the first impression you’ll make on your guests is through your wedding invitation. It sets the tone for your wedding and gives guests a glimpse into the style and theme of the event. This guide will delve deep into every aspect of wedding invitations: from design and etiquette to the latest trends.
1. The Importance of a Wedding Invitation
A wedding invitation is not just a mere piece of paper. It’s a reflection of the couple’s personality, style, and the ambiance they wish to create for their wedding day.
2. Designing Your Wedding Invitation
Designing your wedding invitation is a creative process that allows couples to express their unique style and the essence of their love story. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown to help guide you:
Theme and Style: Before diving into colors or typography, decide on an overarching theme or style. Do you want a rustic charm, classic elegance, modern minimalism, or a quirky, offbeat design? Your theme will set the groundwork for other design elements.
Colors: Your color choice is paramount. Start with your wedding colors or those that resonate with your chosen theme. For instance, pastels are perfect for spring weddings, while jewel tones may suit a winter celebration. Don’t be afraid to play with color gradients or metallic shades for added flair.
Typography: Fonts play a significant role in conveying the mood of your invitation. Traditional weddings often gravitate towards script or calligraphy fonts, while contemporary designs might use bold, clean typefaces. Combining two complementary fonts can also add depth and interest.
Graphics and Illustrations: These elements can be the highlight of your invitation design:
Floral Designs: Ideal for garden or rustic-themed weddings.
Geometric Patterns: Offers a modern, chic look.
Custom Illustrations: Personalized sketches of the couple or significant landmarks can make your invite truly one-of-a-kind.
Monograms: Personalized monograms of the couple’s initials woven into the design add a touch of elegance.
Material: The choice of material can elevate the look and feel of your invitation:
Classic Paper: Opt for textured or linen paper for a luxurious feel.
Velvet: Adds a touch of opulence and is soft to the touch.
Wood: Perfect for rustic or boho-themed weddings.
Acrylic: This modern choice is sleek and can be paired with beautiful inks or even etching.
Fabric: Cloth invitations or fabric scrolls can be an exotic and memorable choice.
Envelope Design: An often-overlooked aspect, the envelope is the first thing your guests see. Consider envelope liners, wax seals, or embossing for added sophistication.
Printing Techniques: The way your invitation is printed can drastically impact its aesthetics:
Letterpress: This technique gives a debossed effect, where
the design is pressed into the paper.
Foil Stamping: Adds a metallic sheen to selected areas, perfect for luxurious invites.
Digital Printing: A versatile option that allows for vibrant color reproduction.
Thermography: Creates raised ink, giving texture and a classic feel.
Additional Elements: Consider adding ribbons, dried flowers, lace, or even semi-precious stones for a tactile and visual treat.
3. Wedding Invitation Etiquette
How long before a wedding should you send invitations?
Typically, wedding invitations are sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding day. If you’re hosting a destination wedding, giving your guests more notice—around 3-4 months—is advisable, so they can make necessary travel arrangements.
What do I write on a wedding invitation?
A wedding invitation usually includes:
The names of the hosts (often the parents of the bride).
The couple’s names.
A request to attend the wedding, such as “request the pleasure of your company.”
Date and time of the ceremony.
Location of the ceremony.
Reception details, if different from the ceremony venue.
RSVP information.
Here’s a simple example: “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their daughter, Emma Smith, to Liam Johnson on Saturday, the fifth of June, at three o’clock in the afternoon at the Rose Garden Chapel. Reception to follow at the Grand Ballroom of Hillside Hotel.“
Whose name goes first on a wedding invitation?
Traditionally, the bride’s name precedes the groom’s on a wedding invitation. For instance, “Emma Smith and Liam Johnson.” However, modern invitations might not follow this convention, especially if the couple or their families have a preference.
How much time do you give guests to RSVP to a wedding?
It’s customary to ask guests to RSVP about 2-3 weeks before the wedding. This allows you ample time to finalize seating arrangements, catering headcounts, and other logistics dependent on the guest count.
4. Trending Now: Wedding Invitation Trends for 2023
Sustainable Invitations: Eco-friendly materials and digital invites are gaining traction.
Mixed Media: Combining materials like paper and acrylic, or paper and fabric, offers a unique tactile experience.
Interactive Invitations: QR codes that lead to a personal video or your wedding website are innovative additions.
Bold Colors: While pastels are timeless, bold and contrasting colors are making a statement this year.
5. Budgeting for Your Invitations
Remember, the cost isn’t just the card. Consider the price of stamps, envelopes, and any additional inserts. If on a tight budget, digital invitations or simpler designs can be more cost-effective.
Your wedding invitation is the first chapter of your wedding story. Make it memorable, personal, and a true reflection of your journey together. Whether you’re going traditional, trendy, or somewhere in between, ensure it resonates with the essence of your special day.
Starting to put together your wedding invitation suite? Then a big well done from us because that likely means you’ve sorted your Guest List – and that’s no mean feat! Now, if you haven’t already, you’ll want to take a look at our introduction to your wedding stationery and start off by getting to grips with all the different items you’ll need. Done that? Then read on to learn all about your wedding information sheet.
Psst! Need to know where to send your invitations? Try using our handy Address Collector to sort it all out in just one click.
What Is Your Wedding Information Sheet For?
Well, as we always say, your wedding is the celebration of the century – and while that means tons of fun, it also means lots of logistics! Since your wedding invitations only include the very basics (date, time, location), your wedding information sheet lets your guests know everything else: how to get to the venue, where they can stay, what they should wear… Plus, it lessens the chance that you’ll have to field a ton of last-minute queries on the day!
What Information Should You Include On Your Wedding Information Sheet?
Well, every wedding is different – so your wedding information sheet will be specific to the details and requirements of your own wedding. The easiest thing to do is to put yourself in the shoes of one of your wedding guests and think about what questions they might have! To get you started, here are a few things we’d expect to find on most information sheets:
1. Directions
Always include directions to your ceremony and/or reception venue. You may also want to include maps of surrounding area for guests who aren’t familiar with the location. Bonus points if you throw in a list of local attractions and your recommendations for any guests combining your wedding with a getaway!
Psst! If you’re still looking for the perfect place to tie the knot, why not use our Venue Search Tool?
2. Transport Links And Taxis
It’s always helpful to add a list of transport links (eg. the closest train station, the best airport to fly into) for guests who don’t drive or are coming from further afield. It’s also a good idea to provide your guests with the contact details of local, reputable taxi firms or the details of any nearby car parking.
By Weddings Vintage
3. Accommodation
It’s more likely than not that at least a few of your guests will want to stay nearby so make sure to offer them a few recommendations for accommodation. If you’re not sure, ask your wedding venue where they recommend guests stay. And if you can, why not reserve a few rooms at a local hotel or bed and breakfast in advance? That way, you’ll know they’re not fully booked and you can just let your friends know to mention your name to secure a room.
4. Dress Code
If your wedding has a dress code, you will most likely have included it on your invitation – but now’s your chance to go into a bit more detail. For example, if you’re getting married in a marquee, you might want to let your guests know they’ll need “lawn-friendly” shoes. Or if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony in mid-winter, make sure to mention to your guests that they’ll want to pack their mittens!
5. Children
Are you planning on having children at your wedding? Your wedding invitation will most likely indicate in some way if you’re planning a “child-free” wedding but it’s always worth reiterating on your information sheet to make sure everyone’s got the message! If you will be including children but you’ve made any special arrangements (eg. providing a crêche), here’s where to go into detail.
If you’re nervous about mentioning your gift list – don’t be! If you don’t put the details of your gift list on your wedding information sheet, your guests will just ask you directly instead. Or, if you want to be a little more subtle, you could always have your gift list details printed separately onto small cards you can slip into your envelopes alongside your invitations.
7. The Bar!
If you already know you’ll be having a cash bar, now’s a good time to let your guests know. Make sure to let them know any extra details too, like which cards the bar accepts and whether or not they’re cashless.
Ever struggled to get everyone out at the end of a house party? Well, “Carriages” is an easy way to avoid that happening at your wedding! It lets your guests know the latest time by which they’ll need to leave the venue. Including it on your information sheet means they can make arrangements for getting home in advance.
9. The Day After
Are you planning activities for the day after? Whether you’ll be hosting brunch or organising a golfing trip, let your guests know the details so they can plan accordingly.
Of course, you don’t have to send out an information sheet – and not all couples do. A great alternative – whether it’s because you want to cut costs or reduce waste – is to set up a wedding website and include the URL on your invitations. Then you can host all the above information there – and update it for everybody any time. Make sure to include your contact details, as well as those of your best (wo)man or maid/man of honour, so that your guests can ask any additional questions.
When it comes to hosting a memorable wedding, food and drink are a huge contributing factor. Including canapés and arrival drinks, a three or four-course wedding breakfast and a spread for the evening buffet, your guests will spend a large portion of their time at your wedding enjoying some delicious food and drink.
But how much does wedding catering cost, so you know exactly how much of your budget you need to dedicate toward keeping your guests fed, watered (or wined!) and – ultimately – happy?
In this post we’re going to take a look at the average cost of catering a wedding and what can affect that cost – including the alcohol.
The first thing you need to know is that, depending on the venue, catering can often be done in-house. But, if the venue doesn’t offer catering that suits your taste, you can hire caterers to come to your venue separately. Venues that include catering are usually priced per head, meaning there will be a set price for every guest which will include food (a buffet or sit-down meal), the venue rental and sometimes half a bottle of wine per person for the meal and some bubbly for the toasts.
If a venue is priced at a lump sum, it usually means that catering is not included and what you are paying goes towards securing the venue. For more information check out our post on the cost of a wedding venue.
How much your wedding catering costs depends entirely on how many people you’re looking to invite. The more people you invite the more hungry mouths there will be, and of course the higher the cost will be.
In our ultimate guide to budgeting a wedding, we outlined that to cater an 80- to 90-guest wedding you can expect to spend an average of £5,700 overall. This may initially sound like a lot, but it actually equates to just over £65 per person, which is quite reasonable when you consider it’s their food for the entire day. However, it’s also enough to make you think twice when liberally handing out those +1s.
Of course, if your wedding is more intimate than that – or more grandiose – it can drastically change that figure. Based on this, to cater a 40-guest wedding the average cost will be around £2,600, and a 160-guest wedding will cost around £10,400.
This is of course based on the average, and depending on your budget there’s a range of options available:
You may expect the price per head to reduce depending on the greater the number of guests there are, but this isn’t always the case when it comes to catering a wedding. It will usually depend on several factors, including the venue, the number of kitchen and wait staff required, and the dining style.
For example, the price per head will be cheaper if you provide buffet-style food or food trucks than it would with a four-course meal, regardless of how many guests are attending.
The wedding breakfast will generally be one of the most expensive parts of your wedding reception. They’re usually multi-course sit-down meals that are meticulously run from a busy kitchen like a well-oiled machine – and that kind of operation comes at a cost.
The average cost of a wedding breakfast will be around £30-40 per head, but certain venues and vendors can charge more than three times this amount.
Your evening buffet is a far more relaxed meal, which offers a greater choice of food and the need for fewer servers. It also offers you the chance to fill the bellies of your guests who could only come to the evening reception.
The average cost of a buffet is usually around £20-30 per head, however, this can also vary depending on the selection of dishes on offer and the type of cuisine. For example, chicken and chips will be far more affordable than hand-made sushi!
What else can affect the cost of catering a wedding?
The above costs are all averages, and you’ll make plenty of choices that will make that cost go either down or way (WAY) up. These include:
Style of service: the cost of a buffet, sit-down meal, or food truck can vary hugely. For example, for a sit-down meal, you would have to factor in the wages of the waiters (it’s recommended to have 1 per 11 guests) and a buffet would have a wider selection of food options. There are thousands of caterers offering a wide variety of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Menu choice: The more options you offer your guests outside of the standard meat, fish or vegetarian/vegan, the more you’re likely to pay.
The venue: Does it have its own catering team? If you’re hiring a catering team separate from the venue, you may also need to factor in the cost of hiring a marquee and portable kitchen. These costs can quickly add up, adding several thousand to the cost of your catering. Some venues have a list of preferred caterers, so make sure you ask your chosen wedding venue if there are limitations.
The food: Some food is cheaper to make than others. If you’re keen to offer oysters and caviar, don’t be surprised if it’s more expensive than if you were to offer sandwiches and vol-au-vents.
The ingredients: Some caterers may offer premium ingredients, and if imported or organic produce is important to you then expect to pay a little extra.
The number of courses: Are you happy with a three-course meal, or would you like to offer hors d’oeuvres, a fish course, palate-cleansing sorbets, and mignardise? The more courses there are (and the more complex they are to make) the pricier it will be.
The date: you can expect to pay higher rates during peak times, such as during the summer and at weekends.
While it can be tempting to offer an open bar, a wedding is one of those rare occasions when people tend to let their hair down. As a result, many of your guests will want to partake in a drink or two (or five or six). The cost of an open bar can quickly become eye-wateringly expensive, which is why many couples opt instead for a bottle or two of wine per table, plus a glass of bubbles on arrival and for the toasts. Then, if guests would like any other drinks, they’re free to choose what they like from a cash bar.
Remember, if you choose to supply your own fizz or bottles of wine, the venue may charge a corkage fee, which can be around £5-11 per bottle.
We’re here to help you choose from our list of outdoor wedding venues in London, from the countryside to seaside, with nature’s scenery in your eyeline and wholehearted happiness in your heart.
There are so many ways to get married al fresco, and these London wedding venues don’t disappoint! From waterfront hotels and museums to manor houses and marquees, London is blessed with a multitude of open-air options. Here are a few you might want to check out!
The large, open plan design of the Orangery makes it the ideal venue for your wedding. With high ceilings and grand, arched windows, the room is filled with natural light. During the summer months, your guests can enjoy the large terrace with its spectacular views of the Gardens.
WWT London Wetland Centre offers an unrivalled setting for civil partnership and marriage ceremonies. The venues, which are approved for ceremonies, are the Observatory and Wetland Living. Bringing the countryside into London, this is an amazing alternative wedding destination.
The Chelsea Physic Garden is a botanical garden venue with a large marquee as an optional hire. This outdoor wedding venue with glorious spaces is available for dry hire and has a Wedding Ceremony Room available for up to 70 guests but blessings in the gardens are welcomed.
Tie the knot in one of London’s secret beauty spots. The Pergola and Hill Garden is a licenced venue for weddings and civil partnerships. This beautiful and secluded place makes a wonderful location for such ceremonies.
Do you dream of a wedding that is stylishly simple, or is your heart’s desire an elaborate party with every trimming? Chiswick House & Gardens is a hidden gem in the heart of West London, 65 acres of glorious landscaped gardens where your wedding will be truly unique and memorable.
As far as UK Country wedding venues go, this one is both unique and memorable. Many happy couples have made their special vows in the Club’s beautiful venue with many a celebration! They’re able to accommodate wedding parties between 8o to 1,000 for decadent sit down wedding breakfasts, to more informal buffets and dancing.
You’ll love saying your I Do’s within this stunning setting of a 160-acre park. The purpose-built marquee is situated within Painshill’s private walled gardens, creating a breathtaking venue for any special occasion.
You can find this beautiful woodland venue just outside Hertfordshire, close to both Hitchin and Stevenage. This marquee wedding venue partners with Country Tipis to add a fun factor to your wedding, and guests always enjoy them – They provide a great talking point.
The Marquee is located in a private area of the Park with a beautiful secret garden with pergola, stream and bridge; perfect for wedding photos either before or after the ceremony. Complete with a fully licenced bar and resident DJ our private marquee makes the purrrfect venue for your wedding ceremony and reception.
Weddings here come with beautiful views stretching out across the gardens onto 200 acres of Surrey countryside grounds. As the only wedding venue in Croydon licensed to host outdoor ceremonies, you can also say your vows outside in a pretty pagoda in the hotel’s secret gardens.
You’ve chosen to have an outdoor Wedding for the space, where your guests can enjoy being outside instead of struggling to squeeze past each other at an indoor venue. Obviously, outdoor wedding venues in London are a lot of fun, unique and ideal for brides who don’t mind their guests bringing children to the venue (Bless them)!
So you’re looking at Cheshire wedding venues, for something unique… something a little quirky and different. A barn wedding venue can offer an abundance of space for your big day. We think that barns make great wedding venues because they’re a blank canvas for creative couples.
We’ve found some awesome Barn wedding venues in Cheshire for you to take a look at. These rustic and charming, elegant and inspired spaces are the perfect place to begin a future with the person you love.
For your special day, nothing could be more idyllic than saying ‘I do’ in this stunning oak barn beside a tranquil lake. Sandhole Oak Barn’s wedding venue is set in 400 acres of rolling Cheshire countryside and offers a magnificent setting for your wedding day.
Nestled on the hillside of a working farm and surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Cheshire and Staffordshire, the gorgeous setting for this incredible wedding venue awaits. This Family-run establishment will help you with something big and extravagant, or quaint and intimate.
One of the most beautiful Barn wedding venues in the UK and set on a working farm that is family run and offers a truly unique wedding experience. Situated in a stunning location you wouldn’t want to leave, allows for holding your ceremony and celebration at the same venue!
The Plough Inn is licensed to hold Civil Ceremony Weddings and offers the perfect setting for your special day. The historic Barn is ideally situated for formal or informal ceremonies and promises to make your wedding distinctive and unique with delightful gardens making the perfect setting for wedding photography.
Oak Tree of Peover is a unique contemporary venue is set in the heart of Cheshire surrounded by stunning countryside views. Oak beams and lots of natural light makes this venue fresh and bright whilst subtle lighting in the evening gives it a magical, romantic feel.
Set within beautiful farmland situated on the edge of Tatton Park in Cheshire, one of the prettiest Farm wedding venues in the UK, Stock Farm wedding & Events Barn offers the perfect setting for your special day in an exclusive location with idyllic countryside views giving you and your guests complete privacy.
One of our Barn wedding venues in Cheshire is a real hidden gem, The Holford estate secluded idyllic setting, is steeped in history, alongside stunning formal gardens and a state of the art contemporary wedding Barn.
A family run venue in the beautiful National Trust Village of Styal, in the grounds of Styal Golf Club. Built in 2009 a beautiful Lodge filled with natural light, a blank canvas & private gardens.
Of all the UK Country wedding venues, this stunning location boasts unrivalled views over the Cheshire plains towards the Welsh hills and gives you complete exclusivity on your special day. The Barn is an airy indoor space with a fabulous terrace, perfect for the drinks reception or evening soirée.
Duddon Mill Farm is a wedding and events venue situated near Tarporley in the heart of rural Cheshire. With mature apple orchards, pond, barns and a stream running right through the middle of the estate, there are endless photo opportunities for lovers of the outdoors.
Wow, we don’t envy you! There is just so much to choose from. Remember, your wedding can be as extravagant, or as intimate as your imagination allows. Choosing your wedding venue will be a big decision you’ll make as a couple, and it’s good to think of your options straight away.
With modern weddings becoming bigger and more expensive than ever before, many couples are starting to turn to smaller, more personal options. So whether it’s in a Church, Chapel, Castle or Priory, there is something special and heartwarming in choosing one of these Yorkshire Wedding Venues.
Now we know that big is beautiful, but here in Yorkshire, EVERYTHING is beautiful, and sometimes dynamite comes in small packages. From urban history to the rural panoramas, these are truly some of the best intimate wedding venues in Yorkshire.
Whatever your event might be, there is plenty of room for you and around forty guests at this beautiful house steeped in history. Take pleasure in the antique character and luxury of your surroundings as they work hard to ensure that your memorable day runs smoothly.
A special venue for your perfect day! The Grange is an exclusive, privately owned, 41 bedroom Regency townhouse of great charm and character, superbly restored and luxuriously furnished in classic country house style.
If you are looking for modern and unique wedding venues in Yorkshire, then look no further! Regarded as being one of the best small wedding venues in Yorkshire, this space overlooks 180 acres of glorious woodland and Yorkshire Countryside; providing the perfect setting for your wedding photos!
This venue pick for your intimate wedding at the beautiful Hospitium at York Castle Museum is not only oozing with character and style, it’s also a sensational venue for that idyllic fairytale wedding day that you’ve been dreaming of.
This one has made it onto our small wedding venues in Yorkshire, but by no means is it minor! Full event management and catering service is offered at this stunning Grade I listed Jacobean treasure near York. What a stunning venue for a perfect wedding!
With its soaring beamed ceiling, arched windows and warm stone walls, Bedern Hall in York is an intimate and individual setting for your wedding ceremony and reception. This cosy and authentic wedding venue is the perfect place to say I Do!
Applewood provides the perfect backdrop for your romantic outdoor wedding. With ceremony area, seating areas, woodland walks and large decking in the heart of the trees with a large open area for your wedding structure that is reached by following the fairy light lit pathways.
You’ve found the perfect partner, and now you’ve found the perfect place to celebrate your love, surrounded by friends and family. Whether you’re looking for an intimate celebration or a lavish party, if you’re looking at hotel wedding venues in the UK, look no further, you’ve found a Gem.
Pontefract Town Hall is an 18th Century architectural jewel located in the heart of the town’s ancient historic centre and is a lovely venue for your wedding day, with a beautiful building, good facilities and an excellent location.
This is a truly idyllic and romantic manor house wedding venue. Burythorpe House holds a civil license, allowing couples to host civil weddings and civil partnerships at the hotel. This enables you to hold your ceremony, wedding reception and evening celebrations all at the same venue!
With a central location in York, Marmadukes Town House Hotel is an elegant small wedding venue with an award-winning restaurant and cosy spaces that is sure you make your wedding day extra special.
Surrounded by the stunning North Yorkshire countryside, the barns offer an intimate setting for smaller weddings or a marquee that can accommodate larger groups in this gorgeous setting.
There are many positives to having a small wedding. For instance, trimming the size of your Guestlist not only means you will save money, but it also means you can use your resources for quality, rather than quantity.
Make sure you have everything ticked off your Checklist! This is important. Use this tool to ensure things run smoothly.
Another helpful tool is for your Budget. With more flexibility, you have the option to splurge on the things that matter most, whether it be a stunning designer gown or a gourmet wedding breakfast!
If you’re looking for a Birmingham Wedding Venue and have a wedding date for later this year or in 2020, planning the perfect Asian wedding takes time and patience. Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event that will represent who you and your partner are as a couple, whilst seamlessly integrating your cultural beliefs so that you have the perfect fairytale wedding.
So, whether you’re planning a traditional Asian wedding or a more intimate affair, there are a variety of different options to explore to make sure your wedding is everything you want it to be. To help, we’ve put together a list of Asian Wedding venues in Birmingham to assist you in your wedding planning.
A premium wedding and banqueting venue suited to weddings in the Midlands. The New Owners are renowned for their Banqueting and Wedding Halls back in India with of over 15 Hotels and Banqueting Halls under their profile.
Hilton Hall is a stunning 17th Century country house Wedding Venue on the outskirts of Wolverhampton. This impressive and romantic grade I listed building offers complete privacy and promises to be the perfect setting for your flawless asian wedding.
Nailcote Hall Wedding Venue provides a picturesque backdrop for your Wedding, thanks to our 17th Century Country House Hotel, complete with panoramic views and an idyllic setting.
This lavish venue, fondly known locally as ‘The George’ will ensure your Wedding is memorable for all the right reasons. They offer a flexible approach to each event, allowing you to make your special day individual to you.
Alrewas Hayes is a Grade II listed Queen Anne residence in the heart of rural Staffordshire and set in beautiful parkland, providing a venue which is exclusively yours for the day. This Manor House wedding venue provides an exceptional setting for all special occasions, with beautiful scenery and grounds for those picture perfect photos.
This Asian Wedding venue in Birmingham is proudly able to offer weddings suited to your cultural needs. Their weddings coordinators are experienced in arranging multicultural weddings and will endeavour to tailor their venues to your needs as much as possible.
This Grade II listed Georgian hotel is one of the most elegant and prestigious wedding venues in the West Midlands. Set within five acres of stunning landscaped gardens with distant views of the rolling Staffordshire countryside, this is the perfect location for outdoor wedding ceremonies.
You are at the beginning of a very special journey, and this is a once in a lifetime occasion. why not have an unusual wedding venue and blow everyone’s mind! Enjoy your wedding at the home of Walsall Football Club, with flexible packages to provide the perfect Asian wedding experience.
This is the perfect venue for the most unique and memorable Asian wedding. With enough space to cater for up to 276 guests, The Belfry has the capacity and facilities to ensure an unforgettable celebration.
One of the most beautiful and unique wedding venues in Warwickshire, the Heart of England is the ideal place to start your new lives together. This venue has become increasingly popular as an Asian wedding venue and with photographic opportunities… Who can blame us!
All of these venues have a wealth of experience in hosting Asian weddings and we hope we have provided the finest inspiration for both extravagance and tradition and they don’t come any more special than these wonderful Asian wedding venues in Birmingham. If you’re looking for something completely different, go to our wedding venue search and find the perfect venue for you!
London is home to some very unique wedding locations if you are looking for a different kind of celebration. All of the unusual wedding venues in London offer picturesque settings you won’t find anywhere else. Indoors, outdoors, private or public … you name it, London has the perfect location for your big day!
Picture a beautiful wedding at the country’s most visited sites or walk down the aisle in one of London’s historical churches, which bring an element of rich history and old-fashioned elegance to any ceremony. Any way we spin it, we are sure you’ll find your happy place at one of these top London Wedding Venues.
Say your vows at 250ft at the lower viewing platform, before moving to the upper viewing platform at 262 feet to experience a spectacular wedding breakfast, all set against the stunning panorama of London’s stunning skyline!
Steeped in history, the Houses of Parliament / Palace of Westminster in London provides a unique setting for a wedding celebration. Dominating the banks of the River Thames, the Palace’s façade heralds this UNESCO World Heritage site as one of the most iconic in the world.
Whatever time of year you want your special day to be, the Kings Oak Hotel bordering Essex and London, and nestling in the beautiful Epping Forest will enchant you and your guests and provide Lifelong memories, not to mention the WOW factor!
With its graceful Georgian architecture, stunning interiors and central location, the RSA House is the perfect venue for a quintessential London wedding offering Georgian grandeur, contemporary style and some surprising spaces all under one roof.
If you’re looking a quirky and unusual wedding venue in London, look no further! ZSL London Zoo has an event space to suit you. This usual wedding venue will blow your mind! Add some animal magic to your event, enjoy a roaring wedding celebration and arrange an animal encounter for your guests, making it a rip-roaring success!
We think this is one of the most iconic and unique Wedding Venues in London. Steeped in history and naval charm, HMS Belfast promises an event your guests will never forget. Permanently moored between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast is the most significant surviving Second World War Royal Navy warship.
For a wedding venue with unforgettable views and an esteemed cultural heritage, Southbank Centre is the perfect choice. Our pavilion spaces in Royal Festival Hall offer unique locations in a Grade 1 Listed building with romantic riverside views over central London and the Thames.
The Yacht London is a permanently moored 1927 luxury steam yacht with a fabulous history. Situated on the North Bank of the Thames, between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars, in what is known as “The Mayfair of the River”. This is one of the most unique wedding venues, offering you fantastic views of the London skyline for a memorable and picturesque wedding.
Shoreditch Studios is a beautiful railway arch warehouse and studio space licensed for ceremonies and receptions. Unlike traditional London wedding venues which offer only fixed wedding packages restricting catering or decor, this unique wedding venue in London is a blank canvas at which you can unleash your creativity and make your own.
This is one of London’s best-loved museums and offers a unique and historical venue on the edge of the City. In this magnificent, grade II listed Victorian building are remarkable spaces and many original 19th century features, including the elegant and historic Marble Floor laid by female prisoners from Woking gaol.
An iconic Grade II listed 1930’s building near Regent’s Park in London, has 5 spaces to hire that can accommodate weddings of all sizes. As Cecil Sharp House is the home of the English Folk Dance and Song Society they would be happy to assist you with booking entertainment for your event.
At 135 metres above the majestic sights of London,weddings at the London Eye include a flight in a private capsule, beautifully decorated with flowers for 2 rotations (one hour). Wedding capsules can accommodate up to 16 people in the ceremony capsule including the happy couple.
Have you ever pictured yourself entertaining next to the world’s greatest artworks? Located at the very heart of London, The National Gallery is one of the best-loved art galleries in the world. This alternative wedding venue with a difference is full of culture, interest, elegance and romance.
Situated by the River Thames and next to Lambeth Palace, The Garden Museum provides the perfect location for wedding receptions. From initial site visit up until the day of the event itself, they are on hand to offer advice, inspiration and practical ideas for making your celebration a unique and memorable experience.
This beautiful Victorian Music Hall is perfect for your quirky East London wedding. Tie the knot in style in a beautiful venue home to artists, performers and pillars of the community. Each wedding at Hoxton Hall is unique and perfect for ceremonies, wedding breakfasts, banquets and parties.
There are few places that evoke centuries of romance like the Globe Theatre. From the youthful passions of Romeo and Juliet to the comic lovers in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, love has always been at the heart of Shakespeare’s plays at the theatre. A stunning exclusive use wedding venue in the heart of London with views looking out onto the Thames.
This stunning riverside wedding venue in the iconic OXO building is a truly unique way to celebrate your Big day! OXO2 is a truly special place for couples to start their life together. The chic, contemporary space of OXO2 makes a breathtaking romantic setting for your wedding day.
Hidden in the heart of London, Chelsea Physic Garden is a beautiful and magical setting for your special day. Chelsea Physic Garden provides the perfect backdrop for your wedding day, it is quite simply the ultimate garden wedding venue!
A wedding on the banks of the Thames – what could be more perfect? How about a wedding on the banks of the Thames in your very own elegant pub with a feast of glorious gastronomy? Thought so! This unique wedding venue in London boasts amazing views of The Shard through the impressive curved floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
The ideal venue for a football fan or someone looking for an alternative setting for their big day. Selhurst Park is a truly special place and provides a unique personal wedding venue filled with glamour and class.
We hope you’ve loved our list of unique and quirky wedding spots to say I do in! We had a lot of fun picking them out just for you. If you still couldn’t find “the one” on this list, head over to Bridebook’s Wedding Venue Search, when you will find the perfect place to tie the knot!
To help you get your planning underway, go over to our budget tool where we show you how easy it is to do all the planning yourself! We also have a checklist tool and even a guestlist tool that you can use free of charge!
Whether you’ve already booked your wedding caterer or are still considering options, you’re probably starting to think about what’s going to be on the menu. But half the time, it’s hard enough to decide what to eat for dinner on Tuesday night – let alone what to serve at your wedding! So here’s our five step guide to designing the perfect wedding menu.
1. What’s Your Theme?
If you have a theme (and we recommend you do!), use this to guide your decisions when it comes to your wedding menu. A hog roast, for example, is perfect for an informal, outdoor celebration – but not so good for a black tie wedding, where you’re more likely to want to serve elegant canapés and petit fours.
2. Do (Most) People Like It?
Well, there’s a reason chicken is such a wedding staple! More adventurous options like veal, venison, lamb and lobster can be more divisive and may result in some of your guests forcing down food they’d rather avoid. So you have two options: stick with something safe (and of course, what this is depends on the cuisine you and your guests are used to) or offer a few different options to make sure there’s something for everyone.
3. Do You Like It?
It’s your wedding – so what do you want to eat to celebrate marrying the love of your life? Remember, you’ll almost certainly need to accommodate the dietary requirements of at least a few guests – so if you can, serve what you want but offer alternatives for those who may not share your taste.
4. Will It Keep You Full?
You don’t want to end up in a food coma before the speeches – but we’d always avoid light bites in favour of something with at least a bit of substance. Remember, weddings can stretch on well into the night – and the last thing you want is your guests nipping out to McDonalds for a late night snack! Plus, we’re sure any guests who are drinking will appreciate the opportunity to line their stomachs…
5. Is It Low Risk For Allergies?
If you can, stay away from well-known allergens like peanuts, shellfish and soy – especially if you know one of your guests is at risk. Even if you can provide them with an alternative, avoiding allergens altogether will put your mind at rest.
Ask yourself these five questions and you’ll be well on your way to designing your dream menu. And if you’re still on the hunt for your perfect wedding caterer, why not check out our fabulous directory here?
The average cost of a wedding venue in London can be well over £20,000. But if you’re planning your big day, don’t let that number scare you! There are plenty of creative methods to implement budget wedding ideas without sacrificing what matters most to you.
Researching cheap wedding venues in London is really the first step in planning a wedding – everything else hinges on the location. So start off your wedding planning right, by making the most cost-effective decision. Here are 15 ways to do just that.
In the heart of Epping Forest lies the Kings Oak Hotel, a charming destination & award winning wedding venue offering the WOW factor & something different for your special day! Over 100 couples a year choose the Kings Oak as their preferred wedding venue.
This venue will surely meet your ‘Great Expectation’! It’s a picturesque restyled and reconstructed 18th-century pub and event venue nestled in St Katherine Docks. This is one of the more historic budget wedding venues in London and ensures a stunning setting for the most memorable of occasions.
A unique and attractive year round location for the perfect wedding. Set in the idyllic Hertfordshire countryside – a stunning backdrop against which to capture everlasting memories! All you have to do is let them know what would make your wedding perfect and they’ll help you to create it.
The Regency is a beautiful & newly refurbished venue with crystal chandeliers & painted dome ceilings, carpeted and finished in tones of grey and white giving you a very modern, classy appearance. This stunning venue is the perfect backdrop special day.
If you want to experience your wedding exactly the way you choose, then Gilwell Park is like no other. A quintessentially Georgian country house in a stunning rural setting perfectly located on the border of Essex and London, Gilwell Park is one of London’s best kept budget wedding venue secrets.
One of the new cheap wedding venues in London is this gem, a modern & well-recognized hotel located in the heart of East London, this venue offers couples the opportunity to celebrate both their Civil Ceremony & Wedding Reception.
If you’re looking through affordable wedding venues in London, here’s one for you! Simple yet traditional, and boasting a lovely garden, you can get married in the beautiful ceremony rooms in the heart of Southwark.
London Rowing Club, founded in 1856, is the oldest club in the world and offers glorious panoramic views of the River Thames. This exclusive use wedding venue allows you to decorate and adorn the space as you see fit and take pictures from the balcony overlooking the river.
A stone’s throw away from London Fields and Hackney Central Stations, this building boasts five separate weddings, event and meeting spaces all offering a mixture of period features, natural daylight and striking architecture.
Riverside Grand Victorian grade II listed building, the Duke’s Head echoes with history, style and laughter, and has a brilliant array of gorgeous spaces available for any part of your special day.
Exclusive wedding venue set in a picturesque location near the river & lake Fully licensed wedding room. packages that are not just unbeatable in cost but take so much of the stress away from you, leaving you to revel in your special day!
Langdon Hills Golf and Country Club really is the perfect place for your special day. Both function rooms are licensed for civil ceremonies and partnerships and they are able to accommodate both small and large weddings. Both rooms are air-conditioned and offer fabulous views. The rooms even have their own music!
This manor house wedding venue, nestled on the edge of the Roman city of St Albans with its elegant period architecture, beautiful interiors and picturesque gardens create a stunning backdrop for your special day.
Are you looking for a more an intimate ceremony on a budget? Blakes Events would be perfect for you! As one of the more affordable wedding venues in London, the views are magnificent with rooms overlooking their spectacular spacious surroundings. This wedding venue screams Photo Opportunity!
Since 1921, they have been welcoming discerning guests to this romantic venue of contrasts, rich in history and character. A landscaped park provides the perfect backdrop for wedding photographs. They will ensure that your special day is one that you will remember forever.
There you have it! That’s just a few of our budget wedding venues in London. If you want to look beyond Greater London, head over to Wedding Venue Search where you will find thousands of venues all over the UK.
To help you even further, why not use our handy budget feature to assist with your planning. We even have a special wedding planning checklist for you to follow as well as a Guestlist tool which will prove extremely useful when inviting those long lost cousins!
