Planning your dream wedding involves not only finding the perfect venue, but also securing the best deals. Wedding venue special offers provide a super opportunity to book your dream venue at a discounted rate, giving you more flexibility with your budget. From exclusive Bridebook offers to seasonal discounts and last-minute availability deals, these offers can help you make significant savings without compromising on quality.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of upcoming wedding venue special offers for 2024, which we recommend you check out before they’re gone! You can also filter for special offers directly in Bridebook, when you’re in venue search.
Exclusive Bridebook Couple Discount: Enjoy an exclusive bottle of Prosecco when booking and paying your deposit.
20% off on last-minute 2025 weddings: Celebrate your wedding with us before April 2025 for a 20% discount. Enquire directly with the team for further details.
Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting and thrilling times of your life. You’ll get to choose from so many different things that all come together to form the most perfect wedding day so you and your partner can celebrate your marriage in style surrounded by your family and friends.
But, while it might be a fun and rewarding process, planning a wedding isn’t exactly quick or simple – mainly because there are so many things to remember. If just one thing is forgotten, delayed or booked a little too late, it can throw everything else off. And trust us, the last thing you want when planning your big day is for you not to secure your first-choice florist or venue.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to let you know exactly when you need to start planning every part of your wedding, from the huge to the tiny. That way, you’ll have everything covered so you can keep your stress levels to a minimum and not worry about what you might have forgotten.
In this post, we’ve outlined the ultimate wedding planning checklist. We’ll go into detail about what to think about and when, so you can make sure everything’s in place at exactly the right time. That leaves you to get on with the one most important thing – have the wedding of your dreams and get married to the love of your life.
As we’ve already highlighted, planning a wedding involves thinking and making a decision about every single thing to do with your big day. From the shoes you’ll wear to the colour of the napkins at the wedding breakfast, you’ll have hundreds – if not thousands – of decisions to make. Most of these will fall under the following categories:
Wedding budget
Guest list
Venue
Officiants
Vendors
Attire
Stationery
Decor
Ceremony
Catering
Reception
Rings
Marriage license
Guest accommodation
Gifts and favours
Hair and beauty
Timeline
Honeymoon
See what we mean? That’s already a fairly long list, and it doesn’t even begin to cover the subcategories that fall under each. For example, under vendors you have florists, transportation, entertainers, musicians, photographers, cakemakers, wedding planner and more.
Ideally, you should start planning your wedding as soon as possible. But, we understand that, in reality, this can be a difficult question to answer. It all depends on how far into the future you’d like your wedding to be.
If you’re not looking to get married on a specific date or in any kind of rush to tie the knot, you might not need to dive into the wedding planning deep end. Instead, you might only need to take off your socks and dip your does into the wedding-planning pool. You can start to think about themes, dates and venues at a leisurely pace without worrying too much about whether or not you should throw down a deposit and secure something before someone else does.
On the other hand, if you want to get married relatively quickly – like within a year or less – then you definitely should slip on that bathing costume and dive right into the deep end. Such a short timeframe means you risk not getting your venues and vendors of choice, which risks you not having your dream wedding.
So, putting the tenuous swimming-related metaphors to one side, simply put, we recommend you get things in motion as soon as you can.
The decision about whether or not to hire a wedding planner can be a difficult one. On the one hand, wedding planners can take a lot of the more difficult and lengthy planning-related tasks off your hands, leaving you to do fun stuff like making decisions and spending money.
On the other hand, they’re not exactly cheap. The average cost of a wedding planner is £1,891, which is around 10% of the average overall wedding budget. When you’re spending as much money on a wedding as you are, it can be a rather large chunk of change that many couples can’t afford to spare. However, a good wedding planner will know where to get the best deals, who to speak to and what to say – so in the end, they might save you as much or if not more than their fee. It’s a difficult decision that only you can make, which you should make based on your budget, excitement and free time.
Putting together your own wedding checklist can be a challenge. As we’ve already mentioned, there are so many things to think about that it can be easy for one or two to be overlooked.
Thankfully, there are tools in place that mean you don’t need to plan your own checklist – you can use our wedding checklist tool right here at Bridebook. It’s a fast, easy and comprehensive tool that includes everything you need to think about, which you can check off as and when it’s taken care of. It’s also available in the handy Bridebook app, so you can take it with you as you visit venues and sample cakes. It definitely beats having to do mountains of research and put together a complicated spreadsheet.
Wedding planning checklist: quick reference guide
A lot of planning goes into creating the perfect wedding – below is a quick reference guide to make sure you tick off everything you need. Be sure to save and print out our step-by-step infographics for whenever you might need them.
You can also use Bridebook’s comprehensive and easy-to-use wedding checklist tool to organise your month-by-month to-dos straight from your mobile.
Wedding Planning Checklist : 2 years to 7 months before
2 years before your wedding
Work out your budget
Speak to your parents to ask about helping pay for your wedding
Think about your date
Book any popular venues and vendors
Insure your engagement ring
Hire a wedding planner (if you want one)
Invest in wedding insurance
18 months before your wedding
Choose your wedding venue
Organise an engagement photoshoot
Throw an engagement party
Create your guest list
Make a call on the theme, style, formality and colour scheme
Choose your wedding caterer
Send out you save-the-dates
12 months before your wedding
Hire the rest of your vendors
11 months before your wedding
Organise your guests’ accommodation
10 months before your wedding
Get serious about wedding dress shopping
Design your wedding website
9 months before your wedding
Buy your wedding dress
8 months before your wedding
Create a gift register
Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses
Meet with local florists to talk flowers
Make a start on DIY decorations
7 months before your wedding
Book the venue for your rehearsal dinner
Start suit shopping/browsing
Put in your order for things you want to hire
Hire an officiant, registrar or celebrant
Meet with local cakemakers
Design your wedding invitations
Wedding Planning Checklist : 6 months to 1 month before
6 months before your wedding
Finalise your wedding menu
Hire your hair and makeup artist
5 months before your wedding
Book additional transportation if necessary
Print and send your invitations
Book your honeymoon
Consider premarital counselling
4 months before your wedding
Buy your wedding rings
Choose the right shoes
Work out the groomsmen, page boy and flower girl’s attire
Plan your stag do/hen party
3 months before your wedding
Do your hair and makeup trial
Plan your wedding favours
Choose your hymns and/or readings
Finalise rehearsal dinner plans
2 months before your wedding
Write your wedding vows
Go to your first dress fitting
Choose your wedding accessories
Buy gifts for your wedding party
Finalise the details with your florist
Choose your wedding music
Make sure you have all the decor and stationery
1 month before your wedding
Finish your wedding favours
Pay your final invoices
Create your seating plan
Create your name cards
Chase any outstanding RSVPs
Meet with your wedding planner to go through everything
Wedding Planning Checklist : the final two weeks
2 weeks before your wedding
Have your final wedding dress fitting
Wear your wedding shoes to break them in
Double-check your wedding checklist
Print any final items of stationery or decor
Enjoy your stag do/hen party
Finalise your plan B
1 week before your wedding
Finish writing your vows
Share your itinerary with your wedding party
Pack for your honeymoon
3 days before your wedding
Take a little time for yourself
Practise reciting your vows
Enjoy a spa session
Get your nails done
Pay a visit to the barber
2 days before your wedding
Get your things together
Clean your wedding rings
Write your partner a special note
1 day before your wedding
Collect anything you’re hiring
Take key items to the venue (if possible)
Have an early night
Wedding planning checklist: all the details
If you’re about to start your wedding planning journey, or you’re neck deep in it already and worried you’re going to miss something, don’t worry – our complete wedding planning checklist below includes every single thing you need to think about.
So, follow our step-by-step journey so you know exactly what to do and when, and nothing gets missed, ignored, forgotten or overlooked. Or, use our handy wedding checklist tool every step of the way while planning your big day.
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 2 years before
Work out your budget
Before getting too excited about planning your wedding – and especially before throwing down money for a deposit anywhere – you need to work out your budget. Look at your own savings, your income and what you might be able to save over the coming months and years. Weddings are expensive – the average amount couples spend on their wedding in the UK is £19,184. You don’t want to start your married life in debt, so make sure you don’t overstretch yourself.
Use our intuitive budget tool to help understand the sort of money you’ll have to play with. Many couples also ask for help paying for their wedding, which you might want to include during your initial planning. Once you know your budget, you’ll then have a better idea about what kind of venues and vendors you can consider – that’s when the real fun begins.
Don’t forget, if your budget’s looking a little smaller than you’d like, there are plenty of ways you can save money. Read our ultimate guide to saving money on your wedding for a little inspiration.
Speak to your parents to ask about helping pay for your wedding
Our 2023 Wedding Report found that a third of engaged couples ask their parents for financial help when planning a wedding. If this is you, and you’re asking for a little help to pay for things for your big day, you’re not alone. But, you’ll need to broach the subject with your parents sooner rather than later so you can gauge exactly how much you’ll have to spend.
The topic of money can be a difficult one to raise, especially when it comes to asking for help. For some guidance on how you can discuss finances with your parents, read our dedicated post on how to ask your parents for help paying for your wedding.
Think about your date
From the moment you got engaged, you’ve probably had to answer the same question from all angles: have you set a date yet? Without setting a date, it can be hard to plan everything else, so it should be one of the very first things you consider. Is there a specific date you want to get married on, such as the anniversary of your first date, or a Saturday during the summer when there’s a higher chance of guests being free? Not to mention some good weather. Once you’ve chosen your ideal date, you can start to think about everything else.
Book any popular venues and vendors
If you’re blessed with the gift of time and have a couple of years until your wedding, it’s important not to get too blasé. Many affordable and popular venues can get booked up two or more years in advance, especially if you want to get married on a Saturday. So, it can’t hurt to start browsing and visiting venues to get a head start on other couples. The worst thing you can do is delay making a booking for the venue, only for it to be snapped up by someone else. Believe us when we say that really does sting.
The same applies to other wedding vendors who have great reputations or reasonable rates. They’ll soon run out of availability, so if there’s someone you know you just have to have for your wedding, book them as soon as you’ve confirmed your date.
Insure your engagement ring
After the proposal, one of the first things you should do is insure the engagement ring. You’re not likely to lose or damage it, but imagine what if? Your home insurance policy may cover your engagement ring, but even if it does there’s likely to be a limit on the value. Check with your insurer if your ring is covered, and if not make sure you take out an adequate policy as soon as possible.
Hire a wedding planner (if you want one)
If you’re thinking about hiring a wedding planner to help make your dream wedding a reality, you should do this before you make a single booking. That’s because wedding planners are relatively pricey (they cost an average of £1,891) and you want to get the most value from them you can. Plus, with so many connections, years of experience and plenty of skill, a great wedding planner can save you some serious cash along the way.
Invest in wedding insurance
Once you’ve set the date for your wedding, if it’s within the next two years then make sure you secure wedding insurance. Because you’re dropping so much money on your wedding, why risk losing it all should something unexpected happen? It’s unlikely, of course, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Just don’t jump the gun on this – most wedding insurance providers only offer policies valid for 24 months.
18 months before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 18 months before
Choose your wedding venue
If you haven’t done it already, it’s time to get a wiggle on and secure your venue. If you have your sights set on a particular venue, pay your deposit as soon as you can, because there are likely to be other couples (as well as those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, or even corporate parties) looking for exactly the same type of event space. If you have your budget worked out and a date agreed, find the perfect venue and get your name on the booking sheet. The venue is probably going to be the single biggest expense at your wedding, so once you have that you’re in a great position to build everything else around it.
Once you’ve secured your venue, you can start dropping a few hints about a date, too!
Organise an engagement photoshoot
To mark such a momentous moment in your lives, why not take part in an engagement photography session so you can hold on to those memories forever? This is also a great way to get used to being in front of a camera if it’s not really your thing. If you speak to your chosen photographer about packages, you also might be able to bag a bargain and have them shoot photos at your wedding for a discounted rate.
Throw an engagement party
Engagement parties are a great way to celebrate your engagement and get everyone excited about your future wedding. Ideally, you should throw your engagement party between two and four months after you get engaged, because any longer and it risks being too close to the wedding itself. You don’t have to throw an engagement party (it is another expense after all), but it can be a lot of fun before you get busy with wedding planning.
Once you know your budget and venue, you can start to create your guest list, as they’ll both determine how many guests you can invite. If you have a large budget and venue, you might be in a position to invite 150 guests or more. If you have a smaller budget and venue, you might have room for 75 guests or fewer, which means you might have to be a little less frivolous with the +1s. This means making some hard decisions and complex family-focused negotiations, which hopefully won’t result in too many guest list-related arguments.
One important thing to note here is that if you do decide to throw an engagement party, anyone who gets an invite to that will probably expect an invite to the wedding itself. So, if you don’t want someone in particular to be there on the big day, don’t ask them to be there to celebrate your engagement.
Make a call on the theme, style, formality and colour scheme
Since the moment you got engaged, you’ve probably started following wedding influencers on social media, flicking through wedding magazines, reading blogs, browsing Etsy and Pinterest and everything else you can think of for wedding inspiration. Now it’s time to make the call and decide the theme, style, formality and colour scheme of your wedding so you can hire the appropriate vendors and decorations, and plan your stationery.
Choose your wedding caterer
While, of course, your guests will attend your wedding to watch you and your partner get married, they’ll also secretly be excited about all the food and drink they’ll get to enjoy too. Choosing a wedding caterer can be a tough decision, but it’s also a lot of fun, and allows you the chance to try some amazing foods while nodding thoughtfully.
And the best thing about wedding catering is that the possibilities are limitless. Whether you want a fancy three-course meal, a huge buffet spread, or a lineup of international food trucks, you can go with whatever fits your theme and preference (and budget, of course).
Send out your save-the-dates
After figuring out your theme, you’re finally in a position to start work on your wedding stationery. As part of this, you can design (or brief a designer you might choose to hire) your save-the-dates. These could be cards, magnets, keyrings, tiny jigsaws, stickers… anything you can think of. It just reminds your guests to keep that date free ahead of sending out the formal invitations. The sooner you can get your save-the-dates out the better, especially if your wedding’s taking place during the summer months, in the middle of the school holidays or on a Saturday, all of which can quickly fill up.
12 months before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 12 months before
Hire the rest of your vendors
Remember how tough it was to decide on the right venue? Right, well now multiply that process by five, because you have a bunch more big decisions to make. This includes sorting your music and/or entertainment, and hiring a videographer and photographer if you didn’t buy a package when you had engagement photos taken.
These kinds of vendors, especially if they come with a good reputation, are likely to be booked up if you leave it too close to your wedding, so if there’s someone you have in mind we’d recommend securing them early before it’s too late.
If your wedding’s taking part at different venues, don’t forget to book transportation, too. And with such a wide variety of options available, from a horse and carriage to a stretch limousine, it might be a tough decision.
11 months before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 11 months before
Organise your guests’ accommodation
If you’re getting married somewhere that offers on-site accommodation, like a hotel, you’ll want to make sure your guests have easy access to a room (and ideally offer a preferential rate). Speak to the venue about blocking out rooms, which also helps prevent the venue from having too many unfamiliar faces staying and feeling a little less exclusive. If it’s a smaller hotel, they may automatically block out every room for you, but it’s worth checking with them to make sure.
10 months before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 10 months before
Get serious about wedding dress shopping
What you wear on your wedding day is going to play on your mind right up until the morning of your wedding when you put everything on (and realise all that preparation paid off). So, you’ve probably been looking into what you’re going to wear waaay before now. But, now’s the time to get serious. Try to go for a proper dress fitting so you can find the style of dress that suits your tastes, budget and figure perfectly. Then, it’s up to you whether you choose a dress from that store, look elsewhere, or wait to grab a bargain (there are plenty of thrifty ways to save money on a wedding dress out there).
Finding your wedding dress can be a bit of a mission, but with your wedding squad in tow, you can have a lot of fun at the same time.
Design your wedding website
A wedding website is a useful resource to which you can direct you guests to give them information about your wedding. You probably don’t want to overload your invitations with huge paragraphs or unwieldy maps detailing the location of the venue – instead, a wedding website can do that for you. It’s also a great way to create an interactive gift register.
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 9 months before
Buy your wedding dress
It’s time to pull the trigger on a dress, especially if it’s bespoke or has a complex or intricate design. Bespoke, handmade dresses can take up to six months to make, so get in there with plenty of time so you’re not spending the final few weeks ahead of your wedding sweating about whether or not it’ll be ready on time.
8 months before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 8 months before
Create a gift register
You might not ask for or expect your guests to give you a wedding gift, but it’s likely that many of them will want to give you something to mark such a special occasion. So, to make sure you get things you want and will use (and to avoid guests doubling up on gifts), a gift register is recommended. This is especially important if you and your other half already live together and you have a lot of the homely stuff wedding guests like to give.
You can publish a gift register if you have a wedding website, or put one together using a dedicated service. View our list of the top nine wedding gift list ideas for a little inspiration.
Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses
Now that you have your dress chosen, you can start planning what the bridal party will wear to complement you. Not only should their outfits tie closely to your own attire, they should also link to your chosen theme and colour scheme.
Before you head out dress shopping, make sure your bridesmaids know if they’re expected to pay for their own dresses. Whether or not you choose to do this is down to you and your circumstances. For more information on this, read our article on what your bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for.
Meet with local florists to talk wedding flowers
Your wedding is probably going to be when you spend the most amount of money on flowers at any one time. For that reason, you’ll want to meet with a few local florists to see what they can do for you. Choose a florist who understands the vision you have for your wedding, but also allow them to use their experience, expertise and creativity to create beautiful, show-stopping flower arrangements.
Once you’ve found a florist you connect with that fits within your budget, pay a deposit to secure them for your big day. For more tips, read our post on how to choose a wedding florist.
Make a start on DIY decorations
One of the simplest ways to save money on your wedding is by hand-making a lot of your decorations yourself. This includes DIY invites, table numbers, place cards, bunting, signage, table centrepieces, paper flowers, and guestbook. With so much to do when planning a wedding, you might not have much time to spare, so save yourself unnecessary worry by starting early. There’s a ton of inspiration available online, and blogs and YouTube tutorials can help you with crafting techniques if you’re not sure where to start.
7 months before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 7 months before
Book the venue for your rehearsal dinner
In the UK, it’s not common for there to be a rehearsal dinner before the wedding – after all, it’s yet another thing to pay for and organise. However, they are starting to become more popular, so if it’s something you’re keen to include, you’ll want to book something with plenty of time to spare so you secure a venue big enough for your entire guest list.
Start suit shopping/browsing
It’s time to start the search for the ideal suit or tuxedo, so take the time to try on a variety of different outfits and combinations until you find something that you’re comfortable with, complements the dresses, fits with the colour scheme and is within your budget. It’s a challenging balancing act, which is why you shouldn’t leave it too late.
Put in your order for things you want to hire
Hiring things for your wedding is a brilliant way to save money. With so many items available to hire, you should start browsing and making bookings so it’s one less thing to worry about. Things you could consider hiring for your wedding include:
Dress
Suits
Chairs
Marquee
Tableware
Decor
Lighting
Photobooth
Hire an officiant, registrar or celebrant
If you’re having a religious wedding, the head of your place of worship will often officiate your wedding. However, if you’re having a traditional wedding ceremony, you’ll have a lot more flexibility about who takes on this role.
If you’ve chosen to hire a celebrant to add further personalisation to your ceremony, you’ll want to speak with several to find one you click with. You’ll meet with your chosen celebrant a couple of times ahead of your wedding as they ask you questions and really get to know you. That way, they can make your ceremony as custom and personal as possible.
If you have a particularly confident friend or family member whom you’d love to include in your wedding, you could even ask them to be your celebrant. A celebrant can’t legally marry you, so it’s worth bearing in mind that you will also need a registrar to make sure everything goes by the book.
Meet with local cakemakers
By now you’ll have a picture of your perfect wedding cake in your mind. You might prefer a towering and elegant three-tiered cake or an eye-catching novelty cake. You could even go with a Colin the Caterpillar if that’s how you roll (get it?). Whatever type of cake you want to go with, research local cake makers who make wedding cakes of a similar style. Arrange to meet a couple so you can talk through your vision and taste a few samples (bonus!). Once you’ve found your perfect match, pay your deposit and let them know when and where they need to deliver it (unless you choose to collect it to save a little money).
Design your wedding invitations
With everything coming together, you can start to design your official invitations. Whether you’re designing these yourself or hiring a professional to do them for you, make sure they fit your style and theme, and include everything related to the who, what, where and when of your wedding. You’ll also need to let recipients know how to RSVP (and by when), whether it’s returning a postcard to you, using your wedding website, or contacting you via an email address. If you’re offering a choice of food options, make sure to make this clear as well.
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 6 months before
Finalise your wedding menu
Speak to your caterers about your final menu choices, which might mean squeezing in one last tasting session. Remember to offer options for vegetarians and vegans, as well as those with allergies or intolerances. This includes choosing the food for the breakfast, evening buffet, canapés, wine, fizz and desserts.
Hire your hair and makeup artist
With just six months to go before your wedding, you’ll need to start thinking about hair and makeup. If you’d like a professional to do if for you, which we recommend if it suits your budget, then book them for your wedding and a trial session if possible with about six months to go.
5 months before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 5 months before
Book additional transportation if necessary
If your wedding takes place across various venues, you may choose to put on transportation for your guests to help with the overall logistics of the day. It also prevents guests from stressing about where to go and when, and whether or not they’ll find a parking space. Coach hire is simple to arrange, and if it’s something you’re organising make sure to note it in your invitations so guests know exactly what’s happening on the day.
Print and send your invitations
With your food choices set in stone, you can finish your invitations. You may choose to print these so they look perfectly uniform, write them by hand for that personal touch, or hire a calligrapher for an elegant and professional finish.
Once you have your invites and you’re happy, you can get them in the post. Just be prepared to lick a lot of envelopes (or invest in a good glue stick)!
Book your honeymoon
For many couples, a honeymoon is a non-negotiable. Not only is it a great way for the two of you to spend time alone and celebrate your marriage, but you’ll also need a break after a couple of busy years planning your wedding.
If your budget allows, book your honeymoon at least five months before your wedding. However, if you’re looking to go somewhere popular during peak travel season, you may want to do it sooner. The only thing is, if you book it too early and end up with unexpected wedding expenses, you don’t want to be faced with the disappointment of scaling back your honeymoon, or worse, cancelling it altogether. Booking with around five months to go before your wedding should give you a good idea as to how much budget you have to dedicate towards your well-deserved break.
Consider premarital counselling
This isn’t for everyone, but counselling doesn’t have to be limited to couples who are struggling. Counselling helps you communicate and prevents issues from developing. Marriage is a big change and counselling can help you with this transition. If it’s not something you feel is needed, then don’t feel pressured to, but if you are considering premarital counselling then you’ll want to start it with several months to go.
4 months before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 4 months before
Buy your wedding rings
If you and your partner have chosen to exchange and wear wedding rings, now’s the time to get your ring fingers measured and choose your perfect wedding bands. The rings may need to be resized, so it’s important not to leave it too late. There are also a lot of different styles, designs and metals to choose from, which can fit a wide variety of budgets.
Choose the right shoes
From walking down the aisle at the ceremony to dancing the night away at the reception, you’ll spend a large portion of your wedding day on your feet. Finding shoes that are both stylish and comfortable is vital to avoid blisters and aching feet.
Work out the groomsmen, page boy and flower girl’s attire
There are just a few outfits left to decide now, so coordinate what the groomsmen, page boy and flower girl (if you’re having them) will wear so they fit the style and colour scheme of your wedding.
Plan your stag do/hen party
Before your big day, the two of you might be keen on having a stag and/or hen night so you can have a bit of fun before settling into married life. This could be anything from a night out to a weekend away. The grander your plans are, the longer it’ll take to plan (and pay for), so bear this in mind. Talk to your best man and/maid of honour to discuss options and make bookings where necessary.
3 months before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 3 months before
Do your hair and makeup trial
If you’re hiring a professional hair and makeup artist, it’s worth doing a trial session (you could even include your gal pals if they’re doing your bridesmaids’ hair and makeup too). That way, you can nail the look you want ahead of time so it’s not a case of trial and error on the morning of the big day. This is your opportunity to discuss exactly what you’re going for so you can achieve that look as close as possible.
Plan your wedding favours
If you’re planning on giving favours to your guests as a token of appreciation for them being at your wedding, you should think about what you want to do and how you want to do it. If you’re having something bespoke created or going down the DIY route, these things take time.
Choose your hymns and/or readings
Speak to your officiant or celebrant about whether you’d like to have hymns or readings at your wedding ceremony. If you’d like a friend or family member to perform a reading, such as a poem or extract, you should approach them to let them know what you’d like them to do. You might also want to give them a copy of the reading ahead of time in case they’d like a few practice runs.
Finalise rehearsal dinner plans
If you’ve decided to go down the rehearsal dinner route, you’ll need to make sure everything’s ready. This includes the food, seating plan, attire and whether you’d like anyone to say a few words. Rehearsal dinners are far more relaxed than your actual wedding, but there’s still a loose structure that you may wish to stick to, which does require a little attention.
You may want to invite your officiant and celebrant to the rehearsal, so make sure they know about it in plenty of time if so.
You may also want to send formal invitations to the rehearsal dinner, or include these in your wedding invitations. Because they’re far more relaxed, a text message can also do the trick.
2 months before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 2 months before
Write your wedding vows
By now, you’ll have discussed with each other (as well as with your officiant and/or celebrant) whether you’re writing your own vows or using something a little more traditional. There’s no right or wrong answer to this – only what’s right for you.
If you’ve chosen to write your own vows, we implore you not to leave it too late – and especially don’t try to wing it on the day. Writing your own vows is a highly-personal and sometimes challenging task. Getting exactly how you feel in your head and heart down on paper can be more challenging than you might assume. With an early start you can make changes to them over time. Refine, tweak, cut, add. It’ll likely be a work in progress right up until the last moment.
Go to your first dress fitting
There’s only around eight weeks to go now, so things will start to feel very real. No more so will it hit you than when you go to your first dress fitting. This allows the seamstress to make changes and alterations to make sure your dress fits you perfectly on the big day.
Choose your wedding accessories
To complement your wedding attire, you’ll want to think about what accessories you’ll wear too. For the bride, this might be a clutch, bracelet, necklace, tiara and veil. You’ll also need to choose your wedding day underwear – especially a bra that fits comfortably and suits the style of your dress.
For the groom, you can wear a tie, pocket square, watch, cufflinks, socks and belt. These should all be co-ordinated to fit the style and colour scheme of your wedding.
Buy gifts for your wedding party
As a token of gratitude, you may want to give members of your wedding party a small gift to thank them for their love and support. It doesn’t need to be something big: some flowers or a bottle of wine is often more than enough (or a toy or game if they’re on the younger side). It’s common for couples to give a gift to the:
Groom’s mum
Bride’s mum
Groom’s dad
Bride’s dad
Maid of honour
Best man
Bridesmaids
Groomsmen
Flower girls
Page boy
Finalise the details with your florist
With just a couple of months to go, speak to your florist about the final details, including when and where to deliver and set up the flowers. If you have the budget, you might also want to arrange for mock-ups so you can see your design in person and make any tweaks. But, this does cost, so isn’t something many couples choose to do.
Choose your wedding music
Music plays a huge role in your wedding, from the music you walk down the aisle to, to the tunes you throw shapes to throughout the evening. Whether you’ve chosen to hire a DJ, band, harpist, solo musician or something else, you should make your final decisions and let the vendor know. The music you should think about includes:
Welcome music at the venue
Bride’s entrance music
Processional music
Music while you sign the register
Recessional music
Wedding breakfast music
Evening reception music/playlist
Check you have all the decor and stationery
Having already organised so many huge things for your wedding, it’s important that you don’t overlook the smaller things too. Everything from cake toppers to table numbers should be bought, rented, borrowed or dug out of the loft and kept safely together so you have everything ready to take to the venue. The key items to think about include:
Table numbers
Place names
Centrepieces
Guestbook
Cake stand
Cake topper
Welcome sign
Card or gift bag/box
Pillow for the page boy
Basket and petals for the flower girls
1 month before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 1 month before
Okay, time for the hard part. You paid your deposits more than a year ago, but now it’s time to pay those invoices in full (unless the agreements specified otherwise). Don’t assume every vendor is the same, as they’re all likely to have different payment terms. The last thing you want is to lose out on a vendor because you didn’t read their payment terms, so make sure you pay in full and on time. It’s going to suck paying out so much money around a similar time, but it’ll definitely be worth it when your wedding is everything you dreamed it would be.
Create your seating plan
By now, you should have (hopefully) 98% of your RSVPs through, so you’ll have a great idea as to who is and isn’t coming to your wedding. You also probably already have thoughts about who should sit with whom and where you’d like them to be. Get those thoughts down on paper and work out the seating plan so it’s ready for the final tweaks once your last couple of RSVPs come through. Then, it’s ready to be printed (or sent to a designer if you’re hiring someone to do it for you).
Create your name cards
Along with the seating plan, you can create a list of names to either send to the printers or a calligrapher, or you can make them yourselves. If you’re having a go at calligraphy, it’s a skill that can take years to master, but with plenty of practice and a few YouTube tutorials, you might be able to create some lovely name cards.
Chase any outstanding RSVPs
You more than likely asked your guests to RSVP to your invitations way before now, but unfortunately, there will still be a few stragglers who either forgot, weren’t sure whether they could make it, or their responses got lost in the post. A gentle reminder is usually enough to give potential guests a nudge to respond and get you a complete list of who can make it to your wedding.
Meet with your wedding planner to go through everything
If you’ve hired a wedding planner, now’s the time to meet with them again and go through everything to ensure your must-haves and nice-to-haves are all in place. If you’re lucky and your planning’s gone smoothly, there shouldn’t be any dramas, but don’t be surprised if there are one or two things to sort out.
If you don’t have a wedding planner, you might want to meet with the events coordinator at your venue to check everything. With the wedding now just a few weeks away, if nothing else, meeting with the venue team can help steady your nerves and reassure you that everything’s hunky dory.
2 weeks before your wedding
Have your final wedding dress fitting
It’s all starting to get very real now, so it’s time to get everything else finalised – starting with your dress. There might be one or two more very small alterations just to make sure your dress is perfect and you look as drop-dead gorgeous as possible.
If you can, ask your bridesmaids and maid of honour to go with you, not only for a bit of moral support and to share in your excitement, but also to learn how to bustle your dress if needed.
Wear your wedding shoes to break them in
Remember how we mentioned you’ll spend a lot of your wedding day on your feet so it’s important to have comfortable footwear? Well, part of that is breaking your shoes in. Wear them around the house for a couple of hours so they’re comfortable on the day, while avoiding the risk of scuffing or dirtying them before you’ve even had a chance to show them off.
Double-check your wedding checklist
Things are probably going well. You might feel super confident and like you’re on top of this whole wedding-planning malarkey. That’s great, but don’t get complacent – you still have time to sort things out if there’s something that’s
slipped your mind. Comb through your checklist, which is easy if you use a wedding checklist tool, to double-check that everything is exactly where it needs to be. If it’s not, then get a move on and sort it while there’s still time!
Print any final items of stationery or decor
Make sure any final items of stationery or decor are at the printers and that they’ll be delivered in plenty of time. This includes a welcome sign, place cards, personalised balloons and your seating plan.
Enjoy your stag do/hen party
If you and your partner are having a final blowout before the big day, make sure you push wedding planning out of your mind for just a little while to enjoy your stag do and/or hen night. Depending on what you have planned, it can be a good idea to have it a little earlier than this, but we recommend avoiding the week before and definitely the night before – the last thing you want on your wedding day is to nurse a hangover.
Finalise your plan B
Sometimes, things might not always go according to plan. If any part of your wedding day plans are risky or take part outside, make sure you know exactly what can and should happen should the worst outcome occur. Chances are you won’t need to rely on a contingency plan, but having one and not using it is way better than needing one and not having it.
1 week before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 1 week before
Finish writing your vows
If you made a start on writing your vows a couple of months ago, you should be almost there. It’s simply a case of dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s so you can get something down that’s personal to you and your feelings. When you’re writing your vows, the officiant will usually want to see them beforehand to make sure they don’t include anything you’re not supposed to.
Share your itinerary with your wedding party
With a matter of days remaining, members of your wedding party will start to ask questions about what’s expected of them. Share a copy of the wedding day itinerary with them so they know where they need to be and when. That way, everyone’s on the same page and no one’s asking last-minute questions.
Pack for your honeymoon
If you’re jetting off on your honeymoon not long after your wedding day, do as much packing as you can before the wedding excitement gets too much and you end up forgetting important stuff you need with you on holiday, like sun cream or your passport.
3 days before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 3 days before
Take a little time for yourself
You have just days left of single life, so if you have the time (and annual leave) to spare, take a couple of days off to chill out and unwind. It’ll also be a good opportunity to finish off any last-minute bits you’ve been putting off.
If taking time away from work isn’t doable (which is possible if you have your honeymoon after the wedding) then at least speak to your boss and ask them to keep your workload light. Taking on stressful or time-consuming projects might cause a few pre-wedding headaches which you’ll want to do your best to avoid.
Practise reciting your vows
If you’ve written your own vows, once your officiant has given you the thumbs up, you should practise saying them out loud. This keeps things a lot more natural and loose, and helps you identify if there are some tongue-twisters or lines you’re likely to trip up on.
Enjoy a spa session
This one is definitely a nice-to-have rather than a must-have, but a trip to the spa for a massage and some relaxing treatments can do wonders to spoil the mind, body and soul before your big day. Not only will it help you feel good, but it can also do wonders for your skin and complexion.
Get your nails done
We beg you, don’t leave your nails until the day of the wedding. Book an appointment with your favourite manicurist for at least the day before and talk through what you’d like. If you’re wearing open-toed shoes, you might also want to have a pedicure done at the same time.
Pay a visit to the barber
The groom shouldn’t leave it too late to visit the barber, unless it’s to get a professional wet shave on the morning of the wedding. A haircut a few days before the wedding should be more than fine.
2 days before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 2 days before
Get your things together
With just 48 hours to go, it’s time to put together everything you’ll need for the ceremony, breakfast and evening reception. Pack them carefully into boxes or bags so you can take them to the venue the day before the wedding (if you can).
You should also pack an overnight bag that includes everything for the morning of the wedding (including your wedding attire, of course) as well as clothes for the following day if you’re spending your wedding night in a hotel. Don’t forget your toothbrush!
Clean your wedding rings
You’ll soon have your wedding rings on your fingers and they’ll never look quite as flawless ever again (though they’ll never be any less loved). So, crack out your jewellery-cleaning kit and make sure your rings are shiny and fingerprint free.
Write your partner a special note
How are you feeling about your impending wedding day? It’ll probably be a combination of excitement, adrenaline and nerves. It’s also highly likely that your partner’s feeling exactly the same as you are.
If you’re sticking to traditions, you won’t see your partner on the morning of the wedding, so they’ll no doubt wonder what’s going through your mind – and vice versa. Let them know how much they’re loved and help calm their nerves with a note that tells them exactly that. You don’t need to write them something long-winded – just a short note that lets them know how excited you are to see them at the other end of the aisle before you spend the rest of your lives together.
1 day before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 1 day before
Collect anything you’re hiring
With just one day to go, it’s time to do those last-minute jobs – the first one being to collect anything you might be hiring, whether it’s a dress, a suit, decor or anything else. If it’s something big, like a marquee, you shouldn’t have to worry about it as the vendor will sort out delivery and set up/take down.
When collecting, make sure you’re 100% clear on the return agreement, so you’re not accidentally returning an item late (which can lead to hefty fees).
Take key items to the venue (if possible)
If your venue’s hosting an event the day before your wedding, this might not be possible, but if it is, you should be able to take items such as decor to the venue the day before so it’s one less thing to worry about. Speak to the venue’s events coordinator ahead of time to see what they can do.
Have an early night
Tomorrow’s going to be a BIG day, so give your partner a big kiss and a cuddle, then remind them about how much you’re going to miss them and how excited you are for the next day. With so much excitement (and a few nerves) it might be a challenge, but try to get an early night so you’re as fresh-faced as possible for the big day.
And that’s it, it’s time to get ready for your wedding and have the most incredible celebration of your life! All those many weeks and months of planning will finally come together and you’ll have a day filled with love and incredible memories. Just remember to enjoy it – it’ll go by as quick as a flash!
Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook
Are you getting ready to plan your own wedding? Sign up to Bridebook to access everything you need to plan your perfect day.
What is a wedding without music? If you think about it, music plays a major part in every wedding. It greets your guests as they take their seats, it accompanies you as you walk down the aisle, and it’s the reason why your uncle decided to do the Macarena alone on the dancefloor because everyone else refused to join him.
Music sets the tone for your wedding, creates atmosphere and gets everyone moving. But, with so many options available, should you choose a solo musician, a band, or a DJ? And what about the music at the ceremony itself?
In this post, we’ll take a look at how much wedding music costs, including the average price couples pay, the cost of various options available to you at the ceremony and reception, and the factors that affect the cost of wedding music.
As revealed in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, the average amount couples spend on wedding music in the UK is £1,800. To be specific, based on our 2024 UK Wedding Report, that breaks down to £1,127 for reception music, and £641 for ceremony music. This figure doesn’t include the costs that may come with hiring additional non-music entertainment, like magicians or dancers, which can cost an extra £800 on average.
This cost can, of course, be much higher or lower, and depends on various factors such as the number of musicians and singers, how long they’re needed and the type of music they play. It may seem obvious, but a band that comprises five members will usually be more than a solo musician or a DJ.
If it’s important to you that there’s music at your wedding but your budget is on the smaller side, check out our blog post on saving money on wedding entertainment.
How much do wedding bands, singers and DJs cost?
The average spend may be £900, but the price you pay for music at your wedding may be vastly different depending on what you’re after.
Solo musician
A solo musician will be accompanied by pre-recorded backing music or may play an instrument such as a piano or guitar. Some great solo musicians for a wedding include Kate Ferguson and Jon Hart. Costs start from £350.
A duo is a pair of musicians, with one or both often playing an instrument. Great duos include Mango Acoustic Duo and The Boardwalk Duo. Costs start from £500.
Welcome your guests and walk down the aisle to beautiful music by a string quartet. Many quartets even offer classical versions of well-known pop songs! Consider quartets like 4tissimo String Quartetand Crystal Palace String Quartet. Costs start from £500.
A safe option for almost every wedding, a DJ will play the tunes to suit your taste and even take questionable requests from your guests. Some of the DJs you can discover on Bridebook include Iggy Davis, Disco Nytsand The Wedding Players. Costs start from £360.
A choir brings harmony and class to your wedding and is a wonderful way to begin your celebrations. Fabulous choirs include Crystal Gospel Choir and Lyrica Singers. Costs start from £300.
If you’re looking to celebrate your Celtic heritage, the bagpipes are a fantastic way to include some traditional Scottish charm into your wedding. Talented bagpipers include Andrew Brian Highland Bagpiper and Spud the Piper. Costs start from £150.
Delicate and elegant, a harpist is a great way to welcome your guests and a beautiful choice of music to walk down the aisle to. Great harpists include Nottinghamshire Harpist and Meredith McCracken. Costs start from £225.
For a touch of wedding tradition, an organist (or pianist) provides just that. Organ players we love include Musical Sam Servicesand Grant Jones. Costs start from £120.
If you’re on a tight budget, then a live musician isn’t a must-have for your wedding – your guests will still have an incredible time celebrating your big day by throwing some shapes thanks to a DJ. But, if you do have a larger budget to dedicate to musical entertainment, then it will add a unique and personalised touch.
A talented live musician or band not only provides background music to your wedding but also works as a feature and talking point. There’s so much variation out there, whether you’re a fan of rock music, pop, classical, jazz or more. Check out our selection of wedding musicians and find the perfect musical entertainment for your big day.
How much does wedding ceremony music cost?
It’s unlikely you’ll want a band or singer at your wedding ceremony (but if you do, go for it!) but live music can add a lovely, personal touch. A string quartet, a harpist or even a bagpiper ensures a welcoming atmosphere and ambiance that pre-recorded music can’t match.
Because your wedding ceremony is one of the shortest parts of your big day, the cost of a live musician at the ceremony can be far more affordable than a musician you may hire for the entire day or evening reception. If you’re looking for a musician to perform during the ceremony alone, the costs will be around £120 – £350. The more specialist the musician is, such as a harpist, the more expensive they’ll be.
What factors affect the cost of wedding music?
Several factors can affect how much you’ll pay for wedding music, including:
Location: If you’re in London you’ll likely pay more than if you’re hiring a musician outside the capital. You may also have to pay an additional fee if you’re outside their usual catchment area.
Date: Expect to pay more for a musician during peak times, such as during the summer months and at weekends.
Type of music: The type of music played can affect how much you’ll pay. For example, a band will usually be pricier than a DJ.
The number of musicians: It may seem obvious, but you’ll pay more for a band than a solo singer.
Experience: An experienced performer will cost more than an up-and-comer, but is more likely to entertain your guests for longer.
Time: The longer you want the musician at your wedding the more they’re going to charge.
Extras: A lighting package, smoke, bubble or confetti machine, plus mics for the speeches, may be available for an additional cost.
Plan your wedding today with Bridebook
Sign up to Bridebook and start planning your wedding today! We have a wide range of musicians available to book for your wedding to suit all tastes and budgets.
And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding music, we’ve got all the hacks you need to help you hit the right notes.
A wedding cake plays a huge part in your wedding. Not only is it a centrepiece at the wedding reception, but also acts as a talking point – with the added benefit of your guests getting to eat it too.
But exactly how much a wedding cake costs depends on a lot, from the number of tiers to the flavour. You may want an elegant, traditional fruit cake, or a towering chocolate explosion – the choices are endless.
In this post, we’ll take a look at everything to do with the cost of a wedding cake, including the average cost, what can affect the price, and what type of cake you might expect for your budget.
In our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, we revealed that the average cost of a wedding cake in the UK is £400-£500. However, what you’ll actually pay could be lower – or much, much higher, depending on what you’re looking for.
For example, if you have a tighter budget, then a two-tier, lightly decorated vanilla sponge will be more affordable. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a touch of extravagance, a four-tier cake with multiple flavours and intricate detail will need a considerably more generous budget.
Number of Tiers
Affordable
Moderate
Luxury
2
£250 – £300
£350-400
£650- £750
3
£300 – £350
£450- £500
£850- £900
4
£400 – £450
£550- £600
£950- £1,000
If you’re on a budget, check out our post on ways to save money on your wedding cake. Do note that there are always compromises if you opt for the DIY approach.
By contrast, if you’re looking for a designer wedding cake which is completely custom-made, you can expect to pay well over £1,000 on average, even for cakes starting with relatively few tiers. This is because you’re paying for one-of-a-kind artistry, craftsmanship and unrivalled expertise, and there’s a lot of labour involved with making an elegant bespoke cake. Plus, there’s a very personal, and extended, level of service involved – a large, complicated designer cake can start months in advance, involving many consultations and back-and-forth communications to get the design just right for you and you alone, and take days to decorate once everything has been finalised.
How much you should pay for your wedding cake is down to what works for you – there is no right or wrong answer. If a wedding cake is something you want to include as a formality (or to appease Grandma), then you may want something small purely for the sake of your photos and to give your guests an extra dessert (once again, appeasing Grandma). In fact, if you’re not interested in traditions, you don’t need a wedding cake at all – something unique, like a pie or a jelly, works just as well and makes for a great talking point.
Yes, a bespoke wedding cake will cost considerably more than a ‘generic design’, as we’ve already touched upon above, due to the amount of time it takes the cake maker to design and make a one-of-a-kind cake which also doubles as a showstopping work of edible art. This could include having to create new techniques, sourcing new cake moulds, or crafting sugar models and patterns.
Store-made cakes are also made in large batches and often frozen before they’re bought, whereas bespoke cakes are freshly made. It can still be a lovely cake to both admire and eat, but a bespoke cake adds that unparalleled touch of quality, and so naturally comes with a premium price tag.
Traditionally, a wedding cake will have three tiers, but that’s not to say that your cake should stick to this. It’s your wedding, and if you want your cake to have two tiers (or 14 if you’re so inclined – you do you) then there’s nothing stopping you.
The only thing to be mindful of is how many guests your cake may need to feed. The more guests you have, then if you plan on letting everyone have a slice the bigger it’ll need to be.
If you’re keen on cake but not big on tradition, a show-stopping novelty cake can work as a great centrepiece. A three-tier cake will turn some heads, but a novelty cake shaped like something other than a cake is a great way to add another layer of personalisation to your wedding. Whether it’s a mountain if you enjoy hiking, a carousel if you both love going to the fair, or a pile of books if you’re both big readers, there are a million and one options for a creative – but still elegant and classy – wedding cake. However, because novelty cakes take a lot of work, they can cost a lot more – but are definitely worth it.
Another option to consider is a selection of cupcakes, such as from The Costa Cupcake Company and The Daisy Chain Bakery. The number of cupcakes can be customised to the number of guests you’ve invited, so everyone gets one. Cupcakes can be decorated to complement your style or theme, and there’s also the benefit of them being a huge crowd pleaser, too.
Does the number of decorations affect the cost of a wedding cake?
Wedding cake prices can increase depending on the number of sugar decorations that you have, so think carefully before committing to a dozen sugar flowers on each tier. A ready-made sugar flower sold separately from the cake can cost £6.75, and bespoke flowers like peonies and roses for crowning the cake can add another £30 – £40. Many couples choose to decorate their cake with real or plastic flowers, both of which save a considerable amount of money and still look absolutely amazing.
What other factors can affect the cost of a wedding cake?
When it comes to your wedding cake, there are plenty of factors that will affect how much you’ll pay. The following are the most important:
Tiers: The more tiers there are, the more your cake will cost.
Location: Where your cake makers are based will affect the cost. For example, those located in London will naturally have higher rates than those outside.
Design: A more complex or intricate cake design will take more time and skill than a simple or more subtle design, bumping up the cost.
Techniques: The techniques involved are another potential variable in the cost, for example, whether the cake will be hand-painted, or airbrushed with stencils, or whether it needs to be sculpted free-hand, or is of a simpler shape.
Toppers: Cake toppers offer a cute way to personalise your cake, but can take a lot of time to craft, especially if they’re bespoke.
Flavour: A basic sponge cake will be more affordable than luxurious triple chocolate or alcohol-soaked fruit cake.
Dummy layers: If you want more tiers but not necessarily more cake, dummy layers will lower the cost by (though not always by as much as you might think).
Ingredients: If organic or premium ingredients are important to you then you’ll need a budget to reflect it. Ingredients for the decoration will also add to the cost – for example, if there’s sugar, buttercream, or even fresh flowers.
Stand: A basic cake stand will be more affordable than one that’s extravagant.
Delivery and setup fees: If delivery and setup take a long time, especially for large and elaborate cakes, then expect to pay a little extra.
You’ll be the first to slice your cake, but don’t expect to have to cut every guest a slice yourself. When speaking to your catering team, ask them exactly how you want your cake to be sliced. If you have a fruit cake, the denseness and richness mean you don’t need to be overly generous with size like you might with a more delicate sponge. Another way to ensure a better cost-per-slice ratio is with square slices instead of wedges.
When it comes to taste, vanilla, chocolate and lemon are the most popular wedding cake flavours, and luckily they’re also among the cheapest. A fruit cake made with fresh fruit will be more expensive, but as we mentioned above, its intense (and more acquired) taste means it’ll go further. Also, rolled fondant and marzipan will cost more, as they take more time to smooth and can tear easily if not applied carefully.
Dummy layers are a crafty way to add extra tiers to your cake while ensuring the cost doesn’t spiral out of control. Dummy layers are made from styrofoam and covered in the same icing as the other layers, so your guests will be none the wiser. They’re a great way to save if you’re keen on a five-tier cake but only need 70 servings. A fake layer (or two) can add drama and extra height, without the need for a filling or unnecessary weight. The layer itself doesn’t cost a lot, but it’s worth bearing in mind that lots of detail will still drive up the price.
Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook
Sign up to Bridebook and effortlessly plan your wedding today! We have a huge selection of amazing wedding cake makers to make your wedding cake dreams come true!
And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding cake, we’ve put together our top tips to help you cut costs without cutting out all the best bits.
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.
Whether you’ve dreamed of yourself in a beautiful, flowing white dress since you were five-years-old, or you’ve only started to even consider it post-ring, the bridal dress is often a major component of a wedding. There are so many styles available that searching for and trying on dresses can be a long, fun and exciting journey for both the bride and the entire bridal party.
Many wedding dresses are made with premium materials and involve complex and intricate designs. As a result, the perfect dress naturally comes with a corresponding premium price tag. In the UK, the average amount spent on a wedding dress is £1,300, though it can often be double or even triple this. When you consider that the average cost of a wedding is £20,775, this may sound like a lot, but it’s proportionate with the cost of many other professional wedding services, including photographers and videographers.
However, there are plenty of ways to save money on a wedding dress. In this post, we’re going to explore the tips and tricks you can use to help you stick to your budget while still getting to wear a gorgeous gown on your big day.
Wedding dresses come with a premium price tag for several reasons:
They’re made using very high-quality materials
They can come with complex and intricate adornments
They’re often handmade by a highly skilled and experienced dressmaker
They’re highly customised both in terms of style and fit
It’s tempting to choose a well-known, high-end designer to mark the occasion
They usually involve tailored service and consultations to get it just right
As well as these, wedding dresses have great sentimental value and are massively important to many brides. As a result, many brides-to-be are willing to pay premium prices to get the dress of their dreams. After all, this isn’t any old day. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, which deserves an outfit like no other.
Do you need to wear a bridal dress on your wedding day?
While a white dress is traditionally worn by a bride in western countries specifically, you by no means have to wear one on your own wedding day. What you wear at your wedding is down to you, the style and theme of your wedding, and any religious traditions you may wish to stick to.
A white dress may be what many brides choose to wear, but there are plenty who don’t and opt for an alternative instead. Examples of these include:
A non-traditional dress, which may feature colours or be black
Religious or cultural attire, such as a saree, kimono or hanbok
Trouser suits or jumpsuits, which are stylish and modern but still elegant
A two-piece ensemble, such as a skirt and top
Many non-bridal dresses can also be expensive, but are often far more affordable than traditional dresses worn by brides in the West.
If you’re keen to wear a traditional dress on your big day, there are plenty of ways to save money if you’re willing to compromise a little. Below are 12 ways you can make a saving when buying your wedding dress. And for more tips, check out our ultimate guide to saving money on your wedding.
Have you always wanted a stunning Vera Wang gown to get married in but aren’t sure your budget can stretch that far? Well, did you know that most wedding dress designers have a cheaper line available at bargain prices? That means you can go to your favourite designer and not have to break the bank to buy a dress. And for reference, for Vera Wang, it’s the White collection.
2. Look out for sample sales
When it comes to gorgeous designer gowns, boutiques and designers themselves will host sample sales at the end of seasons. You can find some absolute gems hidden among the endless racks; so as long as you’re willing to forego the typical bridal boutique shopping experience and service, they’re definitely worth it. Contrary to what some believe, the dresses are rarely permanently damaged – although they sometimes come with minor easily repairable flaws. In sample sales, all sales are final, which means no returns – so inspect your potential dress carefully for any imperfections before you buy.
Why not consider a preloved gown from a local charity shop? Remember, most brides will only wear their dress once and only for half a day, so the majority of the dresses you’ll find in a charity shop will be as good as new. It’s also a lovely sentiment to wear a dress that’s previously given so much joy to a happy couple. The only thing to bear in mind is that it’s unlikely you’ll find a dress that fits you perfectly, so you’ll have to take it for alterations and be prepared to compromise.
A great tip to save some pennies is to buy a dress that’s made ready to wear. It may need a little bit of tweaking, which can ramp up the cost, but the price of an off-the-hanger dress will generally be much lower than that of a made-to-measure gown. This approach can also save time, as it doesn’t require many months of creation and fittings. That said, if the creation and fitting experience is important to you, and you want a bespoke gown, you can’t expect to pay cheap off-the-rack prices. That level of service, and quality, is naturally going to cost. So it’s important to weigh up what’s most important to you when shopping around.
If you’re having a vintage-themed wedding, vintage shops are great places to find stunning dresses in a great variety of styles. In fact, you might not even buy a dress that was intended for a wedding at all. White Gatsby-esque evening dresses can look just as impressive as a specially made gown. When browsing, make sure to check the dresses for signs of wear and tear (especially on the hem and the armpits) and think of any potential alterations you might want to make ahead of buying. Then, you can put your bridesmaids in dresses of a complementary style.
This one might be a bit of a stretch, but if you happen to know a fantastic seamstress or dressmaker, you’re one lucky bride. It’s sometimes cheaper to have a dress made by a seamstress (especially if they’re not that experienced), and even more so if you ask for mates’ rates.
Many high-street retailers, like John Lewis and Next, have a beautiful range of bridal dresses that are fabulous, elegant and – most importantly, if you’re on a budget – affordable. Dresses from popular high-street brands can cost as low as £60, but make sure you shop early in case you need to take it for minor alterations. And again, weigh up your priorities, and manage your expectations. A high-street dress is unlikely to rival a bespoke custom-made designer dress, but if you’re on a budget, may be the best option for you personally.
It might not be something you immediately think of as an option, but did you know that, along with wedding suits, you can also rent wedding dresses? If you’re excited to wear a gorgeous, flowing dress but can’t stretch your budget enough to cover the cost, renting can get you into that perfect bridal gown. The only downside is that you’ll have to give it back, so won’t be able to hold on to it for sentimental reasons. Plus, just make sure you’re aware of the return policy, because if you return it late, the fees can sting.
As we’ve already covered, one of the reasons wedding dresses can be so expensive is because of the high-quality materials and craftsmanship that go into creating them. So, one great way to lower the cost is by choosing a dress with a simple or minimalist design. The fewer intricate details there are, the less work it will generally take, which can help keep costs down.
Sometimes it can be more affordable to hire a seamstress – particularly if it’s a seamstress with less experience. Of course, a seamstress with decades of experience will produce a fantastic dress, but it will come at a price. By using a less-experienced and local seamstress, you’ll get a beautiful bespoke dress but not have to pay as much. Also, if they’re local (and outside of London) you won’t have to pay for shipping or as many travel costs.
Online retailers, such as ASOS, can have a wide range of dresses to suit a selection of tastes, styles and budgets. The cost of a dress will often start around £100, but if you keep your eye out for a sale you might be able to pick up a stunning dress for as much as half this amount. The main risk is that you might not like it as much in person as you did when you saw the images, so make sure you know the returns policy before purchasing.
And again, the quality is not going to match a custom-made ensemble, in the same way that the experience of browsing online will be vastly different to trying on dresses in an independent boutique with your bridal party. Part of the service involved in choosing a bridal boutique is getting fitted by a professional with years of experience and benefiting from their expert advice through tailored, one-on-one consultations. But if a finding a cheap and serviceable dress is your only priority, this is of course a perfectly reasonable option.
Know you absolutely want to wear a certain dress, which means that renting, borrowing or buying online are out of the question? You can still splurge and buy an extravagant dress, because there’s always the option of selling your dress once you’re done. Unless you’re particularly sentimental or want to pass it on as an heirloom, sites such as Vinted, Stillwhite or even Facebook Marketplace are great. You more than likely won’t get your money back, but you could still get a huge chunk of it, which you could then reinvest into your honeymoon.
Depending on your plans for the big day, you may end up spending a fair amount of time in the back of a car. You might travel from home to the venue, then to have photographs taken, then to the breakfast, then be whisked off with your new spouse at the end of the night.
So, you might be keen to hire a luxurious car to be transported from A to B like royalty. Or, you might want to hire a bus so you and your entire wedding party can get around without having to worry about driving and parking.
But, there are ways to save money so you don’t have to spend anything close to the average. In this post, we’re going to explore the many ways you can save money on wedding transport and can still arrive at your wedding in style.
There are plenty of options available to hire fabulous wedding transport but pay way less than the average. Among the most affordable are modern, luxury cars, such as a Mercedes Benz S-Class or a Jaguar XJ.
Many wedding transport providers have rates that start from as low as £100, such as DS Executive Cars in High Wycombe, Classic Bridal Cars in Wirral and Kent and Coastal Wedding Cars in Whitstable. Each has a range of vehicles available, and provides further savings by offering discounts exclusive to Bridebook.
Have your eye on a specific type of car or vehicle but looking for some ideas to cut costs? Below are 12 ways you can save money on wedding transport. You can also read our comprehensive guide on how to save money on your wedding for even more ways to slash spending for your big day.
Wedding cars can be quite pricey, especially if the distance between the pick up and drop off locations is far. Many wedding transport companies will charge a per-mile surcharge if they have to travel outside of their usual level of service.
If you’re getting married in a church, try having it close to home or not too far from your reception venue. Factor this in when you’re searching for your perfect venue, because the further you have to travel, the more it’ll cost you for transport.
You can cut transport costs right down by hiring a venue that allows you to have the ceremony, breakfast and reception all in one. You’ll make further savings if your venue also doubles as a hotel, so you don’t have to jump in the car again at the end of the night.
Got an uncle who spends all his time tinkering with his E-Type Jaguar in the garage? Give him the opportunity to show it off and drive you to the venue. Calling in a favour with someone you know who has an extra special car is a brilliant way to save money and also give them a unique role in your wedding. Just make sure the car they have has a big enough back seat to fit you and your partner at the end of the night!
If a vintage or luxurious modern car isn’t necessarily for you, you may be able to save money by going for more alternative and quirky options. If you’re having a countryside wedding, why not climb into a tractor for your last drive as a single person? Or if your brother is a fireman, why not arrive at your venue in a fire engine for a more explosive entrance? Ask around and see what you can get that’s one-of-a-kind (and inexpensive).
For your grand exit at the end of the reception, consider forgoing a luxury vehicle and simply hiring a taxi. The experience might not be quite the same, but if your priority is to keep costs down at all costs, this can often be a more affordable option, costing a fraction of the price of a luxury mode of transport. If you’re having a London wedding, taxis are an iconic car choice in themselves. You will want to secure a fixed rate to avoid any last-minute hidden surprises or extra fees on the day (due to unforeseen traffic, for example).
For an example of what you might pay, prices at Wedding Taxis in Greater London start from as low as £30 – you can’t argue with costs that low.
During the most popular seasons (April through to September), and on the busiest days of the week (Fridays and the weekend), vendors’ rates will be at their most expensive – this includes transport. So, to keep costs down across your entire wedding, consider getting married during the quieter winter months in the middle of the week. If you do, you’ll pay significantly less, and will be able to get much more for your budget.
Make sure you hire from a local company, because part of their quote will include the miles they drive before you even get in the vehicle. With fuel as expensive as it is, you can expect to pay less if a vendor is based a couple of miles away compared to one that takes an hour to get to you.
The only exception to this is if you’re in London. Vendors based in the capital often have rates that are higher than those elsewhere, so it’s worth browsing from a range of companies and comparing their rates. Check out our huge list of wedding transport providers to find fantastic options near you.
You might expect vintage wedding cars to be expensive, but they’re actually fairly budget-friendly. Costs generally start from around £250, so you can ride in the back of a vintage VW, Rolls Royce or Bentley and still pay way under the UK average. Great vintage wedding car companies include Bridal Carriages in Northamptonshire, Splitty Wedding Hire in Hampshire and EWC Wedding Cars in Essex.
When you know your date and you’ve secured your venue, make it your mission to book your transport as far in advance as possible. The more popular and affordable options will soon get booked up, so you could end up paying more than you’ve budgeted for. And, if you book far enough in advance, many vendors offer early bird rates.
Ask friends and family for recommendations on which company they used when they got married. That way, not only can you be confident that you’ve hired a dependable service, but it can also be a great way to secure a discount. Another option is to browse the range of wedding transport we have here at Bridebook. Many vendors offer exclusive discounts if you book through Bridebook, so it’s worth taking a look – you could save a lot of money.
If you only need to use the services of a car and chauffeur for a certain number of hours, make sure you book an hourly rate, rather than a daily rate. A day rate will be much more expensive and you’ll end up paying way more than you need to. Paying an hourly rate means you only pay for the time you use, meaning you don’t waste any of your precious budget.
If a vendor doesn’t appear to offer an hourly rate, ask them for one. Chances are they’ll be happy to give you a quote.
As the saying goes, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. Before securing your booking, ask your chosen company if they’d be happy to offer a discount. Just because they quote you a certain price doesn’t mean it’s set in stone. Business owners often expect a bit of back and forth, so will may well have a bit of wiggle room that allows them to lower the price. Even just a tiny discount can make all the difference when you’re planning something as extravagant as a wedding.
Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook
Here at Bridebook, we provide you with everything you need to plan your wedding stress-free and save money as you go. Sign up and start planning your big day today!
Your bridal party consists of your best pals who have supported you throughout the planning process, who have sat up into the early hours with you making favours while sipping bubbly, and who will wear the second most gorgeous dresses on your wedding day. The process of finding and trying on dresses can be a lot of fun in itself – if not a little stressful until you finally find the dresses.
At this stage, you might have decided who’s paying for your bridesmaids’ dresses, which can come down to your own budget and preferences, and the budget of your bridesmaids. But whoever’s paying, you need to be conscious of the cost. If you’re paying, remember to manage your budget with our handy budget planning tool.
The average cost of bridesmaid dresses is around £80 to £500 per dress, which means you can times this amount by the number of bridesmaids you have to work out the total cost. So, if you have five bridesmaids, you might pay between £400 and £2,500 for all of their dresses collectively.
So, how do you save money on bridesmaid dresses to ensure that – whoever picks up the bill – you don’t go beyond what your budget allows? After all, with the average wedding costing £20,775, you likely won’t want to add any more figures to your ever-increasing expenses.
In this post, we’re going to explore how to save money on bridesmaid dresses, including why they cost as much as they do and what you can do to pay less but still make sure your bridesmaids look stunning.
As with most things that are wedding-related, there’s often a premium price attached to bridesmaid dresses. This is especially true when it comes to dresses made by popular brands and designers. Bridesmaid dresses from specialist wedding boutiques in particular are also often custom-made with expensive, high-quality materials and embellishments. Plus, couples are usually keen to spend more money on purchases for their wedding to make sure it’s extra special.
Thankfully, just because many couples spend between £80 and £500 on each bridesmaid dress doesn’t mean you have to pay that much. There are ways to make sure your spending is closer to the lower end of that scale.
While it’s common for bridesmaids to wear dresses, there’s nothing to say that this has to be the case. If you’re asking your bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses, then you’re likely to get a whole selection of wonderful styles, personalisations and preferences.
Instead of dresses, you or your bridesmaids might choose to wear:
Jumpsuits
Rompers
Cultural attire
Separates
Pantsuits
Tuxedos
There’s no right or wrong choice. If you’d like your bridesmaids to all wear similar outfits, just make sure you coordinate this with them early on.
As a rule of thumb, if you’re asking your bridesmaids to wear a specific dress or putting severe restrictions on what they can and can’t wear, then you should offer to pay for their dresses. If you’re open to them wearing a dress of their own choosing, and only have some loose requests – like wearing a certain colour – then it’s easier to ask your bridesmaids to pay for their dresses.
That being said, this is a rather murky rule and by no means something you should feel obliged stick to. For more information, read our blog post on what your bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for.
Looking to save money on bridesmaid dresses but still have the best-looking wedding squad there is? Below are 10 ways you can spend less on bridesmaid dresses. For more money-saving tips, read our ultimate wedding cost-cutting guide.
It might be tempting to rush straight to wedding boutiques and receive VIP treatment, but a great way to save money if you’re on a tight budget is by browsing the high-street retailers you might shop at all the time anyway. If nothing else, the high street is a brilliant way to get some inspiration and for your bridesmaids to try on a few fabulous outfits.
Need convincing? M&S has a wide range of amazing bridesmaid dresses, and the best part is that costs start from around £65. It’s always worth a trip to your local town or city centre to browse some of your favourite retailers. The quality and level of service might not match that of a designer boutique, but if cutting back on your wedding spending is your top priority, then this can be an affordable and cost-effective option.
Many bridesmaids sell their dresses straight after a wedding, so there are beautiful, barely worn dresses out there just begging to be worn again. Similarly, suggest to your bridesmaids that they can sell theirs after (obviously not before!) the big day to make some of their cash back. Sites like eBay, Knot New and Vinted are great for finding affordable clothing which is practically as good as new. Going down the pre-loved route is also a great sustainable choice if you and your bridesmaids are eco-conscious.
Why not consider renting your bridesmaid dresses? This US trend has come to the UK, and the most gorgeous dresses, including Badgley Mischka and McQueen, are now available to bridesmaids at much lower prices than if you were to buy them outright. You might even be able to bag some extra deals by renting several dresses from the same supplier.
One thing to note is the returns policy. Make sure you return the dresses on time and without any stains or damage, as you might be charged an additional fee.
Online retailers are bursting at the seams with deals. Often the bridesmaid dresses that you’re looking for will be available at a cheaper price somewhere else, or some websites will offer discount coupons. Just be aware that you’ll need to be sure they’ll fit, and fit well – otherwise, you might just spend the same amount on alterations as you would have done in-store. Before you make your purchase, double-check the website’s return policy just in case you have to send something back or swap it for another size.
If you start bridesmaid dress shopping in plenty of time, you can hold out for some cracking deals at end-of-season sales. You’ll be amazed at how many gorgeous dresses you can find at almost unbelievable prices if you’re first in line when the sales drop.
Why not think about going for a non-obvious dress style for your bridesmaids? For example, vintage-style tea dresses can be quite cheap to pick up, so having your bridesmaids in a selection from the same era will look cohesive and unique but not cost the earth. Alternatively, midi dresses are everywhere – capitalise on this by getting some formal-looking dresses for an informal price.
7. Ask your bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses
If you’re conscious about your own budget, then there’s absolutely nothing wrong with asking your bridesmaids to pay for their dresses. Just make sure you give them plenty of notice and don’t ask them to drop hundreds on a specific dress.
Trust your bridesmaids and give them a few guidelines, like length and colour, and let them pick out their own dresses – that way, they’re likely to be willing to spend more as they can pick something they know they’ll wear again. Just check you’re happy with them before the big day.
Your bridesmaids don’t all need matching clutches and shoes – ask them to stick to a colour scheme and style and let them buy their own or wear something they already have.
Be brave and think ahead of the curve. Bridal jumpsuits are all the rage, but bridesmaids’ jumpsuits aren’t quite at the same hype just yet. This means they likely won’t have super premium price tags next to them, which is ideal if you’re looking to cut costs. Your bridesmaids would not only look incredibly chic in jumpsuits, but have money left over too.
If you’re keen on shopping at a boutique for your bridesmaid dresses (after all, nothing can compare to the luxury of boutique garments, or the experience of specialist service and attention), why not be brave and negotiate with the owner? You might struggle if you’re only buying a single dress, but if you’re buying multiple dresses (or even your wedding dress itself), you might well get a small percentage knocked off the final bill. When you’re spending hundreds (or even thousands), every little saving you make will quickly add up.
Little girls wearing the most adorable dresses while walking down the aisle with flowers on their heads can be a super cute addition to your wedding ceremony. So if you or your beloved have a daughter or maybe some adorable nieces or younger cousins, we’re sure you’ve thought about including them in your wedding party as a flower girl. While we all know a flower girl should look sweet, what do you need to think about to make sure your flower girl is cute and up for the job?
In this post, we’re going to look at everything you need to know when it comes to flower girls, including what they do, how old they are and whether or not you need to have one at your wedding.
Flower girls have been a common role at weddings dating back to ancient Rome, when young girls would carry bunches of wheat and scatter herbs down the aisle before the bride joined the groom at the altar. This was a symbolic gesture to wish the couple good luck in their life as they looked to start a family.
This has evolved over time, but only slightly. During medieval times, flower girls would ward off sinister spirits by carrying garlic. Only during the Victorian era did flower girls start to resemble those of modern times, becoming part of the bridal party to carry and scatter flowers and petals. While what the flower girl carries has changed over time, it continues to symbolise good luck and fertility – for those looking to start a family, of course.
A flower girl is usually the daughter of a friend or relative, and is someone happy to play a part in your wedding. The flower girl will walk down the aisle, after the bridesmaids but before the bride, holding a basket of rose or other flower petals, which they’ll scatter on the floor. They will then either stand with the rest of the bridal party, or rejoin their parents to sit and watch the rest of the ceremony.
Some flower girls may also be given bubbles to add an extra touch of magic. This is particularly beautiful if you have two or more flower girls, with one scattering petals while the other blows bubbles.
A flower girl is often someone who’s close to you, such as a younger sister, niece, cousin, or daughter of a close friend.
Sometimes it will be an obvious choice. But, if you’re part of a large family, and have more than one potential flower girl, don’t panic, this will only work in your favour. It can be a little overwhelming for one flower girl to be the centre of attention, especially if she’s very young or shy. This is why it’s nice to have a pair of flower girls, so that they can look after one another and help each other with their duties. Besides, if there’s a little group of flower girls, they’re guaranteed to have more fun and look extra cute as they walk down the aisle in their gorgeous dresses.
Traditionally, a flower girl is somewhere between the ages of four and nine. Any younger and they might find your wedding a challenge and any older and they’re more likely to be promoted to junior bridesmaid.
Flower girls are frequently seen at weddings around the world. It’s a great way to involve younger guests in your wedding, as well as to introduce the bride. But, if you don’t have any girls under nine in your family or friends circle, you’re hosting an intimate wedding or you simply don’t want a flower girl, then it’s not something you should feel obliged to include. While having a flower girl at your wedding is a cute addition, it’s not something that will impact your big day in any way should you not have one.
How many flower girls can you have at your wedding?
The traditional number of flower girls to have at your wedding is one, but it’s becoming increasingly more common to have two or even three. Basically, if you have several cute contenders and you can’t decide who gets the part, you can have as many flower girls as you like. That being said, you might want to avoid things getting out of hand if you have too many, so it’s probably best to stick to a smaller number. If there are older girls in your family and you’d love for them to be a part of your wedding, why not ask them to be a bridesmaid instead?
Flower girls may not play a large or key role in your wedding, but it’s still important and requires them to follow a few simple rules. So, your chosen flower girl will need to follow a few guidelines so you can be confident everything goes to plan, such as:
They’re happy to have attention on them from admirers at your wedding, including during the ceremony as they walk down the aisle.
They can follow instructions and are happy being told what to do.
They can attend any rehearsals you might have.
They’re enthusiastic and excited to play a part in your big day.
They can be on time and well-behaved.
They’ll also need to be happy to be included in the customary photo shoot, which usually requires a little more patience than it does for other guests, as the wedding party invariably are usually featured in more photographs.
What does a flower girl do on the morning of the wedding?
On the morning of the big day, it’s common for the flower girl to get ready with the rest of the bridal party. It’s a great way to help your flower girl feel included and a big part of your special day. This does depend on your relationship with the flower girl and if she’s old enough and has enough confidence to spend time away from her parents (unless she has other relatives, such as her mum, who are also part of the bridal party).
If your flower girl can’t get ready with the rest of the bridal party, then ask her parents to arrive at the venue in plenty of time to make sure they’re happy and settled before their big moment.
Do flower girls walk down the aisle before the bride (and bridesmaids)?
As the youngest (and most adorable) members of your wedding party, your flower girls may not fully understand what’s expected of them on your wedding day or why it’s such an important role in your wedding. A nice way to get your flower girls excited ahead of the big day is to present them with a children’s book about flower girls (this is one of our favourites). This way, you’re giving their parents an opportunity to fully explain what’s required of them on the day of the wedding, to calm them if they’re feeling nervous and make them feel special. After all, if a book is written about their role, it must be important!
Another nice idea is to organise a lunch with all the flower girls before the big day. That way everyone can become besties beforehand and you can talk them through what they have to do.
On the day itself, it’s a good idea to allocate one of your bridesmaids to look after them and make sure they walk at the right time, know where to sit and feel happy about what they’re doing.
Traditionally, a flower girl’s dress has to strike a perfect balance between the bride’s and bridesmaids’ dresses. The majority of flower girl dresses have the long puffy skirt silhouette with a high neck, with or without sleeves, depending on the weather. While the long skirts look absolutely lovely and make the flower girls feel like princesses, make sure you choose carefully so they don’t trip as they make their way up the aisle. We also find that while the majority of dresses are white, they will have a sash, or another small pop of colour, that ties them together with the bridal party.
If you’d like your flower girls to look less like the bride and wear a dress similar or identical to that of your bridesmaids, then you can absolutely do this. Not only will this look beautiful, but your flower girls will love wearing the same dress as other members of the bridal party.
Traditionally, the mother of the flower girl pays for the dress, while the couple or the bride’s parents (whoever is footing the bill) cover the cost of the flowers, basket and anything else the flower girl might need.
However, this all depends on your budget. These days, more and more couples are paying for their own wedding. For more information, read our post on who traditionally pays for what at a wedding.
In a similar way to how you might give your bridesmaids a token gift to show your appreciation for being a part of your wedding, you may also want to do the same for your flower girls. It’s by no means a requirement, but it’s a kind and thoughtful gesture that shows your flower girls how much it means to you that they were there to play a role in your special day.
A gift for your flower girls doesn’t need to be anything big or expensive. A small toy, a book, or a teddy bear is more than enough so it doesn’t need to add too much to your wedding budget.
If you’re excited to ask one of the little girls in your life to be a flower girl at your wedding, bear in mind the following five tips to make sure everything is as close to perfect as it can be.
Don’t ask more than two or three girls to be flower girls at your wedding. Any more and it might be difficult to get them to do what you need them to do. Plus, the more flower girls you have, the more they’re likely to get up to mischief.
Be as open and honest as possible with your flower girls, and invite them to make decisions so they feel part of your day. They’re probably used to being told what to do, but they’ll be far more enthusiastic if they feel empowered by being allowed to make some decisions, no matter how small they might be.
Make sure you order the dresses as close to the wedding date as possible, as children grow exceptionally quickly! The shop assistants will be able to help you, as they have years of experience in this. Be prepared to go up a size from the girl’s current age when ordering, to make sure the dresses won’t be too small once the big day arrives.
Make sure that the dress design you choose is a practical and comfortable one. Kids run around, fidget and generally don’t have the patience for restrictive designs, so prevent any tantrums ahead of time and think cute but comfortable.
Instead of (or as well as) a book, some brides give a piece of jewellery or a small gift to the little ones to say thank you for being part of the wedding. Obviously, they love this and feel very important!
Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook
Sign up to Bridebook today and you’ll get access to all the tools and resources you could need to plan your perfect wedding.
Wahooo you’re speeding through the planning! Your wedding is starting to magically appear in front of you and you’ve got the hottest line up of girls to party with throughout. But what do they wear? With all their different shapes and sizes, as well as all the styles, colours and lengths of dresses out there, it can be a fashion overload. Have no fear! With our carefully written guide, you will have a super time shopping (and drinking bubbly) and come W-day they will look awesome – obviously not as beautiful as you though!
Make sure the bridesmaids compliment the overall look of your wedding dress. No, no, no, of course they don’t have to be identical! But say if you’re wearing a beautiful Gatsby-inspired dress, think flappers for the bridesmaids!
By Anna Clarke Photography
2. Styles and cuts
It’s unlikely that all of your closest chums will be the same height and shape. What looks stunning on one, may look horrible on another. Sneaky tip: A-line skirts and empire waistlines will look good on most people. Or why not have slightly different dresses for each person – so one friend can wear long sleeves, while another sports a strapless number. Go for the same colour and material but alter them slightly to suit each person.
Don’t forget about their comfort! Don’t whack them all in backless mini dresses without asking! Check with them first, because if they are uncomfortable it will be obvious in the photographs – and more importantly they may not hit the dance floor!
By Millie Benbow Photography
3. Colours
Just as all body shapes are different, so are skin tones and hair colours. Again, you will want to pick something that will make all of your girls happy and luckily, you can! Pick one colour palette and allow them to pick different shades. That way, your girls can range from deeper hues to pastel shades and all feel fabulous.
By Anna Clarke Photography
4. Decisions, decisions
Why not let your bridesmaids choose their own dresses (approach with caution!) Stick to a colour and a length, occasionally, a material can work well too. Patterns can look fantastic, but try not to clash. This is a great option for the girls, as they may want to wear the dresses again, but you might want to keep an eye on what they choose.
Make sure all of your gals get measured properly! Whichever dress you choose, alterations are a must. For that, the girls will need their bust, waist and hip measurements taken, at least.
Similarly, if one of your bridesmaids becomes or is pregnant, you don’t need to worry. Bridesmaids dress shops and the vast majority of seamstresses will be able to adjust the dress for her needs – with the new addition!
Listen up! Not being apparent about budgets can cause tensions between friends and no one wants that – it’s meant to be all bubbles and celebrations! Traditionally, bridesmaids buy their own dresses, but you will need to be aware of their finances before you set a budget! If you fall in love with a dress but it’s a bit pricey, why not cover the difference in the cost for the bridesmaids? Smiles all round!
By Anna Clarke Photography
7. Shopping – the fun bit!
When you’re selecting the best dresses (with champagne in hand!) We recommend you hit the shops with your nearest and dearest – make a day out of it! Best to go with a couple of the girls to make a decision for everyone, as too many opinions can become confusing. Then you can send everyone in at different points to check they are happy and to have their fittings.
Go crazy with hair accessories, flowers, brooches and anything else that comes to mind. Never underestimate a pretty bolero or a tactically wrapped shawl. These accessories can make a bridesmaid feel great, especially if she doesn’t want to bear her shoulders or her back, or needs to cover up in the church.
Don’t forget about your bridesmaids’ shoes. While high heeled pumps may look great, they may not be comfortable for everyone. We suggest you give your girls guidelines on style and colour and they can pick shoes that they are comfortable in. One less thing for you to think about – done!
Picturing yourself whizzing up to your ceremony venue in a classic Rolls Royce… or a fire truck? Well let’s make that happen with one that looks ace AND is driven by someone you can rely on. To help, we’ve put together a bunch of questions to ask your vendor so you can get back to looking at the cars… or tractors….
1) Can I see some references and get in touch with other couples who have hired your services?
Just like with any vendor, the car providers should be more than happy to share references and showcase happy clients.
2) Can I see the wedding vehicles available?
Try to see them in real life so you can pick out the exact model that you want and not a later or earlier one!
3) Can the groom (as traditionally expected), drive the car after the ceremony or is the driver always required?
This is especially true for vintage vehicles, which need to have an experienced driver who will know what to do should the car malfunction.
4) Are all the vehicles insured and properly licensed?
This is incredibly important, as you don’t want to lose your deposit or have anything go wrong on the day.
By Weddings Vintage
5) Is the car I want available on my wedding date?
You don’t want to spend time lovingly picking out a vehicle only to find out that it is already booked, so check ahead of time, especially during the summer months!
6) How many people can fit into the car?
This is important information, as you will want to know whether the bridal party and mums can travel in one journey, or if you need to add more time for travel ahead of the ceremony.
7) What would happen if the chauffeur were late or the wedding car broke down?
You want to ask this question, because if anything goes wrong, you want to make sure that there is someone on standby, ready to take you to the ceremony without much delay.
8) Do you charge based on time or distance?
Depending on the answer, figure out the mileage to/from the ceremony/reception and the time it would take to travel and you will have a rough price ready.
By Ten Twenty One
9) Will the car remain at the venue until after the ceremony? Would I be able to use it to get to my reception?
The majority of transport providers will include the ceremony time in the overall price of the hire, but you want to make sure you don’t have any unexpected charges.
10) What decorations are provided for the car?
A lot of transport vendors will provide traditional decorations like ribbons and ‘just married’ plates. However, some will be open to you bringing your own and others won’t allow decorations at all.
11) How are the chauffeurs selected? Will they be suitably dressed for the wedding?
You want to make sure that the person who drives you on the most important day of your life is highly professional and dressed appropriately for the occasion. After all, they might feature in some of your photos!
12) Are chauffeur’s gratuities included in the bill?
When you are sorting the envelopes with tips for the vendors in the run up to the wedding, you will want to know whether the chauffeur is covered or not.
Your wedding day is one of the biggest and most important days of your life, and a time when your loved ones all come together to celebrate the love between you and your partner. But, how will you and your spouse-to-be get around on the big day that’s in keeping with the style and theme that such an occasion deserves?
It might not seem like it, but your wedding transport will play a big part in your celebrations. Depending on your schedule and venues, you may need to rely on transportation several times, such as to take you to the ceremony, to the venue for the wedding breakfast, to a location for photographs, to your hotel at the end of the night and possibly even more.
So, you’ll want to ensure you have a stylish ride waiting for you to get you quickly and safely from A to B. But, how much does wedding transport cost?
In this post, we’re going to take a look at how much wedding transport costs, including the average cost, what you might expect for your budget and what factors can affect how much you’ll spend.
The average amount couples in the UK spend on wedding transport is £700. However, this figure can vary dramatically depending on a number of factors, such as the type of vehicle, the distance you’re travelling and the amount of time the vehicle is needed.
In our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, we revealed that Brits spend an average of £20,775 on weddings, and transport can be a big part of these costs. It’s natural to assume that a horse-drawn carriage will be more expensive than a London black cab – but neither is the ‘correct’ option and instead depends on your theme, your style and – ultimately – your budget. How much you spend on transport is your decision and what’s right for you.
So, what can £700 get you? The average amount couples spend can get you to your wedding in a variety of ways, including land, sea and yes, even air!
VW classics
VW Beetles and Campers are classics and make for a unique choice for wedding transport that is personal and full of character. Costs at The Cotswolds Campervan Company start from £375.
Vintage car
A vintage car, such as a Rolls-Royce or Bramwith Ford Model A, will get you to when you’re going with style and class. Costs at Arrow Vintage Wedding Cars start from £225.
Helicopter
What could be more unique than arriving at your wedding ceremony by being flown in via helicopter? Costs at EBG Helicopters start from £420.
Stretch limousine
Synonymous with luxury, no one can resist a ride in a stretch limousine. It’s impossible to ride in the back of a limo and not feel special. Costs at JD Prestige Cars start from £350.
Sports car
For something with a little more oomph, a sports car like Lamborghini or a Porsche makes a statement and lets everyone know you’ve arrived. Costs at Season Cars start from £450.
Horse and carriage
The epitome of elegance, a horse and carriage are guaranteed to make you feel like royalty when arriving at your wedding. Costs at the Ostler Carriage Company start from £450.
London bus
Full of character and big enough to transport you and plenty of your guests, a double-decker bus is a charming way to get around. Costs at Routemaster Bus London start from £475.
Boat
Not an option for everyone, but if your venue is anywhere near water then why not make the most of it? Costs at Broadland Charters start from £200. Or, if the thought of getting married at sea (well, river) floats your boat, then there are even canal boats that double up as a wedding venue!
Does this cost include the cost of a driver or chauffeur?
If you’re hiring your vehicle through a vendor that specialises in wedding transport, then it’s highly likely that the cost will also include the cost of a chauffeur. However, this is something you’ll want to double check, as the last thing you want to do is drive yourself to your wedding, even if it is behind the wheel of an Aston Martin. You may find that the driver is happy to let you take some creative photos though – just don’t scratch the paintwork with your sequins.
You’ll also want to discuss with your chosen chauffeur the route they’ll take to get you from A to B on the big day. Where possible you may want to avoid congested streets and instead prefer to take scenic routes – but this can affect the cost.
What wedding transport can you get for a small budget?
If you don’t have the average budget to spend, it’s more than possible to get cheap wedding transport that is still reliable and luxurious. Of course, rates can vary depending on what you’re looking for and where in the UK your wedding is taking place, but there are plenty of options available with costs starting from as low as £100. These include cars from DS Executive Cars in High Wycombe, Classic Bridal Cars in Wirral and Kent and Coastal Wedding Cars in Whitstable.
If you’re on a budget, there are several factors to be aware of that can influence how much you’ll pay for wedding transport.
Time
The price will vary depending on how long you need transportation. Traditionally, you would have the car take you to the ceremony and then for the photos with your new spouse, after which you would get driven to the reception venue and then the car would leave, which usually takes around three hours. However, some vendors will rent you the car for the entirety of your wedding day, allowing you to leave the reception in style.
The distance and route your wedding car takes will also be taken into account. For example, some companies will give you the first 40 miles from their base free but will charge mileage accordingly after that. It can also make a difference if your venue is in the middle of a city centre or out in the middle of the countryside.
The number of vehicles
If you and your beloved require more than one car it will increase the overall cost. However, many car vendors will offer packages on these, factoring in a discount, so definitely discuss this with your vendor if you want multiple cars.
Although by no means a necessity, many couples also choose to book transport for their guests, especially if the ceremony and breakfast are taking place at different venues. It helps keep everyone on time and means no one has to worry about driving and finding their way around.
Prices vary, but you can expect to pay £325 for approximately 25 guests and can include around three stops. Naturally, the price will decrease or increase depending on the number of guests, stops and distance. Don’t forget to mention whether or not you will be providing transport for your guests on your wedding information sheet.
While most wedding transport vendors will provide ribbons and bows to decorate your car, you can also buy them yourself, with costs starting from around £5. Similarly, if you want personalised number plates, you can ask for permission from your car provider and buy them for around £20.
Start planning your wedding with Bridebook
Here at Bridebook, you can find and book wedding transport with ease. Sign up and start planning your wedding today!
Most of the time, none of us really think about how we get from A to B, we just jump in a car, get on our bike or look up the train times. On your wedding day, this is unlikely to be an option – think of a white dress on the tube and don’t even get us started on the delays! The bridal dress needs to arrive at the ceremony as white as snow, and you want to make sure everyone arrives on time – with transport booked you will be able to take an hour longer on your eyelashes. So here’s all you need to know about wedding transport to make sure you arrive or leave in style!
By Allister Freeman
Let’s look at when you might need transport:
1. Bride and the Bridal Party
As the bride tucks herself in bed the night before her wedding, she needs to know how she’s going to get to the ceremony all dolled up. That means the bride, the bridal party and the bride’s parents too. Typically, this could require two trips, one for the mother and the bridal party and the second for the father of the bride and the bride herself. Sneaky tip: darker cars will look better in photos, as they will contrast the wedding dress.
By Allister Freeman
2. Groom and ushers
Just as a Limo/Rolls Royce/ Carriage/Fire Truck will be taking the bride from getting ready to the ceremony, the same logic applies to the groom, his parents and ushers. In the quest of saving some pennies, their transport does not need to be as luxurious as the bride’s and they can arrange the driving between themselves. Tip: factor in extra travelling time in case of traffic jams.
By Guy Hearn
3. The Newlyweds
Now that you’ve tied the knot, you will travel to the reception venue as a married couple (YAAAAAAAY!). You can use the bride’s arrival car, or have a more fun alternative. Just make sure you have transport waiting for you if your reception isn’t at the same place as the ceremony. Alternatively, if the ceremony and reception venues are in walking distance of each other, then take the scenic walk and your couple pictures at the same time!
By Jamie Bott Wedding Photography
4. The Guests
Do the guests have far to go from the church to the reception venue? If so, think about arranging transport here – a bus, taxis or ushers/ people to drive. If you aren’t going to do this, make sure people know the deal on your information sheet. The same goes for the guests at the end of the night. If everyone is staying in the same place, you could hire a bus to come and collect everyone when the festivities end. Do remember that this is super considerate, but no means necessary!
By Allister Freeman
5. Goodbye
The last transportation you might need is a car to take you from the reception venue to wherever you will be spending your first night together. However, if you are staying in the same hotel, this may not be necessary, or, if you’d like to be savvy, just order a nice taxi! Tip: book your transport 3 months before, so that you have plenty of options and don’t have to settle for the only thing available.
Now for the fun bit! When you’ve worked out if and when you might need some form of transport, let’s choose something so you arrive/ leave in style!
Okay okay, I know wedding planning is all about fun, and ‘legalities’ isn’t the sexiest word on the menu. But knowing how to take your loved one’s name, or double barrelling your names together is important stuff! Especially if you are changing the name on your passport – we know you don’t want to run into trouble trying to escape for your honeymoon. So here are all the facts you need to avoid any potential pitfalls!
By Ross Harvey
1. Plan ahead
First of all, you are allowed to change your name up to three months before the marriage ceremony takes place. This means that you can travel under a new name straight after the wedding; however, you will NOT be allowed to travel under the new passport (post-dated passport) until the marriage takes place and your old passport is cancelled.
Note: Some countries will NOT issue visas for post-dated passports, so you will need to check with the country’s consulate.
We also suggest you take photocopies of all your old ID, like your driving license and passport, just in case you might have to prove who you are in years to come!
2. Forms
Secondly, you should prepare all the correct forms. This means the “passports for newly weds and civil partners” form, which you can get here and which should be signed by the official conducting your wedding, if you want the post-dated passport, click here.
Or if you are applying to renew your passport after the wedding:
All of the above forms will need to be accompanied by supporting documents, like previous identification and marriage certificates. Tip: we suggest you get more than one copy of your marriage certificate, so that you don’t have to wait for documents to be sent back to you.
By Weddings Vintage
3. Finances
Financial services, such as banks and building societies will accept your marriage certificate as proof of your name change. It’s worth popping into your bank to find out everything they might need. On average, you will have to inform between 15-20 companies of your name change – have a look through your cards and bank statements to remind you of some you might have to update.
4. Deed Poll
You can also change your name by deed poll, especially if you are a man taking on a different surname, or if you are merging your names together. This is simply a document, written by you that states that you are choosing to abandon your previous name, that you agree to use your new name at all times and that you will require all persons to address you by your new name only. This needs to be signed by two witnesses that are not related to you (they need to provide their names, occupations and addresses). You can prepare this yourself using the phrases used here.
Or you can enlist the help of a solicitor. Once this is complete, use the deed poll as you would a marriage license.
5. Electoral Poll
Don’t forget to update your electoral poll details, as you may get turned down for credit in your new name. Banks use the electoral poll as proof of identification.
6. Final details
Remember, that when you travel, the airline tickets must be in the same name as your passport. So if your airline tickets are in your married name and your passport is in your old name, you will not be able to travel. Similarly, visas in your old passport may become expired upon name change and renewal. If you have any queries, just speak to the airline and embassy directly to make sure.
Honeymoon time! What can be more fun than planning the most special holiday of your life? Whether you’re an adventurous couple who are looking for fresh mountain air and snowy slopes to throw yourself down; or if you’re keen to lie in the sun sipping on cocktails and staring into each others eyes, your honeymoon should be your ultimate and ideal vacation. Here is our list of recommended honeymoon locations by month, including both hot and cold destinations and some all-important advice for places to avoid. Can we come too?
Hot: Mexico, Costa Rica, Caribbean, South Africa, Oman, Maldives, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, New Zealand, South America, Morocco.
Cold: Canada, USA, Antarctica, Russia, Japan, China.
Avoid: Australia (too hot to visit the North of the country and it is also the school summer holiday then, so it will be busy AND expensive!)
February
Hot: Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, Caribbean, South Africa, Egypt, Oman, Maldives, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, Ecuador, Bahamas, South America.
Cold: Canada, USA, Switzerland, Russia, Antarctica.
Avoid: China (Chinese New Year runs for 40 days throughout February and is the busiest time of the year)
If you’re thinking about your honeymoon, your wedding must be getting close… How exciting! So, cast your mind forwards. You’ve just tied the knot with your best friend and celebrated by hosting the party of your lives. Where do you want to be?
Now, you might still read online that it’s the groom’s job to plan the honeymoon – but not every couple has a groom and some have two. So scratch that! Put your heads together and dream big. Here’s how to get started.
Do your research. What’s out there – and, more importantly, what do you want? Do you see yourselves on safari or are you more of a city break couple? Maybe you can’t imagine anything worse than lying on a beach and top of your list is skiing and snow. Whatever you decide, we’d always advise making sure the first few days are as relaxing as possible if you plan on taking your honeymoon straight after your wedding. Trust us, you’ll need the downtime!
One of the first things you need to decide is how much time you both take off for your honeymoon. You might keep it short and sweet with just a week or kick off a year-long round-the-world trip. As soon as you’ve decided, book the time off work and make any other arrangements (who’s going to walk the dog, water the plants, feed the fish…). And be realistic about the time you have – don’t try to pack a month’s worth of travel into two weeks. You’ll just end up rushing from one place to the next and come back more frazzled than you started!
Always let airlines and hotels know that you’re newlyweds – it might get you a free upgrade or some special treatment! We do always advise that you make sure you have some form of documentation to prove you’re married though as not everywhere will take you at face value. Try to pay for everything with a credit card that lets you save up air miles too – first class, here you come!
4. Sort The Paperwork
We know – not exactly the most exciting part of planning your honeymoon. But make sure all your documents are up to date – especially if you’re planning on changing your name. You don’t want your big break ruined by an expired passport…
This is the holiday of a lifetime – so go the extra mile. Have a think about what you can do to make this holiday extra special and do a little work on the DL to plan a few sneaky surprises for your partner.
Instead of jetting off straight away, why not start off with a few days away somewhere a little closer to home? Then you can focus on planning your wedding without the stress of thinking about a big trip at the same time – and you’ve got time to save up again too!
Your wedding makeup has to look flawless, gorgeous and most importantly, like you! Don’t worry, we know exactly how to find the right makeup artist for you, so sit back and enjoy the trial runs – here are some questions to ask!
1) Do you specialise in wedding makeup?
Wedding makeup artists have different skills to fashion and editorial artists and will know how to make you look spectacular and natural in your wedding photos, no matter the lighting. Some makeup artists specialise in wedding makeup, and they will know what the bride usually wants, and how to make you look stunning on your wedding day.
2) Can I see photographs of brides whose makeup you did?
You will want to know if the artist’s style works well with yours and if you can imagine yourself wearing one of their looks on your wedding day. Its always a good idea to do your research before picking the makeup artists that will take care of you, seeing pictures of other brides is a good way to get your doubts out of the way.
A wedding makeup artist will be with you on the most exciting morning of your life and you want a professional who will keep you calm and relaxed. The only way to find out if the artist is a calming presence is by asking previous brides.
Once again, you can take care of this step yourself by checking out the reviews on your favourite makeup artists’ Bridebook profiles!
4) What does your price include?
Find out if the overall price includes a makeup trial. Getting a makeup trial is really important since it will help you find your dream wedding look with your makeup artist and relieve some of the “will I look perfect for my wedding” jitters! You can also ask about the prices for Mother of the Bride and Bridesmaid makeup – arranging their makeup is a great gift idea for your team!
Don’t know how much you should spend on your wedding hair and makeup? Go to your budget tool and we will figure it out for you!
5) Are you able to travel to my location?
The majority of artists will charge you more if they have to travel to your destination, so make sure you know how much you will be required to pay.
Essential information for you to know exactly what your timings will be on the day, at what time the makeup artist needs to be there etc.
Pro tip: Put together a schedule of the day, with contacts to your suppliers. and ask your Maid of Honour to make sure it’s followed by everyone involved on the day! Definitely something to add to your wedding checklist.
7) How long will you be staying for on the day?
This is a good question to ask because you are almost guaranteed to get teary during your ceremony and it is handy to have someone there to touch up your makeup for the photos or to leave a touch-up kit. Not only that but if your makeup artist is staying for a good portion of the day, plan to have a meal or a snack made for them!
8) How long will the makeup trial take? Do I need to prepare for the trial and how do I prepare?
The more looks you want to try, the more time the trial will require, but some artists will only have certain time slots available. We also advise you wear a white top for the trial, to give you an idea of how your skin will look next to your dress on W-Day, but your makeup artist will also let you know what to wear!
9) Will a fake tan affect my makeup?
You need to communicate if you are planning on bronzing yourself in the run-up to your wedding day, so that the artist is prepared with the correct colours and shades! You can also ask them for advice on what fake tan to get and how to make sure it’s the right one for you and for your makeup!
10) What brands of makeup do you use?
The products your artist uses should be allergy tested and of the highest standard for your wedding day. It’s always good to know what kind of products they use, and if you need to bring your own concealer (more on that below).
For some brides it is paramount that they use their own make-up, especially if they have sensitive skin. It is also a great idea to ask the artist if he/she has used these products before. Bring them to the trial and decide exactly what you will be using from her and from you, and make sure you don’t forget your makeup (if you have to bring it) on the day!
12) Do you have the right makeup/makeup skills for my skin tone?
Your potential artist should have extensive knowledge of skin types and the products that they use, so they should advise you which products would work best with your skin. It’s important that you know this now: some makeup artists have more experience working on all skin tones than others, so this question is absolutely vital!
It’s great when you can find a makeup artist that also does hair (or a team of hair and makeup that work together). If not, find out if they would be happy working alongside your hair stylist, or if you haven’t found a stylist yet, ask for some recommendations!
14) If you are happy to travel to my home, do you have any specific space requirements for the trial and for the wedding day?
The majority of makeup artists will need an open space and natural light to do the makeup in. Make sure you can provide that during the trial and on the day of the wedding (if the artist is travelling to you). This is also something which you should communicate with your wedding venue, in case they need to provide a space for this on the day.
15) What will happen if you can’t make it on my wedding day?
Reputable artists will always have a professional at the ready to make sure you look flawless on your wedding day. Make sure you have a contingency plan, accidents happen!
On your wedding day, all eyes are on you and you’ll want to feel as beautiful and confident as you can be as your friends and family watch you say, ‘I do!’
Achieving that perfect look can take time, dedication and – unfortunately – money. But, it’s worth it when you look back on your photographs and admire just how great the two of you looked on your big day.
But how much does wedding beauty cost and what should your regime be during the build-up to your wedding? In this post, we’re going to take a look at how much wedding hair and makeup costs, and the money you might spend on beauty ahead of your wedding.
In the UK, the average amount of money couples spend on hair and makeup for their wedding is £690 (the breakdown is £330 for makeup, and £360 for hair).
A big chunk of this cost goes towards the bride’s hair and makeup on the morning of the wedding, but other parts of the pre-wedding beauty regime contribute towards this cost, such as nails, tanning and teeth whitening.
If you’re on a strict budget, there are things you can do to save money on wedding makeup. You can also get an overall idea of what your wedding might cost with our ultimate wedding budget breakdown. Below is a rough guide on what you might expect to pay when it comes to your beauty regime.
Hair
While you’ve been doing your hair yourself for years, there’s nothing quite like how it looks when a professional does it. A hairstylist knows exactly what to do to get your hair looking perfect for the moment you walk down the aisle. Costs for the bride’s hair start from £100, but highly skilled and experienced hairstylists can charge as much as £300 or more.
Makeup
Along with hair, makeup is possibly the second most important aspect of a bride’s beauty routine. Costs start from around £100.
Lashes
Eyelash extensions are a great way to give yourself fuller, thicker lashes. Costs start from around £30.
Nails
There’s a variety of different nail extensions to choose from, including acrylics, hard gel, dip powder and more. Even if you’re not interested in extensions, having a manicure (and even a pedicure – why not?) will help you feel gorgeous. The cost of a basic manicure starts at £20 and the cost of extensions can start from £35.
Getting your nails done is also something you likely won’t want to leave until the morning of the wedding, and is something you should do a day or two beforehand.
Male grooming
A pre-wedding beauty regime isn’t something exclusive to the bride – the groom should look great and feel confident too. A pre-wedding haircut and shave (or beard trim) by a professional barber will do just that. Costs start from around £25.
It’s also possible to hire a stylist to do the hair and makeup of other members of the bridal party, including parents, bridesmaids and flower girls. While there will be a cost for each extra person, it will usually be less than the cost of the bride’s beauty.
While your stylist will take great care with your hair and makeup on the morning of your wedding, that’s not always where it starts. There’s plenty you can do ahead of the big day to prepare. However, each of these will add to your budget and aren’t necessarily a vital part of your routine.
Nail colour – Why not test out some colours, which you can apply yourself to save money?
Hair colour – If you’re colouring your hair for your wedding, try out some possible colours during the months before your wedding.
Teeth whitening – You can arrange for professional teeth whitening, such as through your dentist, or buy at-home kits.
Exfoliate – Look after your skin as well as you can during the months – and especially the weeks – before your wedding.
Botox – If you’re having Botox for your wedding, this can take a couple of weeks to take effect and can last several months.
Eyebrows – Wax or thread your brows around two weeks before your wedding to avoid spots or red skin.
Tan – A spray tan can be done a few days before your wedding, but if you’re hitting the sun beds make sure to do it over a few weeks and no more than two or three sessions a week.
What factors can affect the cost of wedding beauty?
Several factors play a part in the cost of wedding beauty, which means you may pay considerably less – or more – than the average. It also depends on what you’re looking for – many couples are happy with basic hair and makeup and still look absolutely stunning on their big day.
Expertise
Much like any other wedding vendor, makeup artists and hairstylists will base their prices on their own experience. For example, a recently qualified or inexperienced artist might charge as little as £50 to do your wedding makeup. An experienced artist with an established reputation, on the other hand, could charge upwards of £180 for bridal makeup.
Location
You can have your hair and makeup done at a salon or you can ask the stylists to come to you. If your stylists are travelling to you, they’ll add travel fees to their wedding makeup prices. That means that travelling to your stylist’s salon can save you as much as £60 since it doesn’t require any petrol, toll charges or extra time from the artist.
Where you are in the UK can also affect how much you’ll pay. For example, stylists in London often charge a lot more than those outside the capital.
Trials
If you’re planning to have a make-up trial (and we recommend that you do if it fits your budget) before hiring your artist, many will charge you because trials still use up both products and time. An experienced artist could charge you as much as £90 – £150 for a trial. To save some cash, look out for a package deal which will include both the trial and the makeup for the day.
In addition to having their own makeup done, many brides like to treat their bridesmaids or mum to professionally done hair and/or makeup. Since this doesn’t require as much time as bridal makeup, almost all stylists will charge a little less for this service. A trial and day of make-up for a bridesmaid or mother-of-the-bride tend to come in at £85.
Many brides, including Kate Middleton herself, choose to do their own makeup for their wedding day. However, we would strongly advise that you book a lesson beforehand. It’s the best way to learn some new techniques and find the best products for a long-lasting look. Head to your favourite makeup counter (our favourites are Bobbi Brown and MAC), where you’ll be able to get some free tips and stock up on beauty products. For more information, check out our article on wedding makeup by Bobbi Brown.
Plan your dream wedding on Bridebook
Here at Bridebook, we have thousands of hair and makeup artists to suit every budget and style. Sign up today and start building your wedding dream team!
This is your first step to amazing wedding hair. If you have a great hairdresser and they do wedding hair, then stick with them! If they don’t, ask them for some great recommendations. Visit suggested stylists and get a blow-dry – that way you can decide if you like them and their style. Another option: ask for recommendations from friends who have beautifully styled hair. Your venue might also have some suggestions.
By Weddings Vintage
Maintenance
Once you’ve found a stylist you like, ask their advice on hair treatments and consider a new hair routine. Your hair will look even better if it’s strong and healthy, so start this as soon as possible! Steer clear of split ends and dead hair by investing in regular trims (even if you are growing out your hair). You want some va va voom in there so we recommend a trim every six weeks.
If you want to dye your hair for your wedding day we would advise you not to experiment with colours close to the wedding. Ask a professional for help and advice. We would also suggest that if you’ve never dyed your hair before, do so at least three months before the wedding, so that you can get used to it. You don’t want to give your partner a shock as you walk down the aisle.
By Chris Giles Photography
Wedding Style
Surround yourself in inspiration but before you set your heart on a hairstyle, tell your stylist as much information as you can about the neckline, colour and style of your wedding dress. Be open to your hairdressers’ suggestions, as they might have some pretty awesome ideas.
It’s a good idea to decide on your hairstyle before purchasing any hair accessories to make sure they fit your look perfectly. A little reminder: if you want to incorporate flowers, make sure your florist knows exactly what you need for your hairstyle and brings it all on the day. It’s all about delegating people!
By Allister Freeman
Finalities
Want your harem of bridesmaids to have their hair done? Make sure you keep your stylist in the loop. Confirm numbers (note: with the various hair lengths) before the big day, so that your stylist allocates enough time for everyone.
Finally, make sure you ask about prices – whether the trials are included and how much it would cost to style the rest of your wedding party. Now it’s time to get inspired and get booking!
You have bought the perfect wedding dress, booked the ideal venue and coordinated the best seating plan. You’re planning the party of the century but don’t forget about yourself. Your wedding day is probably the only time you will have a professional make-up artist pampering you and making you feel incredible. If you are still undecided, here are our top reasons for booking a make-up artist for your wedding day:
By Raw Silk Photography
1) Look after your skin
A make-up artist will work out your skin type in seconds and advise you on steps you should take to avoid dry skin, oily skin or an unexpected breakout on your wedding day. Following their expert advice will give you one less thing to worry about! But there’s always a thing called ‘cover-up’ so don’t worry too much.
By Ross Harvey
2) Highlight your best bits
A properly trained artist will know how to highlight your best features, whether it’s your flawless skin, high cheekbones, kissable lips or sparkling eyes. They will also know how to hide any features that you aren’t as keen on. Whatever happens, you’re going to look hot to trot so just let the make-up artist work their magic.
Professionally done wedding make-up will guarantee you looking beautiful under any light, whether it’s outdoor sunshine, evening candlelight or flashing photography. So you can smile knowing that there is no risk of the dreaded ghost face or sweaty-looking skin.
While you may be great at applying your everyday make-up, you are going to want something special for your wedding day. A makeup artist also knows how make-up will look in black and white photography, and can adjust accordingly. As adorable as the panda look is, it isn’t one you want to be sporting on your wedding day – unless you’re a panda.
By Raw Silk Photography
5) No bronzer lines here
On your wedding day all eyes will be on you, so you want to make sure that you are not washed out by your white dress and that your shoulders, face and décolletage are all the same colour! A make-up artist will blend the colours seamlessly and make sure that your gorgeousness can withstand tears, hugs, sweat and anything else your wedding day throws at you.
With a hired make-up artist, you will not be at risk of getting an unexpected allergy on your wedding day. They will know which ingredients could irritate the skin – phew.
By Cinzia Bruschini
7) Relax
They will be exactly what you need on the morning of your wedding day – so just sit back and relax while they pamper you. This will be a moment to yourself before getting married! And if you are feeling a tad nervous, then it’s a good thing you won’t have that liquid eyeliner in your hand.
As well as pampering you, an artist can create a unique, yet universal look for your bridesmaids, so that you won’t have anyone battling for black lipstick or electric-blue eye shadow.
By John Lennie
9) Take the hit
Think about your budget! Hiring a make-up artist may seem like an “extra” expense, however, if you pay for a lesson and then buy all the make-up on top of that (that you probably won’t use again), in an attempt to do DIY make-up, then it may well be cheaper to hire an artist. And on the morning of your wedding, you are going to be glad you listened to us.
By Weddings Vintage
We hope this advice has been helpful and know you will look flawless (whether you hire a make-up artist or do it yourself) on your wedding day and in your photographs for years to come.
