Tag: General Advice

Get comprehensive wedding planning guidance and tips to ensure everything about your big day goes without a hitch.

16 Green Wedding Ideas To Make Your Wedding Eco-Friendly

We love weddings. Like, really love them. (Can you tell?) But even we have to admit that they can be pretty wasteful affairs. Planning a sustainable wedding might sound daunting, but we promise it’s not as tricky as you might expect – so have a think about whether or not you can find a place for something green (and something borrowed!) alongside your something blue. Here are our top tips to get you started.

Bride walking in field wearing re-use wedding dress

Resell your wedding dress or suit

Of all the items of clothing you own, we bet that whatever you wear on your wedding day will have the most sentimental value. But if you can bear to part with it, consider selling it on or handing it down to someone else. It’s an easy way to make a little cash back while reducing your wedding’s impact.

Want 10% off when you sell your wedding dress? Head over to Stillwhite, the world’s largest second-hand wedding dress marketplace.

Opt for online invitations

Your wedding stationery is one aspect of your wedding you just can’t cut. At the end of the day, your guests need to know where to go! But there are loads of eco-friendly alternatives that don’t end up with piles of wasted paper. For example, there’s no reason that e-invites can’t be just as gorgeous as traditional stationery! Why not email your guests a link to a personalised video of you and your other half or set up an awesome wedding website?

Orsett Hall Hotel and Restaurant wedding venue

Choose a venue close to home

Having an eco-friendly wedding doesn’t necessarily mean getting married on a farm or in a field! Travel can be one of the most significant contributors to a wedding’s carbon footprint so if you want to go green, try to pick a venue that’s within easy reach of you and your guests. You might want to think about choosing somewhere that’s accessible by public transport too.

Organise a wedding coach for your guests

If lots of your guests are coming to your venue from the same place, you could organise a wedding coach to take them all there and back in one go. It’s an easy way to make sure everyone turns up on time too!

Set up carpooling

Encourage your guests to travel together where possible and help them sort out carpooling arrangements. Ask your guests to let you know if they’ll have a free spot in their car when they RSVP, then match them up with another guest in need of a lift. It’ll likely save your guests a little on fuel costs too!

Groomsmen wearing wedding suits

Buy any clothing second-hand

Remember, it’s not just you and your other half who will be buying an outfit for the wedding. Everyone in the wedding party from the best man to the flower girl will most likely be wearing something special. A great way to be a little greener – and to save a few pennies! – is to opt for pre-loved items from a vintage boutique or charity shop. Another alternative is to explore hiring any dresses or suits needed for the wedding party. After all, they’ll probably only wear them once!

Avoid single-use items

Like your wedding invitations, little details like place cards and table numbers can quickly end up meaning mountains of paper, card and plastic left over after your big day. One easy option is to look for recyclable or biodegradable materials when choosing your designs. If you have a little more cash to spare, another idea we love is doubling up your place cards with your wedding favours so that your guests have a keepsake to take away with them, rather than something to be thrown away.

But our favourite idea? Edible place cards. Order cookies with your guests’ names written on them in icing. We can guarantee there’ll be nothing left at the end of your big day!

Make conscious jewellery choices

We know, we know – it’s hardly the most romantic thing to think about, but it’s important to be conscious of the impact your wedding and engagement rings can have on the planet and its people. Diamonds and other gems are often sourced unsustainably and unethically, as are many precious metals. To avoid participating in a potentially problematic trade, make sure to look for conflict-free materials, investigate vintage or recycled options or look into lab-grown options.

Celebrate by candlelight

Your electricity bill might be the last thing on your mind on your wedding day – and rightly so, in our opinion! – but considering energy-saving strategies is an easy way to make your big day a little more sustainable. Try turning off unnecessary lights and lighting your venue with candles instead. On top of being eco-friendly, it’ll create a gorgeous, romantic atmosphere! Just make sure you check that your venue’s happy with open flames.

Make up artist putting sustainable make up on bride to be on wedding day

Use sustainable makeup

Why not switch out some of your products for cruelty-free, zero-waste or locally produced alternatives? We’d never recommend trying something new for the first time on your wedding day so this is definitely one you’ll want to plan ahead. If you’re having your makeup done professionally, ask your makeup artist whether they use any sustainable products or quiz any makeup-loving friends on their cruelty-free recommendations.

Stay seasonal

Flowers play a big role in almost every wedding and aren’t something we’d ever recommend skipping out on! But they can have an undeniable impact on your wedding’s carbon footprint, whether that’s because of how they’re disposed of or how they’re imported. Our top tip is to prioritise flowers that are a) local and b) seasonal where possible. It’s a often fab way to save some pennies too as your flowers have less far to travel.

Vegetable and cheese tower served on table

Go veggie (or vegan!)

Whether you go completely vegan or just opt to reduce the number of meat dishes on offer, exploring eco-friendly options for your catering is an easy way to go green. And don’t worry – it’s not 2003! Going veggie doesn’t mean limiting yourself to mediocre mushroom risottos and sad stuffed peppers. Nowadays, there are loads of caterers offering fabulous vegan and veggie options. If you do still want to serve meat, try to prioritise local and organic produce where possible to decrease your wedding’s environmental impact.

Avoid flower foam

An easy eco win is to check if your florist uses flower foam in their designs. This foam is much like single-use plastic and can be harmful to humans and animals through prolonged contact, especially if it seeps into water supplies. Our advice would be to avoid flower foam where possible and look for eco-friendly alternatives.

Buy biodegradable

Buying decorations made out of biodegradable materials is an easy way to lower the environmental impact of your wedding. This is especially important when it comes to wedding staples like confetti, as well as balloons and lanterns.

Confetti is one of the biggest offenders when it comes to the environmental impact of weddings. Fortunately, there’s loads of biodegradable options out there, as well as more traditional eco-friendly options like rose petals or rice. For extra green points, you could even gather flowers from your own garden (or a friend’s) and dry the petals yourself.

And, as much as we love them, balloons and lanterns are potentially very harmful to the environment if not disposed of correctly. If you do want a lantern display, be careful to look for biodegradable materials and be careful of where you release them.

Amazing wedding decoration hired out in barn wedding venue

Hire what you can

Not only are wedding decorations often un-environmental, they’re also expensive! Why not hire your decorations? You can be sure they’ll be reused time and time again while also saving some cash yourself. Plus, hiring your decorations often means being able to afford higher quality pieces, adding a little luxury to your day!

People celebrating at wedding party with biodegradable confetti in the air

Go for gifts that keep giving!

While we always love a wedding favour, they’re not at all a necessity! Being invited to your wedding is gift enough for your guests! So why not think about making a charity donation with the money you save? If you really do want to buy favours, you could explore options that let your guests make a positive impact on the environment themselves. For example, you might gift them with a packet of seeds to grow their own flowers.

There you have it – some amazing green wedding ideas for a gorgeous, environmentally-friendly wedding!

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Ultimate Guide to Wedding Invitations: Design, Etiquette, and Trends

 

When planning your big day, the first impression you’ll make on your guests is through your wedding invitation. It sets the tone for your wedding and gives guests a glimpse into the style and theme of the event. This guide will delve deep into every aspect of wedding invitations: from design and etiquette to the latest trends.

1. The Importance of a Wedding Invitation

A wedding invitation is not just a mere piece of paper. It’s a reflection of the couple’s personality, style, and the ambiance they wish to create for their wedding day.

2. Designing Your Wedding Invitation

Designing your wedding invitation is a creative process that allows couples to express their unique style and the essence of their love story. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown to help guide you:

  • Theme and Style: Before diving into colors or typography, decide on an overarching theme or style. Do you want a rustic charm, classic elegance, modern minimalism, or a quirky, offbeat design? Your theme will set the groundwork for other design elements.

  • Colors: Your color choice is paramount. Start with your wedding colors or those that resonate with your chosen theme. For instance, pastels are perfect for spring weddings, while jewel tones may suit a winter celebration. Don’t be afraid to play with color gradients or metallic shades for added flair.

  • Typography: Fonts play a significant role in conveying the mood of your invitation. Traditional weddings often gravitate towards script or calligraphy fonts, while contemporary designs might use bold, clean typefaces. Combining two complementary fonts can also add depth and interest.

  • Graphics and Illustrations: These elements can be the highlight of your invitation design:

    • Floral Designs: Ideal for garden or rustic-themed weddings.

    • Geometric Patterns: Offers a modern, chic look.

    • Custom Illustrations: Personalized sketches of the couple or significant landmarks can make your invite truly one-of-a-kind.

    • Monograms: Personalized monograms of the couple’s initials woven into the design add a touch of elegance.

  • Material: The choice of material can elevate the look and feel of your invitation:

    • Classic Paper: Opt for textured or linen paper for a luxurious feel.

    • Velvet: Adds a touch of opulence and is soft to the touch.

    • Wood: Perfect for rustic or boho-themed weddings.

    • Acrylic: This modern choice is sleek and can be paired with beautiful inks or even etching.

    • Fabric: Cloth invitations or fabric scrolls can be an exotic and memorable choice.

  • Envelope Design: An often-overlooked aspect, the envelope is the first thing your guests see. Consider envelope liners, wax seals, or embossing for added sophistication.

  • Printing Techniques: The way your invitation is printed can drastically impact its aesthetics:

    • Letterpress: This technique gives a debossed effect, where

    •  the design is pressed into the paper.

    • Foil Stamping: Adds a metallic sheen to selected areas, perfect for luxurious invites.

    • Digital Printing: A versatile option that allows for vibrant color reproduction.

    • Thermography: Creates raised ink, giving texture and a classic feel.

  • Additional Elements: Consider adding ribbons, dried flowers, lace, or even semi-precious stones for a tactile and visual treat.Designing your wedding invitation

3. Wedding Invitation Etiquette

How long before a wedding should you send invitations?

Typically, wedding invitations are sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding day. If you’re hosting a destination wedding, giving your guests more notice—around 3-4 months—is advisable, so they can make necessary travel arrangements.

What do I write on a wedding invitation?

A wedding invitation usually includes:

  • The names of the hosts (often the parents of the bride).
  • The couple’s names.
  • A request to attend the wedding, such as “request the pleasure of your company.”
  • Date and time of the ceremony.
  • Location of the ceremony.
  • Reception details, if different from the ceremony venue.
  • RSVP information.

Here’s a simple example: “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their daughter, Emma Smith, to Liam Johnson on Saturday, the fifth of June, at three o’clock in the afternoon at the Rose Garden Chapel. Reception to follow at the Grand Ballroom of Hillside Hotel.“

Whose name goes first on a wedding invitation?

Traditionally, the bride’s name precedes the groom’s on a wedding invitation. For instance, “Emma Smith and Liam Johnson.” However, modern invitations might not follow this convention, especially if the couple or their families have a preference.

How much time do you give guests to RSVP to a wedding?

It’s customary to ask guests to RSVP about 2-3 weeks before the wedding. This allows you ample time to finalize seating arrangements, catering headcounts, and other logistics dependent on the guest count.

Wedding Invitation FAQs

4. Trending Now: Wedding Invitation Trends for 2023

  • Sustainable Invitations: Eco-friendly materials and digital invites are gaining traction.
  • Mixed Media: Combining materials like paper and acrylic, or paper and fabric, offers a unique tactile experience.
  • Interactive Invitations: QR codes that lead to a personal video or your wedding website are innovative additions.
  • Bold Colors: While pastels are timeless, bold and contrasting colors are making a statement this year.

5. Budgeting for Your Invitations

Remember, the cost isn’t just the card. Consider the price of stamps, envelopes, and any additional inserts. If on a tight budget, digital invitations or simpler designs can be more cost-effective.

Your wedding invitation is the first chapter of your wedding story. Make it memorable, personal, and a true reflection of your journey together. Whether you’re going traditional, trendy, or somewhere in between, ensure it resonates with the essence of your special day.

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Everything You Need To Do The Day After Your Wedding

We know, we know – you don’t even want to think about it! And trust us, we’d much rather focus on the fun stuff too. But it’s got to be done – so let’s talk clear-up.

Who’s Going To Clear Up?

In an ideal world, you and your partner will be involved as little as possible in the clear-up – and if you can, we say delegate! If you’ve booked your wedding as a package (ie. including catering, decorations, etc.), the day after your wedding is likely to be a lot more straightforward as your venue may well take care of almost everything for you. You can also ask your suppliers what they offer in terms of clear-up – florists, for example, will likely come to collect any reusable elements from their displays. But if you’ve gone the DIY route, it’ll be on you. In that case, get your wedding party to take care of as much as possible so you and your partner can enjoy your first days as newlyweds… instead of spending them litter-picking.

How Are They Going To Clear Up?

Once you’ve confirmed who’ll be taking care of the clear-up, make sure they have everything they need.  This includes things like bin bags and boxes – but it also includes transport. You’ll almost certainly want to make sure they have access to a car so that anything that needs to be stored elsewhere can be easily removed.

What Needs Clearing Up?

A few days in advance of your wedding, make a list of everything that will need to be cleared up – especially if you’re handing over responsibility for the clear-up to someone else. Start off by thinking about your decor, including decorations, signage, floral arrangements and table decorations. Equipment also falls into this category – sound systems, lighting and so on. Next, if you’ve rented any of your clothing, you’ll want to make sure you know when and where it needs to be returned, and whether it needs to be dry-cleaned in advance. Finally, work out what you’ll do with leftover food and drink.

Where Are You Going To Put It?

Start off by splitting everything into four categories: keep, collect, recycle/donate, bin. If you’ve arranged for your wedding party to take care of the clear-up, make sure to communicate to them what falls into each category. You don’t want keepsakes thrown in the bin – but you also don’t want to come back from your minimoon to find you have to recycle a hundred table settings. If you’d rather do it yourself, a good alternative is to arrange for everything to be temporarily stored somewhere until you have time to deal with it.

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The Final Wedding Checks

OMG. If you’re reading this article, your wedding day must be close… How exciting! But that also means it’s time to make sure absolutely everything is in place. Now, every wedding is unique so we can’t guarantee that this list is exhaustive – but with these key tasks ticked off, you’ll definitely be in a great position.

1. Give Your Guest List A Once Over

Do one last guest list check. Are all your RSVPs in? Did you catch all the +1s and dietary requirements? Do you need to make any last-minute changes to the seating plan? If so, now’s the time to make those changes and send a completely up-to-date guest list to your venue.

2. Wardrobe Checks

If you’ve purchased your outfits, it’s dress rehearsal time. Get the wedding party together (including you and your partner) and make sure everyone’s outfits are just right. If you’re renting any aspect of your wedding outfit, make sure to finalise the date and time for pickup and collection. Now’s also the time for any last hair appointments, beauty treatments and so on. Don’t forget to put your shoes through their paces to make sure they’re broken in before your big day. And always pack an extra shirt!

3. Pin Down The Details

Contact all your suppliers to confirm all the details, including timings and locations. Now’s the time to give them clear directions to your wedding venue too – you don’t want to be fielding calls on your big day! Make sure you tick off the following:

  • Officiant – arrival time, details of any personalised vows
  • Photographer – arrival time, shot list
  • Videographer – arrival time, shot list
  • Cakemaker – arrival time (likely the day before), storage arrangements
  • Caterer – arrival time, menu, serving times
  • Transport – pickup and dropoff times, locations
  • Entertainment – arrival time, timings
  • Band or DJ – arrival time, timings, first dance song, set list
  • Hair and makeup – arrival time

Once you’ve confirmed with all your suppliers, make one last call to your venue to make sure they know everything that’s going on too.

4. Speech, Speech!

Give your vows and speeches one last read through and make sure you’re 100% happy with them. Give yourself a day or two to get familiar with any edits you make – and set aside some time to do a practice run in the bathroom mirror!

5. In Case Of Emergencies…

A few days in advance of your wedding, put together an emergency kit of wedding-day must-haves. This will be personal to you and your partner but might include items like deodorant, safety pins, plasters, a hairbrush or comb, wet wipes, a travel sewing kit… It might seem like overkill but we can guarantee you’ll be glad to have it on the day!

Now don’t get us wrong – you may well have a lot more to do than that! There are decorations to organise, rehearsal dinners to host, place settings to write… But make sure you’ve covered this in the week or two leading up to your wedding and it’ll be much smoother sailing.

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How To Pick Your Wedding Date

Picking your wedding date is one of the first decisions you’ll make as a newly engaged couple. And once this date is set… Well, it’s the ultimate deadline! There’s (usually) no rescheduling – so this is it, and it’s full-on wedding planning mode from here on out.

But with 365 days to choose from, how are you meant to choose? Well, here’s our four-step guide to narrowing things down so you can pick that one perfect date.

1. Think Seasonally

Let’s start nice and broad with four options: spring, summer, autumn or winter. What do you want your wedding to look like? And what kind of vibe are you going for? A formal wedding can be done indoors at any time of year – but if you’re hoping for a garden party, it’s probably best to stick to the summer months. If in doubt, think about what you want your pictures to look like. Are you imagining photographs with a backdrop of autumn leaves or spring tulips? Do you see yourself and your guests wrapped in fur stoles or wearing shorts and summer dresses? This is an easy way to get an idea of what time of year you’re aiming for.

2. Who Has To Be There?

Sure, your wedding is about you and your partner – but it’s also having the most important people in your lives around you as you take this step together. Before you commit to a date, check that your most important guests will be able to make it. You don’t want to send out save the dates, only to find that none of your nearest and dearest can attend. This is especially important if you have guests travelling in from abroad as they’re likely to have more restrictions on when they’ll be able to fly.

3. Weekend or Weekday?

Once you’ve worked out the time of year and blocked off any “no-go” periods, you can start looking at specific dates. Most weddings are still held on Saturdays, giving your guests the day after to relax before work on Monday. That said, Saturday isn’t the only option and it’s increasingly common for couples to choose other days of the week – especially as this often means bagging a bargain. If you have your heart set on a venue that’s just that bit too expensive, consider a weekday wedding – and you could nab your dream venue for a price that won’t give you nightmares!

4. Work Your Priorities

Do you decide your date then pick a venue that’s available then? Or do you find your perfect venue and set a date based on their availability? It’s all about what’s most important to you and your partner. Our advice is to stay as flexible as possible. There’s no point deciding you must get married at 4pm on 8th August if nowhere’s available – but there’s also no point booking your dream venue if no one can come! Sit down with your partner and come up with a list of must-haves to help guide your decision.

Follow these four steps and you’ll have your perfect date picked out in no time! And to make things even easier, try using our Venue Search Tool to find your wedding venue – our wedding venue directory is the biggest (and the best!) in the UK.

6 Tips For Starting Your Guest List

Wedding guests raising a toast seated at the wedding table

Oh, the dreaded wedding guest list… Between long lost cousins three times removed and that actually kind of annoying friend you haven’t spoken to in months, even thinking about who to invite can be daunting.

Luckily for you, Bridebook has one of the simplest and most advanced Guest List Tools in the world – and it’s free! As soon as you’ve read these top tips, it’s time to get stuck in. Stressful guest list planning will be a thing of the past.

1. Keep an Eye on Your Budget

You might want everyone and their uncle to be invited to the celebration of the century (and we’re sure they’d want to come!), but you’ve got to think about your wedding budget. How many people can you actually afford? Remember, more guests means finding more space, more food, more favours… and more money. Stick to your budget. It’s as simple as this: if you know you can only afford to invite 100 people… Only invite 100 people!

2. Consider Your Wedding Location

When you choose where to get married, give some thought to your guest list. If your venue is located somewhere closer to home, then it’s more likely more people will be able to attend. If you’re thinking about getting married on the other side of the country (or in a different country altogether!), you’ll need to rethink who it’s realistic to expect at your big day. Will guests be able to afford to travel that far? Can they take the time off work? Will elderly family members still be able to make it? If you haven’t chosen your venue yet, this might be a factor in your decision. If you’re already set on a particular place, have a think about who will actually be able to make it before you invite the masses and potentially get let down.

3. Think About Capacity

After your budget, this is the next big one. At the end of the day, how many people will actually fit in your venue is a pretty hard and fast cap on the size of your guest list. If you’re still looking for your venue, you can use the filters on our Venue Search Tool to find venues that can house the capacity you want. When you visit potential venues and look round the space, double check what they say the capacity is – then reduce it. Remember, you won’t just have guests at your wedding. If the venue says you can fit up to 200 people in one space, consider what else you’ll require there. You might want space for a band, dining tables, etc. Take that into account when inviting guests. It’s all about finding a balance between a jam-packed crowd that can barely move and a half-empty venue that feels too big for a small number of guests.

4. Kids or No Kids?

It’s pretty likely that at least one of your friends or relatives will have children, so think carefully about whether you want to invite them or not. It’s absolutely fine if you don’t, but you do need to remember to politely mention it to the parents well in advance. It’s nothing to be nervous about – and they might even welcome the chance to have a proper night out! On the other hand, if you decide to have a child-friendly wedding, it does mean some extra work. Make sure to work out where children will sit (eg. do you want a kids’ table?) and whether there’ll be a separate kids’ menu. It’s always worth thinking about how you can keep them occupied throughout the day too. Keep them entertained and all will be well!

5. Make a Decision on Plus Ones

Oh, plus ones… The cause of endless headaches. After all, it’s obvious that if a close relative is part of the wedding party, their significant other will be welcome at the wedding. But what about that friend with a new partner you haven’t even met yet? When it comes to plus ones, our best advice is to decide your position and stick to it. For example, if a couple has been dating for over a year, the plus one is invited. No ifs, no buts, no exceptions – otherwise, you risk ending up in sticky situations when people realise they’ve been treated differently.

6. Assume Everyone Will Attend

We know, we know – the temptation to over-invite is real. But this isn’t a house party! There’s nothing worse than having too many people on your guest list and having to uninvite someone. By assuming everyone invited will attend, you leave it open for them to decide. You might not expect them to be able to attend (or they might never RSVP!) but they may actually be able to make it. If you’re still worried about numbers, why not create a backup guest list and order a separate set of invitations with a later RSVP date to send out if your numbers unexpectedly drop?

There you have it – our top tips for getting started with your guest list. Remember to head over to our Instagram, TikTok and YouTube channels for more tips, tricks and wedding inspiration. But for now, it’s time to sit down with your partner, figure out who to invite and start adding them to your Bridebook…

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How To Make A Big Wedding Feel Intimate

When you picture an “intimate wedding”, you might think of celebrations with under thirty guests or so. And, of course, the shorter the guest list, the easier it is for a wedding to feel intimate – but that doesn’t mean big weddings can’t too! With a bit of forward planning, any wedding can. Read on to find out our top tips for making a big wedding feel intimate and personal.

1. Host A Pre-Wedding Dinner

If you’ve got a long guest list, it’s likely that there are discrete groups within it. So why not host a “get to know you dinner” a few days or weeks before your wedding? It’ll give your guests a chance to mingle and get to know each other in advance.

2. Create Small Spaces

Divide your venue into smaller spaces so your guests never feel lost in the crowd. Floral installations, drapes and decorations can all be used to create alcoves and hideaways where smaller groups can mingle and chat.

3. Let’s Talk Tables

It might sound counterintuitive but consider opting for fewer, long, rectangular tables instead of lots of smaller round ones. It creates a more relaxed atmosphere and people will be able to chat more easily with a wider range of people.

4. Get The Light Right

Soft, subtle lighting creates a cosy atmosphere that instantly makes any location feel more intimate. Think flickering candles and romantic fairylights.

5. Consider Colour

Choosing a wedding theme based around darker colours is an easy way to make a large space feel cosy and intimate.

6. Circle Around

Even if you have a truly astronomical number of guests, arranging them in a circle will make the back row feel much less far back.

7. Make An Effort

Great all your guests personally and make it a priority to speak with as many people as possible over the course of the day. Even if it’s only a few minutes, they’ll appreciate you taking the time to make them feel welcome.

8. Get Personal

If you have a particularly extensive guest list, talking to everyone might not be possible – and that’s when adding personal touches really comes into its own. Consider writing each guest a handwritten note or gifting them a handmade wedding favour. That way, even if you haven’t managed to speak to them, they’ll still know you cared they came.

9. Consider Staffing

If you have plenty of guests, make sure you have plenty of staff to match! If you can’t make it round everybody, you can at least know they’re being attended to and feeling well looked after.

So there you have it: nine ways to make a big wedding feel intimate. Now, with all those guests to look after, why not add them to your Bridebook’s Guest List? Or if you’re still on the hunt for your dream venue, check out our Venue Search Tool to browse the UK’s biggest (and best!) wedding venue directory.

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20 Things to Do After You Get Engaged: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

You’re engaged, congratulations! You’re about to embark on one of the most amazing journeys of your life – and you’ve got your soulmate by your side. You’re on this rollercoaster together, and we promise it’s going to be full of love, surprises and celebration. So enjoy the ride!

As the realisation of what’s to come sets in, you might be wondering what happens next. Where do you start? Who do you tell first? How do you tell them? When should you start planning your wedding? How do you start?

Because there are so many things to do, things can get overwhelming quite quickly. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you in the right direction and help make the next couple of weeks a lot easier, with a checklist for making sure you have everything covered.

So, in this post, we’re going to outline a step-by-step guide for everything you should do after you get engaged, from the order you should tell your family and friends to when the right time is to start making those bookings.

The wedding planning video course: kickstart your wedding planning

Now that you’re engaged, it’s time to start planning your dream wedding, but where to start? In this video, Bridebook founder (and qualified wedding planner!) Hamish Shephard breaks down your wedding organisation into 5 easy steps so you can plan stress-free and kickstart your wedding to-do list.

Our 20-step guide for what you should do after getting engaged

Photo © Adam Harvey Photography | See their Bridebook profile

When you get engaged, everything is so exciting and feels like it goes so fast that it can be easy to get carried away. Did you do this? Did you do that? Before you know it, you’re not sure what you’ve done and what’s left to do. That’s where we come in. Below are 20 steps you can follow to make sure you remember everything after getting engaged.

1. Plan the perfect engagement announcement

Photo © Blooming Photography | See their Bridebook profile

It can be tempting to run to see your parents or pick up the phone and start yelling about your brand-new engagement. But before you do that, think about if you want to do something a little more creative, or figure out a way to get both of your families together in one room and blow them all away with the news.

For a little inspo, read our post on ideas for how to announce your engagement.

2. Tell your families

Photo © Andy Sidders Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Once you’ve figured out how you’re going to do it, you can get to the exciting part. You’re engaged to the love of your life – and it’s time to let everyone know! Just be prepared for lots of squeals, some hugs and maybe even a few tears – happy ones, of course.

3. Protect the ring

Photo © Bolla Bello Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Have you ever worn anything so precious… or expensive? So thoughtful, so sentimental, so valuable… Get your ring insured. ASAP. The average cost of an engagement ring is £1,978, which is an amount that very few can afford to lose. It’s unlikely that anything will happen to it, but you never know. Then you can stop worrying and start showing it off. And trust us, you’re going to want to show off that amazing new ring a lot.

4. Tell wider friends and family, starting with the A team

Photo © Tom Jeavons | See their Bridebook profile

After telling your immediate family, it’s time to start sharing the news with your mates and colleagues. We bet some of the first people you tell will end up being key players in your wedding party. They might be your maid of honour or your best man, if you have one. Make an event of it and ask them to be by your side at your wedding over a drink or a meal out. Then start thinking about who else you want involved. Our number one piece of advice is to choose the people you love – not the people you feel obligated to have. Don’t worry about upsetting anyone – it’s your special day. You should be surrounded by your favourite people in the world.

5. Have a manicure 

Photo © Mike Plunkett Photography | See their Bridebook profile

With such a beautiful new ring to show off, you may want to do this sooner, but it’s especially important to make sure your nails are on point before you have your engagement photos done or you share the news on social media. There are going to be lots of close-ups of your ring finger, so having clean, shaped and polished nails will help those photos pop. Trust us.

6. Make the papers

Photo © The Snapper | See their Bridebook profile

It’s not for everyone, and it’s a little old-fashioned by today’s standards, but you might want to follow tradition by announcing your engagement in the local (or even national) newspaper. It’ll make your parents’ and grandparents’ days, as historically, engagement announcements included lots of details about the couple’s backgrounds, families and so on. Nowadays, though, it’s up to you what you include. If nothing else, it’ll make for a brilliant keepsake.

7. Shout about it on social media

Photo © LUX Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Now comes the time to scream your news from the 21st-century equivalent of the rooftops. If there was ever a time to share something on social media, it’s now. Whether you post a cute engagement selfie with your partner to your Instagram, update your Facebook relationship status or even make a cheeky TikTok, savour this moment and watch the likes roll in.

8. Enjoy the moment and don’t rush into it

Photo © Blue Lily Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

From the moment you got engaged, you no doubt mentally went into planning mode, thinking about venues, catering, wedding rings, the song you’ll have your first dance to… but, as hard as it might be, don’t feel the need to rush straight into it. Take a step back, breathe and enjoy the moment. Why not take a little trip away, just the two of you, and enjoy some time as an engaged couple? You’re about to embark on a busy year or more of hectic wedding planning, and taking time to enjoy your engagement is definitely worth it.

9. Plan your engagement party

Photo © Pocket Square Photography | See their Bridebook profile

It’s party time! Get a date in the diary to celebrate with everyone that matters. Just remember that anyone who’s invited to your engagement party is likely to expect an invitation to the wedding too… But that’s only according to tradition, which of course can be ignored. So, if you want a blow-out bash, go for it. Plus, if you anticipate having to fill your guest list with second cousins at your parents’ request, now’s the time to leave them off the list and party on down with your nearest and dearest. 

10. Take some engagement photos

Photo © Photography Ninja | See their Bridebook profile

We’re sure you’ll want to remember this period in your lives forever so make sure to document it with an engagement photoshoot. It’s a great opportunity to get to know your photographer and get used to being in front of the camera. Think of it as a test run before your wedding – so get your smiles ready and be prepared for the jaw ache.

11. Get your engagement ring properly sized

Photo © Chloe Palmer Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Unless your partner got your ring size spot on, you may need to get your engagement ring resized so it fits nice and snug. You may choose to get it done much sooner if it’s particularly loose, but it’s a balancing act between wanting to wear it to show it off, having it for the engagement photos and announcements, and making sure it doesn’t slip off and get lost forever.

Depending on the jewellers you go to, it might take up to four weeks to get your ring resized. But, if you’re willing to pay a little more, you could get it done in as little as a couple of days.

12. Get your wedding planning sorted

Photo © Ellen Forster Photography | See their Bridebook profile

By now you’ve probably had plenty of thoughts about what you want from your wedding. So, start researching and making notes about what the perfect wedding is for you.

Here at Bridebook, we have a wide selection of tools and resources to help you plan your big day. From our budget planning tool to our easy-to-use app, we have everything you might need throughout your entire planning journey. Plus, we have loads of exclusive discounts from thousands of popular vendors that you won’t find anywhere else.

13. Visit wedding fairs

Photo © Michael Calders Photography | See their Bridebook profile

One of the best ways to get excited is by visiting wedding shows and fairs around the country. It offers you the opportunity to meet vendors, get some ideas and see what’s out there so you can get inspired and start making some decisions. One of our favourite shows is The National Wedding Show, but there are dozens throughout the year up and down the UK. Make sure you also check out local shows, which are a great way to meet vendors close to you.

14. Communicate, communicate, communicate

Photo © Stanhope Photo | See their Bridebook profile

You’ll likely have a ton of ideas bouncing around inside your head, which will all come together to form your ideal wedding. Don’t forget, your partner will also be doing the same. Remember to communicate all the time, so share your ideas, worries, thoughts, concerns, excitements and everything else. If you’re always open and honest with each other you’ll nail every step of your busy planning process.

15. Start thinking about the guest list

Photo © Benjamin Toms Photography | See their Bridebook profile

This step and the step afterwards may be interchangeable, so it’s whatever works for you. Think about whether you want a big wedding where you might invite more than 100 guests, or would be happier with an intimate ceremony that’s not quite as grandiose. You may want to put together a rough guest list (which you can do right here on Bridebook) and then think about your budget, or it might be easier to do it the other way around. Whatever works for you. But, now’s the time to think about whether you really want your second cousin once removed to be there, or if you’d rather keep things a little smaller and more affordable.

16. Work out your budget

Photo © Jake Timms Photography | See their Bridebook profile

In the UK, the average cost of a wedding is £19,184, which is enough for you to put on one heck of a party. But, that doesn’t mean your wedding will cost that much – depending on your guest list, venue, catering, attire and more, it could be much lower. Or even much higher.

The best way to work out how much your perfect wedding might cost is by using a budget calculator, which allows you to input all of your wedding-related costs to show you how much they’re likely to set you back. If it’s below what you were hoping for, great! If it’s higher, you can start thinking of some alternate choices or where you can make a few savings.

17. Work out what to do if you don’t have the budget you need

Photo © Lois Brown Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Once you’ve worked out your budget you’re in a position to see how it aligns with your finances. But what if it doesn’t, does that mean the wedding’s off? Absolutely not! One option is to make changes to your plans – for example, a registry office wedding is the cheapest you can have. Another option is to save money across the entire wedding – read our ultimate guide to saving money on your wedding for more information.

Another option is to ask your family for a little extra support. Only one-third of couples pay for their wedding themselves, which means two-thirds get help from family. There are unofficial rules about who traditionally pays for what, but you’ll no doubt be grateful for help in whatever way your family can.

Read our guide to asking your parents for wedding money for helpful tips on how to approach this tricky subject.

18. Think about dates

Photo © Duncan Edward Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Before you make any proper decisions about your wedding date, start by figuring out what’s going to work for your nearest and dearest. Are there any other weddings happening that year? Does anyone have a big holiday booked? You don’t want to commit to a date, only to find out your best friend can’t make it. If you already know where you want to get married, think about when it’ll look its best. Will it really shine in summer or is it the perfect location for a winter wedding?

Choosing the right date for your wedding can also be a huge money-saver. If you want to get married on a Saturday, like half of all couples did last year, it’ll cost you way more than if you were to get married midweek.

Once you know when you’d like to get married, browse our huge range of wedding venues to find your perfect venue.

19. Start asking friends and family for recommendations

Photo © Jon Warr Photography | See their Bridebook profile

There are more than likely a fair few people in your life who have planned a wedding, so ask them for advice on how they went about it. Ask them for recommended vendors, what they loved, what they wished they’d done differently… use them, their experience and their knowledge and make some notes. Also, getting referred to a specific vendor, like a DJ or wedding car hire company, is a great way to secure a cheeky discount.

Here at Bridebook, we also have plenty of expert guides, tips, tricks and real-life stories to help answer your questions, calm your concerns and help you throughout your planning journey.

20. Consider whether or not you want to hire a wedding planner

Photo © Emis Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

Before you make any bookings or get a quote from a single vendor, think about whether or not it would be beneficial for you to hire a wedding planner. Generally, a wedding planner will cost about 10% of your overall budget, but they can save you a lot of time, money and stress by doing a lot of the negotiating and legwork for you. But, to get the best value for money, you should hire a planner at the very start of your planning process. Decide if this is something you’d like to do early on, as tempting as it might be to dive right in and start securing bookings.

So… what comes next?

So, these are the first 20 steps you should take after getting engaged. After that, you might want to take another step back and enjoy a few weeks as an engaged couple. Or, more likely, the excitement of your future wedding will be too much to resist, and you’ll want to get stuck right in with the planning.

Enjoy what comes next – it’s going to be long, exciting and rewarding, and most likely a little expensive as well. But, you’ll have a wonderful wedding day at the end of it.

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Happy Planning!