Planning A Wedding: Harder And More Time-Consuming Than Ever?

Wedding planning is more time-consuming than ever, with couples dedicating hundreds of hours to the process. A study of 2,000 Americans found that the average engaged person spends 12 hours a week planning their wedding, with finding the perfect venue the most time-consuming activity. A similar study of 2,000 Brits found that two in five think wedding planning is more time-consuming than it would have been 20 years ago, with 39% saying it felt like a second job. The rise of social media and sites like Pinterest and Instagram have also changed the wedding planning process, with couples now aspiring to larger, bolder events and destination weddings.

Finding the perfect venue

Wedding planning is more time-consuming than ever, with couples dedicating more than nine hours to whittling down the guest list, six hours to picking the perfect flower arrangement, and 11 hours to trying on dresses. According to a study, the average engaged person spends 12 hours a week planning their wedding over the course of 11 months, logging 528 hours of planning from engagement to the big day.

The rise of social media and the internet has also played a role in making wedding planning more time-consuming. Pinterest and Instagram, for example, have made destination weddings seem much more appealing and achievable for the average person. Twenty years ago, having a destination wedding was fairly unusual, but now 14% of British weddings are held abroad.

To find the perfect venue, couples should start by determining their budget and the number of guests they plan to invite. This will help narrow down the search to venues that can accommodate their guest list and fit within their budget. It is also important to consider the location of the venue and whether it is convenient for the majority of guests. Other factors to keep in mind include the style and theme of the wedding, as well as any specific requirements or amenities that are needed, such as outdoor space or wheelchair accessibility.

Once a couple has a list of potential venues, they should schedule visits to see the spaces in person and ask questions about availability, pricing, and what is included in the rental. It is also helpful to read reviews from past couples who have held their weddings at the venue to get a sense of the level of service and quality they can expect. Taking the time to find the perfect venue will ensure that the rest of the planning process goes smoothly and that the couple's vision for their special day can be brought to life.

Wedding dress shopping

Wedding planning is more time-consuming than ever, with the average couple spending more than nine hours on the guest list, six hours on flower arrangements, and 11 hours on wedding dress shopping.

Start by doing your research and making a list of the styles you like and the designers you want to try. It's also a good idea to set a budget before you start shopping so you don't fall in love with a dress that's out of your price range.

Once you've found a few dresses you like, it's time to start trying them on. This is where the fun begins! It's a good idea to bring a small group of your closest friends or family members with you for a second opinion. They can help you decide which dress looks best and make the process more enjoyable.

Don't be discouraged if you don't find your dream dress right away. It can take time to find the perfect one, so be patient and enjoy the process. Remember, it's all part of the excitement of planning your big day!

Deciding on the guest list

Wedding planning is more time-consuming than ever, with the average couple dedicating more than nine hours to the task of deciding on a guest list alone. The average engaged American spends 12 hours a week planning their wedding, or 528 hours over 11 months.

The rise of social media and sites like Pinterest and Instagram have made destination weddings seem much more appealing, with 14% of British weddings now held abroad. This means that couples are now looking for ideas for larger, bolder, more challenging events.

The guest list is one of the most important aspects of wedding planning, as it determines the size and scope of the event. It can also be one of the most challenging and tedious parts of the process, as couples must decide who to include and who to leave out. This can be a difficult and emotional decision, especially if there are limited spaces available.

To make the process easier, couples can start by creating a list of must-have guests, such as close family and friends. They can then add additional guests, such as extended family, coworkers, and friends, until they reach their desired number. It's important to be mindful of the budget and the venue capacity when deciding on the guest list, as these factors will impact the overall cost and logistics of the wedding.

Another factor to consider is the location of the wedding. If the wedding is taking place in a remote or destination location, it may be necessary to provide accommodation or transportation for guests, which can add to the cost and complexity of the event. In such cases, it may be advisable to keep the guest list smaller to ensure that everyone can be comfortably accommodated.

Catering

Wedding planning has become a more time-consuming and stressful endeavour than ever before. The average couple spends 528 hours planning their wedding, with 12 hours a week dedicated to the task over the course of 11 months.

One of the biggest challenges in catering for a wedding is ensuring that there is something for everyone. Couples need to consider dietary restrictions, allergies, and preferences to make sure all their guests are accommodated. This can involve creating separate menus or ensuring that there are options available for those with specific needs.

Another factor that adds to the complexity of wedding catering is the timing and coordination required. Couples need to ensure that the food is served at the right time, taking into account the flow of the event and the duration of the reception. This often involves careful planning and communication with the catering team to ensure a seamless experience for the guests.

To make the catering process less overwhelming, it is essential to start early and create a clear plan. Couples can begin by deciding on a budget and researching caterers who can provide the desired cuisine within that budget. Tastings are also an important part of the process, allowing couples to sample the food and ensure it meets their expectations.

Finally, flexibility is key when it comes to wedding catering. Couples should be prepared to make adjustments and compromises, as unexpected challenges or changes in guest numbers may arise. By staying organised, adaptable, and focused on their vision, couples can create a memorable dining experience for their guests while minimising the stress often associated with wedding catering.

Flower arrangements

Wedding planning is more labour-intensive than ever, according to a study. A survey of 2,000 married Brits found that two in five think the process of bringing the elements of a wedding together is now more time-consuming than it would have been 20 years ago.

One of the most time-consuming elements of wedding planning is flower arrangements. On average, couples will spend six hours dedicated to picking the perfect flower arrangement for their venue.

When it comes to flower arrangements, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the type of flowers you choose will depend on the season in which you are getting married. For example, if you are getting married in the spring, you might choose tulips or daffodils, while summer weddings might feature sunflowers or roses. You will also need to think about the colour scheme of your wedding and choose flowers that complement this. For example, if your colour scheme is blush and bashful, you might choose soft pink and peach flowers.

Another thing to consider is the size and style of your venue. If you are getting married in a large, grand venue, you will need larger, more dramatic flower arrangements to fill the space. On the other hand, if you are having a more intimate wedding, smaller, more delicate flower arrangements might be more appropriate.

Finally, you will need to decide on the type of flower arrangements you want. For example, you might choose to have a floral arch at the entrance to your venue, or perhaps you would prefer to have flower arrangements on each table. You might also want to consider having a flower wall as a backdrop for photos. Whatever you choose, make sure you allow enough time to discuss your options with your florist and make any necessary changes.

Frequently asked questions