Planning A Wedding In The Uk: How Long Does It Take?

Planning a wedding in the UK can take anywhere from two to three months for a minimalistic wedding with a small guest list, to 12-18 months for a full wedding with a breakfast, evening party, honeymoon and more. The latest research suggests it takes an average of six to 12 months to plan a wedding, but some couples prefer to extend the timeline to 18 months to give themselves some wiggle room. It's important to decide what parts of the event are must-haves and what can be done without, as trimming down the planning process to the bare essentials can leave room for other things like DIY crafting nights.

Budgeting and picking a date

Planning a wedding can take anywhere from two to three months to two years, depending on the size of the wedding and the complexity of the planning process.

The first step in planning a wedding is to set a budget and pick a date. This will guide all your other decisions, from the venue to the catering and the honeymoon. It's important to be realistic about how much you can spend and what you can achieve within that budget.

Give yourself at least a month to make these initial decisions, and remember that the date you pick may impact the availability of venues and vendors.

Once you have a budget and a date, you can start approaching vendors and venues. This is one of the most time-consuming tasks, so it's important to start early. You may need to be flexible with your date if you have your heart set on a particular venue or vendor.

If you're planning a minimalistic wedding with a small guest list, you may be able to plan the wedding in as little as two to three months. However, if you're planning a full wedding with a breakfast, evening party, and honeymoon, it's recommended that you give yourself 12-18 months to plan.

Some couples prefer to extend the planning timeline to 18 months or even two years to give themselves some extra time and ensure they can book their first-choice vendors and venues.

Planning a wedding breakfast

First, you should set a firm budget and pick a wedding date. This will help you determine how much you can spend on the wedding breakfast and when it will take place.

Next, you should start planning the menu. A wedding breakfast can be a great way to save money, as breakfast foods tend to be less expensive than dinner options. Think about your favourite breakfast and brunch foods, and don't forget to include some filling options. If you're serving alcohol, a "full bar" at a breakfast reception might include coffee, tea, fresh juice, mimosas, and Bloody Marys.

When choosing a caterer, ask if they have experience planning brunch weddings and request sample menus. You should also confirm that they can prepare any must-have dishes that come to mind.

Don't forget to plan for lighting, especially if your wedding breakfast will be held before sunrise. Consider lighting the path to the ceremony with twinkle lights, luminaries, or candles in mason jars to create a romantic atmosphere.

Planning an evening party

If you're planning a full wedding breakfast, evening party, honeymoon, and more, it's recommended that you give yourself 12-18 months to plan. However, if you're having a minimalistic wedding with a small guest list, two to three months should be enough time.

One of the first things you need to do when planning an evening party is to set a firm budget and pick a date. This will help you determine the venue and other details. Securing a venue is one of the most time-consuming tasks, so it's important to start looking as early as possible.

Once you have your venue, you can start thinking about the other elements of your evening party, such as catering, entertainment, and decorations. It's important to take a look at each element and decide what parts are must-haves and what you can do without. This will help you stay within your budget and timeline.

Booking a venue

Your budget will determine a lot of your decisions, so it's important to have a clear idea of how much you are willing to spend. Once you have a budget, you can start researching venues that fit within your price range.

It's also important to consider the size of your guest list when booking a venue. If you're planning a small, minimalistic wedding, you might only need a few months to plan. However, if you're planning a larger wedding with a full breakfast, evening party, and honeymoon, you'll need to give yourself more time.

When looking for venues, consider what parts of the event are must-haves and what you can do without. This will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect venue for your special day.

Wedding dress alterations

It takes an average of 6 to 18 months to plan a wedding, so it's important to give yourself enough time to get everything sorted. One of the things you'll need to consider is wedding dress alterations.

If you're buying a wedding dress, it's likely that you'll need to get it altered to fit you perfectly. This could include shortening the hem, taking in the waist, or adding straps. The cost of these alterations can vary depending on the complexity of the work and the materials used. For example, shortening a hem might cost around £160-200, while more extensive alterations could cost upwards of £300.

It's a good idea to start looking for a seamstress or bridal alteration studio as soon as you've purchased your dress. That way, you can get an idea of the cost and the timeline for the alterations. It's also important to allow for multiple fittings to ensure that the dress fits perfectly on your wedding day.

Some seamstresses or studios may offer rush services if you're short on time, but this will usually cost more. So, if possible, it's best to give yourself plenty of time to get your dress altered. That way, you can avoid any last-minute stress and ensure that your dress is exactly how you want it.

Frequently asked questions