Deborah Chan
Planning a wedding in London? There are a lot of factors to consider, from the venue to the guest list, and of course, the time. The time of your wedding ceremony will depend on the type of wedding you're having. Traditionally, couples get married around lunchtime, but twilight weddings are becoming increasingly popular. Religious ceremonies usually take place in the late morning and last up to an hour, while registry office weddings typically start in the afternoon and can be as short as 10 minutes. The size of your guest list, the location of your venues, and the time of year can also impact the timing of your wedding. London offers a variety of unique and versatile venues, from historic locations like Kensington Palace to modern spaces like The Shard, ensuring your wedding reflects your personal style.
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What You'll Learn
London wedding venues
London is a vibrant, bustling city with a wedding venue for every kind of couple. From quirky West End theatres to glamorous hotels, intimate registry offices to grand ballrooms, the city has it all.
For those seeking a countryside wedding with a London postcode, Coworth in Ascot, Berkshire, is just a 45-minute drive from the capital. The elegant Oval Room, the Garden Room, the Oak Room, and The Barn are all event spaces on offer, with the beautiful ten-acre wildflower meadow providing the perfect backdrop for wedding photos.
If you're looking for a London venue with a countryside feel, B&H Buildings in Clerkenwell is a restaurant that will organise everything from music and canapes to flowers and table arrangements. For a more intimate gathering of up to 12 guests, this venue is a great choice.
For a summer wedding, the Horniman Conservatory in South London is a beautiful Grade II-listed Victorian Conservatory with an impressive glass roof. Available to hire between April and October, it can accommodate up to 120 guests.
For a wedding with a difference, the Barbican Conservatory will transport you to another world. This intriguing and intimate setting features tropical plants and tranquil fish pools, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your special day.
If you're looking for a luxurious and iconic venue, the Shangri-La Hotel in The Shard offers panoramic views of London's skyline. With three distinctive reception rooms, this five-star venue can cater to both intimate ceremonies and grand celebrations.
With so many unique and stunning venues to choose from, London is a city that truly has something for every couple planning their dream wedding.
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Planning a timeline
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but creating a timeline for your big day will ensure everything runs smoothly. Here is a suggested timeline for your London wedding:
Morning: Getting Ready
Give yourself and your bridal party plenty of time to get ready. Start with a good breakfast to fuel the day ahead, and allow at least two hours for hair and makeup. The bride should be dressed and ready before the guests start arriving, so plan accordingly.
Early Afternoon: Ceremony
Traditionally, couples get married around lunchtime, but twilight weddings are becoming increasingly popular. Most ceremonies last 20-45 minutes, but religious ceremonies can last up to an hour. If you're having a religious wedding, consider starting a little earlier, in the late morning. If you prefer a more intimate and modern setting, London offers stylish contemporary venues such as The Shard, The Gherkin, or the Barbican Conservatory.
Afternoon: Drinks Reception and Photos
After the ceremony, it's time to celebrate with a drinks reception! This is also a great time to escape for some photos with your new spouse, family portraits, and bridal party shots. If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, factor in travel time. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours before your guests are seated for the wedding breakfast.
Early Evening: Wedding Breakfast and Speeches
A traditional three-course sit-down meal will take roughly two hours. If you're having a less traditional meal, such as a barbecue or afternoon tea, it may take less time. Factor in time for speeches, which can vary in length. Ask your speakers to practise ahead of time and stick to a time limit to avoid delays.
Evening: First Dance, Cake Cutting, and Evening Food
After the wedding breakfast, it's time to kick off the evening festivities! Cut the cake and transition into your first dance to ensure all your guests are assembled and ready to join you on the dance floor. This is also a good time to throw the bouquet and preserve those precious memories with your photographer and videographer. As the party continues, bring out the evening food to keep your guests energised.
Late Evening: The Grand Finale
As the night comes to a close, say your final goodbyes and thank your guests for sharing this special day with you. If you're planning a grand exit with fireworks or sparklers, designate a member of your bridal party to organise the guests and hand out any necessary items.
Remember, this timeline can be adjusted to fit your specific plans and preferences. Share it with your wedding planner and key guests to ensure everything runs smoothly, and don't forget to enjoy your special day!
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Wedding attire
London is a great place to find wedding attire, with its world-renowned fashion scene and many boutiques. Whether you are looking to buy or rent, there are options for all tastes and budgets.
For those seeking a designer gown, London Bride and Halfpenny London are great places to start. London Bride stocks a large selection of contemporary and classic designer wedding dresses, while Halfpenny London's Bloomsbury boutique is proud to help women of all shapes and sizes.
If you're looking for something more affordable, W Wedding Bridal offers trendy and graceful gowns starting from just £400, and you can try on as many as you like in your own size. Bridal Reloved in Wanstead is another great option for those on a budget, offering second-hand dresses.
For brides wanting a unique and quirky dress, Morgan Davies in London and Hertfordshire sources exquisite and original gowns from around the world, including undiscovered and lesser-known designers.
For those with a curvier figure, Evelie in Maida Vale and South Kensington has a Curve collection specifically designed for sizes UK 16-22, ensuring accommodation for a variety of body types.
Finally, for those who want a bespoke, made-to-measure dress, Ellis Bridals is a British brand with over 100 years of heritage, creating timeless and classic pieces with a modern twist.
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Catering options
There are many catering options to choose from for your wedding, and the right one for you will depend on your preferences, budget, and the style of your wedding. Here are some ideas to consider:
Food Trucks
Food trucks are a unique and budget-friendly option that can add a playful twist to your wedding. They can be customised to fit your wedding theme and colour scheme, and you can serve the bride and groom's favourite foods. This option encourages guests to interact and can be a great conversation starter.
Cocktail-Style Catering
Cocktail-style catering is perfect for modern weddings with a casual twist. It allows guests to meet and mingle while enjoying hot and cold bite-sized food and drinks. You can also set up food stations with specialised dishes, allowing guests to serve themselves and explore different cuisines. This option can accommodate various dietary preferences.
Buffet-Style Catering
Buffet-style catering is a cost-effective option that allows guests to serve themselves from a variety of dishes. It is a good way to offer a range of options and accommodate different dietary needs.
Plated Service
Plated service is the classic, elegant option where guests are seated and served individual plates of food. However, it is also the most expensive option.
BBQ or Picnic-Style Catering
If you're having an outdoor wedding or going for a rustic theme, BBQ or picnic-style catering can be a great option. It creates a relaxed atmosphere and encourages guests to mingle. This option typically includes dishes like burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, and potato salad.
Breakfast or Brunch Menu
If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider hosting your wedding during the day and serving a breakfast or brunch menu. Breakfast foods, such as eggs and potatoes, tend to be less expensive than dinner options.
Other Considerations
When choosing a caterer, be sure to research their experience, read reviews, and check their credentials. Ask about their menu options and whether they can accommodate your taste and budget. Schedule a tasting if possible, and don't forget to confirm the final order and delivery details to avoid any surprises.
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Photography and videography
When choosing a wedding photographer and videographer in London, it is essential to consider their style and approach. Some professionals, like Chris Boland, offer a classic, artistic style with a modern touch. Others, like MIKI Studios, take a boutique approach, capturing each important moment while remaining unobtrusive. It is also worth noting that some photographers and videographers specialise in certain styles, such as reportage, documentary, portrait, or traditional. Therefore, it is crucial to communicate your vision and expectations clearly to ensure the final product aligns with your desires.
Building a rapport with your photographer and videographer is also essential. As highlighted by MIKI Studios, they aim to build a friendly relationship with the couple to blend into the action seamlessly. This approach allows them to capture authentic and creative images and films that truly reflect the couple's personality and the unique moments of their wedding day. Additionally, it ensures that the couple feels comfortable and at ease, resulting in more natural and candid photographs and videos.
When considering wedding photography and videography in London, it is worth exploring the various packages offered by professionals. For instance, Chris Boland offers engagement shoot packages that include both photography and videography. These pre-wedding shoots provide an opportunity to capture the couple's anticipation and love story leading up to the big day. Additionally, some photographers and videographers, like Ellie Gillard, offer highlights films set to licensed music that complement the mood and vibe of the wedding day. These short films capture the magic and emotion of the event without replacing the full wedding videography.
Lastly, it is important to note that many London-based wedding photographers and videographers are willing to travel worldwide. Whether you're planning a destination wedding or elopement, professionals like Chris Boland and MIKI Studios are eager to capture your special day, regardless of the location. This flexibility allows couples to have consistency in their wedding photography and videography, even if their celebration takes place outside of London or the UK.
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Frequently asked questions
Once your date and venue are set, it's time to notify your guests with save-the-date cards.
Most weddings don't start at the time on the invite, so guests usually start arriving at the ceremony around 1:30 pm, with the ceremony starting at 2 pm.
The shortest part of a couple's wedding day is the ceremony itself, which takes approximately 45 minutes. However, religious ceremonies can last up to an hour, and non-religious ceremonies around 20-30 minutes.
A traditional three-course sit-down meal will take roughly two hours. It's best to check with your caterers beforehand.
