Download your FREE wedding planning kit
ALL THE TOOLS YOU NEED TO PLAN YOUR WEDDING, STRESS-FREE
Once your information has been submitted you will be an emailed your FREE wedding planning guide. A member of our team will contact you to see if there anyway Capture House Weddings can help with your wedding organising.
How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide to Wedding Planning
When it is all done with an engagement announcement, we can start planning a wedding! Maybe you wonder why people choose not to marry if they don't want a wedding to happen? We'll give you a guide for all the steps needed to successfully complete a wedding planning task. This step-by-step guide to planning weddings consists of everything a wedding planner needs to accomplish.
Your wedding planning journey made easy.
Free wedding planning kits
Our team of wedding industry experts have worked closely with various wedding suppliers in Essex and newly married couples to create the ultimate wedding planning guide. This pack contains useful advice, handy templates and tips from recently married couples to ensure that nothing is forgotten and you can plan your wedding stress-free. This pack is worth over £70.00 but we are giving it to you for FREE.
What's Included in this wedding planner?
• Checklists
• Budgeting Guide
• Tips for picking your venue
• Tips for picking a photographer
• Recommended Suppliers
• Wedding Inspiration
• Cost-saving ideas
• Guestlist Eliminator
• Wedding Day Schedule
• Advice from our married couples
• How to tie a cravat
• How to put on a buttonhole
HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING
Check In On Your Wedding Budget
We want to emphasise that regular checks are incredibly important for the budget of your wedding. You spent hours preparing your plan - how can I afford this? We understand it is difficult to see expenses increase, but keeping your budget in check during your wedding planning helps keep your expenditure on track.
Research Wedding Styles
Before making any booking you will want to gather countless wedding ideas for your big day. There are so many sources of inspiration which may seem intimidating. Remember that these are thoughts. If we love a few different things, we aren't required to make them at a wedding. As an example of the real British wedding, you can see how real British couples were involved. Pinterest is an excellent tool for creating boards for weddings and brainstorm ideas.
Find Your Perfect Venue
Once your budget and the theme have been determined, you will begin planning the venue for your wedding. When booking your wedding venues you must choose a wedding date and location and you need a maximum guest population. If you want a venue for the wedding you want to find, meet up with whoever you are planning to invite. Let's return to my wedding vision & priorities. When both of us envision the magical castle venue in the dream and the others envision the rustic barn location, the compromise is likely to be necessary.
Set Time Aside to Review Contracts
Before you accept a wedding venue you should review them thoroughly. This agreement is legally enforceable and you want to be sure the contract protects the company. 9 % of the wedding supplier or venue may require hefty payments on a most precious day of your life - make yourself comfortable in this process and ensure the security of everything you have done before you sign the deal.
Hire an Officiant
If your marriage does occur outside the church then someone should make it formal. Couples should use a professional or make it a more personal approach by arranging a special honour.
Send Your Save the Dates
Even after most people have told you you want to marry now, it should finally become official. Your wedding invitations should be sent at least 3 to 6 weeks ahead of the wedding date, however it is never too early to pick a designer or stationery supplier you like. Please send us a Save the Date card immediately upon your wedding date to ensure your guests have a safe, arranged date.
Hire a Wedding Planner
Obviously, that will be a matter of money for you. All things should work out. But when your funds are available and your confidence is important, it'll be your time to get in touch. This person will be your right hand and guide you through the entire decision-making process.
Hire Vendors Who Book Up Quickly, Including Your Photographer, Band, DJ, and Videographer
These people will make your night fun. Do research before hiring if you are preparing for engagements. Seriously, this might be an interesting friendship.
Buy Wedding Insurance
The average wedding cost in England in 2022 is £20,000. A budget of £20k for weddings seems hefty but considering your venue, food, wine, wedding dress and other wedding essentials you can immediately see the effect on them all. When a wedding happens, it doesn’t feel romantic, but it is always best to prepare yourself to do it. Buying a wedding insurance plan immediately after you have paid your bill may help you to have peace of mind. Wedding Insurance can help to relieve your stress during the planning of your wedding!
Choose a Color Theme and Start Thinking of Overall Design
Put on a Pinterest board, people. It's now time for inspiration to begin selecting colors and creating the mood boards. If you have difficulty with a bit about your blog, Capture House Weddings recommends stepping into something you already know. —and get inspired by this.
Start Shopping for Your Wedding Dress
Maybe you know what you want but not sure, that's fine. To start with, this look on laces like Pinterest & Instagram for inspirations and local dress shops.
Order Rental Items, Such as Specialty Chairs, Linens, Draping, Lounge Furniture, Dance Floor, Etc.
It is possible you see these extras as extras. The best rental essentially acts as the foundation of a bridesmaid's decoration. Conclusion: Don't spend too much on upgraded chairs or comfortable lounges.
Book the Rehearsal-Dinner Venue
Traditionally, the family of the brides pay for rehearsal meals so you should see it as another way you are obliged by their future mother-in-law should that be the case. You still have to decide the theme of your event (especially for someone else) and when it's scheduled. Our family loves hosting family-style meals in your favourite restaurant or choosing an informal occasion like clam baking or backyard BBQ - choose from our wide range of options.
Create a Schedule of the Day's Events
The next stage is the preparation of the schedule. Not only does it provide you with some tools to work on and remind you if something you forgot. The fact that you wrote it in your notebook allows you to prepare your order for the day cards or signs that may be suitable for the wedding invitation. Depending on your schedule, make sure that your vendors arrive at a specific moment of their presence at your event. You may include the time when the dance starts as well as when you cut the cake.
Send the Wedding Invitations (With RSVPs Due 1 Month Before the Wedding)
You did that hardest part: selecting a place. Just make sure that the documents have been scanned and assembled.
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Select the Bridesmaid Dresses and Bridal Party Accessories and Schedule Fittings Within the Month
After obtaining the information you need, ask someone to come visit you in person - they will be there if they are in proximity. It's helpful to view the person wearing the clothing and you can ask what they think about the option you are thinking of. It must be worn before crowds of hundreds. Keep your accessories on hand when it's on. It is the new trend of choosing a palette of colors—such as white, grey, and burgundy—allowing your team to decide what colors will suit your outfit. You may want to see the best ways to pull off mismatchee dresses!
Hire the Ceremony Musicians
If you want to hire three-piece musicians, then this should be done. When it comes back to music, we'd recommend not going generic when going personal.
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Decide on Toast, Speeches and Readings
It's important that people are aware. It's never inappropriate for a maid of honor speech! Decide who the speaker should speak to, read and toast - and this will also give you some great opportunities to include people not selected as the main roles on a wedding! They may feel like a significant part of your event, despite the fact that they're not in bridesmaid dresses. Get married with expert advice.
Write Your Vows
The big wedding soon approaches, and you and your partner should begin thinking about your marriage vows. When writing down your wedding vows, it's still worth writing down some notes and key points.
Book Hotel-Room Blocks for Guests
You can block rooms for guests (or you can have them lowered in price) by doing so. Tell me the most important information.
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Check-in With Your Wedding Venue and Suppliers
Within a week prior to your wedding we recommend calling all of your major wedding suppliers and venues so that you have a final minute request for your wedding day and have total confidence in your decision.
Book the Newlyweds' Transportation (Limo, Specialty Car, etc.)
Buy All Small Items
Besides table numbers they contain toasters, flutes, cake toppers, and cake stands. Make sure you buy a pair of sunglasses and a pajamas at your reception. So keep the signs (welcome, guestbook, dance shoes...) intact.
Brainstorm Guest Favors and Gift Bags
It doesn't take much to give and give away favors and presents. You can decide now. Here're the most popular gift choices. Come on!
Book a Photo-Booth Rental
Photo booths became a popular reception staple, but look for something a little bigger in style than standard steps and shoots.
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Book Your Honeymoon
Booking your wedding is probably a good part of your planning process, because your wedding is your dream vacation. If you planned your wedding costs for the wedding, then you could book things quickly, or you can have selected your gift lists as a substitute for your honeymoon expenses. In this case, it may be worth waiting until after the wedding to book the venue. If you are still conscious of budget then it's possible to make an early minimoon before your wedding to offer you some time off to relax and enjoy your newly married life.
Buy Wedding Party Gifts
The total cost is decided individually, but regardless of the cost, the purpose of giving should always be as thoughtful, functional and customized as possible. Is this a good idea?
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How do we book Capture House Weddings?To check our availability for your wedding day, simply get in touch with us via phone or email. We're happy to arrange a complimentary pre-booking meeting where we can walk you through our process and answer any questions you may have. It's important to us that you get to know your photography team, as they'll be with you throughout your special day.
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What are the payment options?Once you're ready to proceed with the booking, we offer several flexible payment options. The most common option is a 50% deposit upon booking, with the remaining 50% due one month prior to your wedding. Alternatively, we can arrange payment in 4 instalments of 25% or monthly payment plans with 0% interest, designed to suit your preferences and budget. We aim to make the payment process convenient and affordable for you.
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How long until we see our photos?During busy periods, it can take up to 6 weeks to receive a link to your online gallery. Our usual turnaround time is between 2 to 4 weeks. We're fortunate to have a dedicated team editing our weddings, allowing us to deliver images promptly. Once you've reviewed and approved the photos, we'll send your USB in a personalised box, which typically takes an additional 2 weeks to arrive. If you've ordered an album, please allow 4 to 6 weeks from the selection of your images. Each album is bespoke and made to order, ensuring it meets your unique preferences and specifications.
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How many photos should we expect?The number of photos can vary based on factors such as the number of guests, hours of coverage, and planned events. For a full day's coverage, you can typically expect no less than 600 photographs. We don't set a limit on the number of photos you receive - we edit all the picture-perfect moments and provide them to you in full.
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What happens if you're ill on the day?If your chosen photographer is unexpectedly ill and unable to photograph your wedding day, rest assured that another skilled member of our team will step in to ensure your day is beautifully captured.
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What happens if the weather is bad on the day?Our photographers are 100% weatherproof. It's our priority to ensure your comfort and capture incredible photos. If you're up for embracing the elements with us, that's fantastic! Alternatively, if you prefer to take stunning photos inside your venue, we can accommodate that too. We thrive in various situations that require quick thinking, which is why we're passionate about what we do.
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Can we request specific shots or styles?Absolutely! Trust the professionals at Capture House Weddings—we're here to offer advice and ensure your vision is captured perfectly. Before your wedding day, we'll discuss your ideas and any must-have shots to personalize your experience.
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Do you offer engagement sessions separately?Yes, we do! Our engagement sessions are a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera before your big day. You can book this as an optional extra to complement your wedding photography package. Get in touch to find out more.
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Do you have backup equipment?Absolutely. We always come prepared with backup cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment to handle any unexpected situations.
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Can we see full weddings you've photographed?Yes, of course! We're happy to show you complete wedding galleries to give you a sense of our style and the storytelling approach we take, just ask when enquiring.
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Are travel costs included?We cover weddings across the UK and internationally. Travel costs within a 30-mile radius of our base are included in our packages. For weddings farther afield, we'll discuss travel arrangements with you.