UK Wedding Planning Checklist: Your Essential Guide

Planning a wedding in the UK is exciting, but it’s also a massive job. A recent UK survey found couples spend an average of 528 hours organising their big day – that’s 22 full days of planning. And most don’t even know where to start.

The good news? Breaking it down into simple, manageable steps makes everything easier.

Most couples think the first step is finding a venue or choosing a dress. But actually, it starts with setting realistic expectations.

Think of it like building a house. You need a strong foundation before you add the finishing touches. That means deciding on your budget and timeline first, because these two things shape everything else: Guest list, venue, vendors, and more.

Not sure where to begin? This checklist covers when to book, how to budget, and what to prioritise – so you can plan your wedding without unnecessary stress. Let’s go!

Your Step-By-Step Guide to Planning a Wedding in the UK

1. Decide on a theme

Before you even start looking at venues or dresses, take a moment to consider the overall feel you want for your wedding. It doesn't need to be a rigid theme, but having an aesthetic or style in mind will guide all your other decisions. Think of it as setting the vibe. For example, “a summer garden party in Provence” gives suppliers a clear picture and helps them offer creative ideas that fit your vision.

If you're struggling to define your style, don't worry. Chatting with event companies can be incredibly helpful. Share what you like and what's important to you, and they can help you distill those ideas into a coherent theme.

2. Lock in your budget 

Weddings in the UK can range from £5,000 to £50,000+. Before you book anything, consider what you can afford. Factor in everything – venue, catering, outfits, photography, décor, entertainment, and even little costs (yes, chair covers somehow cost that much).

And don’t forget to leave room for unexpected expenses. Flowers, for example, can vary a lot depending on the season. If you overspend in one area, adjust another to keep things balanced.

To stay on top of spending, use Excel, Google Sheets, or a wedding planning app. Many have pre-made templates to track expenses. Update it every time you make a payment so you don’t wake up one morning and realise you’ve spent half your budget on candles.

3. Choose the right venue

Your venue sets the stage for your entire wedding, so whether it’s a grand castle, a rooftop bar, or a cosy barn, make sure it ticks the right boxes:

• Capacity: You don’t want guests crammed in like sardines, but you also don’t want an echoing ballroom with only 40 people.
• Hidden costs: Some venues offer all-inclusive options, while others are a blank canvas. Always confirm what's included and any rules for external suppliers. Bringing in your own suppliers offers flexibility, but be sure to clarify any associated fees.
• Timing: Popular wedding venues often book up years in advance for weekend weddings, especially during peak season (June–August). If you’re flexible, consider a weekday or off-season date for better deals.

The sooner you book, the better. Otherwise, you might end up saying “I do” next to someone’s corporate team-building event.

Another tip: Not every venue advertises itself as a wedding venue, and these often get overlooked. This could be a unique opportunity to find a hidden gem with more availability and potentially lower costs.

4. Create a wedding day schedule

A solid timeline keeps everything running smoothly. Plan out key moments like:

• Hair & makeup: Always add buffer time since it takes longer than you think.
• Photos: If you want to spend more time with your guests and enjoy the reception, reportage-style photography is much quicker than posed shots (with maybe a few key posed ones to supplement). If you dream of extensive posed shots, schedule enough time.
• Food & drinks: Guests get cranky when they wait too long for food. Keep things moving.
• Speeches: Keep them short and sweet. No one wants a 30-minute best man monologue.

5. Expect the unexpected (because something will go wrong)

No matter how much planning you do, something will go off track. Maybe there’s traffic. Maybe your flowers arrive in the wrong shade of pink. Maybe your cousin gets lost and ends up in Wales. Maybe your best man forgets his shoes (yes, it happens).

The trick? Build in buffer time and always have a backup plan. That way, when things go sideways, you can roll with it and enjoy your day.

Budgeting tips: How to spend wisely

Weddings are expensive, but smart budgeting means you won’t have to swap your honeymoon for instant noodles. Here’s how to make your money work harder for you.

Know where your money’s going

The venue and food swallow up around 40-50% of your budget – because feeding people in a pretty place isn’t cheap. The venue alone? That’s about 30%. Catering? Another 20%. Then there’s the dress (10%), plus flowers, photography, and music, each eating up 5-10%.

Timing matters, too. A summer wedding in London? Pricey. A winter wedding in a quiet town? Way more budget-friendly. If you want the dream venue, you might need to cut back on the flower wall. Prioritise what matters most.

Invest in a coordinator

A wedding planner is basically a superhero in a headset. They keep vendors in check, handle the chaos, and make sure you don’t forget your own bouquet.

But they’re not cheap – typically 10-15% of your total budget. If that’s too much, a day-of coordinator is a great compromise. They step in just before the big day to handle logistics, minus the full-time cost.

Another option is to work with an events company that can coordinate multiple suppliers at no extra cost (like us). This provides the benefit of professional coordination without the full planner price tag.

Keep your guest list under control

Guest lists can spiral fast. A 50-person wedding? Around £5,000-£15,000. Double the guests? £10,000-£30,000. More people means a bigger bill – more food, more drinks, a bigger venue.

Keep it tight. Invite the people who truly matter, not the ones you feel guilty about leaving out.

Consider your wedding outfit budget

Wedding outfits can range widely in cost, and it's easy to spend more than anticipated. Whether you're looking for a traditional gown, a sharp suit, or something completely unique, costs can vary significantly.

If you're looking to save, sample sales, off-the-rack finds, and outlets are great options.

Wedding planning doesn’t have to take over your life

Start with a realistic budget and timeline. These two things will guide every decision. From choosing the right venue to crafting a stress-free schedule, getting the foundations right makes everything else easier.

Expect a few hiccups along the way, but focus on what matters most: The celebration, the food and drinks your guests will enjoy, and the people who’ll be there to celebrate with you. 

Take a deep breath, trust the process, and enjoy every moment. You’ve got this!