How to Plan a Wedding in London in Five Simple Steps
London Wedding at The Dickens Inn, Photo by The Kensington Photographer
You did it! Congrats! But what’s that? You’re looking to host your dream wedding in London, and are worried that planning it will be trickier than you first thought?
Relax, we’ve put together this article to help you navigate the wedding planning process with ease. All you need to do is grab a cuppa and read through these five simple steps for planning your London wedding extravaganza.
1. What’s the big idea?
Ah, the start of the planning process, where your ideas, dreams and budgets collide. An important first step is figuring out how to allocate your funds. Although London can be a wondrous city, it’s also known for steep prices, leaving a lot of couples worries about hosting a wedding there. If you plan to marry in the Big Smoke, ensure you have the budget or, at the very least, plenty of time to save and budget smartly.
Think about what’s most important to you as a couple. Are you history buffs? Foodies? Art enthusiasts? London offers so much in the way of wedding venues, not to mention entire neighbourhoods that cater to a host of different tastes and interests. From the prestige of Kensington to the always-in-vogue vibes of Shoreditch, there really is something for everyone.
2. Lock in the basics
Once you’ve narrowed your ideas list down to a few choice cuts, it’s time to pencil in a date and venue. You may find that the two happen hand in hand, due to London venues getting booked up fast.
It may also be worth using a venue-finding service, like us. We can guide you through the selection process, helping you book that perfect wedding venue, on the day you want it. And speaking of dates, don’t forget to send out your save-the-dates once you’ve booked the space. This way, your nearest and dearest will have plenty of time to plan and prepare for your wedding day or weekend.
3. Make it about you!
“I thought this was supposed to be fun!?” we hear you say. Well, relax, because here comes the part you’ve been waiting for — designing your dream wedding!
So what style are you looking for? A classic, elegant affair, or perhaps something a little quirkier and unconventional? Once you’ve settled on the vibe, enquire with local suppliers like photographers, videographers, musicians, and celebrants to find the perfect fit for what you need.
Not to put a damper on things, but don’t forget to plan for the unpredictable British weather. London has its fair share of rain, so having a plan B ready and waiting if your outdoor ceremony isn’t possible, means avoiding the chance of disappointment.
4. Make it about them too!
The capital can be a tricky place to navigate at times. With this in mind, it’s important to think about your guests and how they’ll make their way to your wedding. You could arrange a series of transportation options, giving them a choice of how they choose to see and get around the city. From classic black cabs to double-decker buses, there are plenty of ways to make their journey a simple one.
As for keeping your loved ones happy on the day, entertainment such as a solo musician or magician always goes down a treat. And don’t forget that communication is key, so make sure you provide them with all the necessary details of the wedding and the city itself. A well-informed guest is a happy guest!
5. It’s all about the deets
Your big day will come around fast, so you’ll want to start tying everything together as it approaches. Why not create a run sheet or timeline to ensure that everything goes smoothly. While you’re at it, it’s also a good idea to confirm final arrangements with your suppliers and venue, to make sure there are no last-minute surprises.
Finally — and this is the biggie — take a deep breath and enjoy everything you’ve planned. Your London wedding adventure is about to begin; a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ve lovingly crafted to ensure you and your guests have a blast!
Although planning a wedding in London may seem monumental, breaking it down into these five simple steps can help you navigate the process in more bite-sized pieces. The city offers a myriad of possibilities to make your wedding dream into a wedding reality, so here’s to you and your London wedding adventure!
If you need help finding a wedding venue in London, let’s chat. We’re on-hand throughout the day and ready to guide you through the best options based on your ideas.
