What is the first thing I need to book for my wedding?

The first thing you need to book for your wedding is the venue. There are over 7500 wedding venues in the UK, giving you plenty of options to choose from for your big day. So, make sure you do your research to find the right wedding venue that fits your style, budget and requirements for capacity, catering and the wedding ceremony.

How much should I budget for my wedding?

There is no right or wrong amount to spend on a wedding day and your wedding budget will wholly depend on your personal circumstances and choices. To give you a starting point, the average UK couple spends around £21,000 on their big day; but the cost of your wedding will depend on your location, the level of luxury you opt for and how many guests you have.

How many months before a wedding should you start planning?

Most couples will begin planning a wedding 12-18 months before the big day. This allows you plenty of time to get everything organised, from the big elements like the wedding venue, food and photographer, down to the small details like the cake topper and bridesmaids dresses. However, many couples will also plan well in advance with over 2 years to go before their wedding and others have done it in less than 6 months! It's entirely down to you and your partner, how long you'd like your engagement to be and, of course, the availability of your chosen wedding venue.

Who pays for the wedding?

Traditionally, the parents of the bride would pay for the wedding, but of course today, that's a little outdated. Many couples will pay for the wedding themselves or receive financial contributions from family members on both sides. In our March 2023 survey, we discovered that over 48% of couples received financial contributions from parents to help pay for their wedding day.

Louise and Tim having their confetti photo moment

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Start Planning Your Wedding

Say 'I do' to Guides for Brides! Our online platform is the ultimate one-stop-shop for everyone planning a wedding. Whether you're hunting for a dream wedding venue near you or the best local wedding suppliers, we've got the inside scoop and real reviews to help you make the best choices. Use our free online planning tools to stay organised every step of the way. Plus, you can check out local wedding fairs and our blog for advice, inspiration and creative ideas.

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Why couples and businesses count on Guides for Brides

The Guides for Brides team includes the business founder, wedding industry spokesperson and advisor, Alison Hargreaves, renowned speaker, bridal blogger and consultant, Nikita Thorne, wedding venue specialist, Elaine Rough, plus a team of sales and marketing specialists with more combined wedding experience than any other website in the UK.

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