The wedding planning tips every couple should know
According to Bridebook’s latest wedding report, the average engagement now lasts 20 months – meaning this winter is the ideal time to begin planning a spring-summer 2026 wedding.
Suddenly, you’re faced with endless decisions to make and details to arrange. From managing budgets and creating the guest list to choosing your venue and saying “yes” to the dress, the process can be overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. Here, a handful of the industry’s top experts share their sage advice for stress-free big-day planning.
Set the budget
“Establishing and sticking to a realistic budget is essential,” begins wedding planner, Ann Nicholas. “Start by doing your homework – researching key suppliers that align with your style and deciding your priorities. For example, if having lots of flowers is important, consider areas where you’re happier to scale back, such as having a DJ rather than a live band.”
Your venue, food, and beverage will eat up the biggest chunk of your budget. A good rule of thumb is to spend no more than 40 to 50 percent of the overall budget on these elements – as “overspending here will limit what you can spend on everything else,” says Nicholas.
“Most often, there is a price-per-head for catering services, so consider how the size of your guest list will greatly influence the overall celebration cost.”
Location, location, location
Nothing defines your wedding’s aesthetic and experience more than its setting. Laura Bradbury, weddings manager at award-winning historic venue, Ashridge House, advises: “Start your venue search early, aiming to begin at least a year out to avoid availability issues or settling for a less-than-ideal spot."
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Xi And Ishiba Express Desire For 'Constructive' Relations
Chinese and Japanese leaders met for the first time in Peru
Fertility Ads On Social Media 'Adding To Women's Anxiety'
Women in their early twenties are laying bare the pressure they face around fertility after being bombarded with IVF, egg-freezing and fertility test ads on social media.
Wales thrashed by Australia as losing streak continues
Wales suffered a record 11th successive Test match defeat yesterday as Australia demolished them 52-20 in Cardiff, ramping up the pressure on head coach Warren Gatland, who has now presided over 17 losses from 23 Tests during his second stint at the helm.
Borthwick safe for now but optimism is little insurance
Perhaps Allianz is already dealing with a dash of buyer’s remorse. In the two months since the insurance giant took the Twickenham naming rights to the tune of more than £100m, England’s men have played three, lost three; the bedecking of their home in deep blue branding suddenly feels appropriately doleful decoration.
Young England side shine with goals and promotion
Sir Alf Ramsey remains the only England manager to win a World Cup, a status he may retain for another few decades, but Lee Carsley can bow out as the interim with a unique distinction of his own.
ENTER SANDMEN
Think the new Dune: Prophecy’ TV series is bonkers? You should watch the SyFy Noughties ones, writes Greg Evans
Nice day... right wedding
Arranging your ceremony is an enormous project to take on. Thankfully, Adele Cardani has consulted industry specialists to bring you the essential advice every couple should know
BAD VIBRATIONS
All over the world, people claim to be affected by an enigma known as the Hum’. Ellie Harrison speaks to those who’ve been trying to establish the source of this mysterious sound
Sorry Homebase, not even Bob the Builder could fix Gen Z's lack of DIY skills
About two decades ago, I decided that it was time to transform myself from a soft-handed, martini-quaffing, media-dwelling young thing into, well, a sort of grown-up.
As winter approaches, think more seasonally about wine`
This point in November should be known as the “betwixt” time of autumn. The novelty of entering “cosy season” has well and truly worn off, and the grass seems more damp and soggy than “jewelled” these days.
