Wedgwoods Official Wedding Planning Checklist

You’ve said yes, the engagement ring is on your finger, you’re dreaming of your magical day, but what happens next? With so many things left to organise and the accoutrements to get in order, planning your big day can soon become overwhelming. Sit back, relax and make use of our handy wedding planning checklist to get you started.

Where To Start When Planning A Wedding

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to planning a wedding, but we’ve broken it down into simple steps to follow in order to make sure your big day goes to plan.

Deciding on your budget

It might seem obvious, but the first thing you want to decide is how much you are willing to spend as a couple. From the super extravagant, to the simple and intimate, there is a budget to suit everyone’s tastes and pockets. When deciding your budget, try to remember some of the below:

Venue hire
Dresses
Photographer
Centrepieces and decorations, including home décor and interior pieces
Tableware

Choose a date and venue

Choosing a date can be as simple as putting your finger randomly on a calendar and deciding. Remember, weekends will be more expensive at most venues, so consider a weekday wedding if you want to save some budget. To pick a venue, it is recommended to draw a shortlist of venues you like the look of, and then visit them to decide whether they’re your dream setting.

Create a guest list

This is one of the easier parts of the wedding planning checklist. Write a long list of your family and friends that you want to share your day with. This long list can then be trimmed down if you need to reduce the number of guests because of your venue size.

Set up a Wedding Registry

A wedding registry is a great way to let your guests know what gifts you want or need for your new life as a married couple. Create a gift registry at Wedgwood and add any of the boldly patterned tableware and expertly-crafted home décor pieces to furnish your new marital home together. Not sure what to add? Check out our wedding registry gift guide for ideas on what to include.

Decide on a wedding theme

Sheila Bridges colourful collection for Wedgwood

Themes are a great way to make all of the separate parts of your wedding come together. From simple travel themed weddings inspired by the couple’s holidays together, to extravagant recreations of the hit Netflix show Bridgerton with a Bridgerton themed wedding, there’s a whole range of inspiration on the internet on what to theme your wedding around.

Shop for Wedding outfits & bands

Decide on a colour scheme and shop for the groom’s and groomsmen’s suits. The colours chosen can either match or complement the colour of the bridesmaid’s outfits you choose. Finally, don’t forget to shop for the all important wedding dress, and of course, the wedding rings!

Plan the menu and drinks

Most venues will help you organise the catering, so this step can be as simple as looking through the caterer’s brochures and picking your favourite foods (and libations) you enjoy as a couple. Don’t forget to also think about what style of plates and glasses to serve your guests from. If tea is more your thing, consider serving an afternoon tea party at your wedding, complete with patterned cake stands, fine bone china teapots and colourful teacup and saucers.

Organise flowers and floral arrangements

Wedding table flowers in blue jasperware vases

Hiring a florist is a great way to ensure you have beautifully fresh and seasonal flowers at your wedding. With the help from an expert, choose your favourite blooms and fill vases and flower pots to create stunning luscious centrepieces and table decorations. Be inspired by our Art of Flowers article, the perfect way to learn the first steps to creating beautiful blooming centrepieces.

Order the wedding cake

Wonderlust teaware on a white table cloth

Will you opt for an extravagantly decorated three tier cake, or go for something a little more understated but just as delicious? Don’t forget the cake knife and servers – these serveware pieces are excellent tools for cutting and serving wedding cake.

Prepare speeches and readings

Traditionally, the Best Man, Father-of-the-Bride and the Groom all make a speech at a wedding. There will be plenty of people to thank when it comes to helping with the wedding go smoothly, so make sure these people are mentioned in the speeches.

Send wedding invitations to guests

Don’t forget to send “Save the Date” cards so guests have enough time to book any time off and arrange travel or childcare. You can include a link to your Wedgwood Gift Registry on your invitations to help people find the perfect gift for you.

Book a professional photographer

Wedding photos and a cake slice on a table

A professional photographer will make a huge difference to your wedding day photographs. Allocate a sizable portion of your budget to get a photographer you both love, and don’t forget to frame those precious memories in a beautiful wedding photo frame.

Purchase thank you gifts for the wedding party

It requires many people working together to organise and plan a wedding, so there will be a few guests you should buy gifts for, especially those in the wedding party. Check out our gifting pages to get inspiration on what to buy for a member of your wedding party.

Relax and enjoy it!

It’s easy to get caught up in the magic of the day, so make sure you take five minutes to appreciate the precious moments and happy memories being made on the most important day of your life. Celebrate with your family and friends and create a special day you’ll remember for the rest of your life.