No date, no venue, no idea where to start — that's exactly where everyone begins. Here's a straight-talking guide from someone who's been at a lot of weddings.
In roughly this order. You don't have to do them all at once.
Decide what you're actually comfortable spending — not what a wedding blog says the average is. The UK average sits around £20,000–£25,000, but plenty of couples have a brilliant day for less. It depends entirely on your priorities, not a national statistic.
Pick three things that matter most to you and spend properly on those. Food, photography, entertainment — whatever they are. Everything else, be smart about. A spreadsheet or a free budgeting app will keep you honest from day one, because costs have a way of quietly multiplying.
You don't need a confirmed date immediately, but having a rough season in mind helps enormously. Spring and summer Saturdays go first. If you have flexibility, it's worth considering: Fridays, Sundays, and off-peak months (November through March) are genuinely worth a look. The day feels just as special. The bill often doesn't.
Check school holidays and any local events before you commit. Once you have something in mind, start approaching your key suppliers — venue first, then the people who only take one booking per day.
Visit a few before you decide. It makes a real difference when you can compare them side by side — photos only tell part of the story. Ask what's included in the price: catering, furniture, sound, lighting, overnight accommodation. The gap between venues often comes down to what's already in the package.
And trust your gut. If it doesn't feel right when you walk in, it probably isn't. Below is a handful of venues I've worked at across Leicestershire and the East Midlands — all of them are genuinely excellent.
I've worked at all of these. They each have something different to offer — here's a quick guide to help you narrow it down.
A grand Georgian country house with sweeping grounds. Beautiful for larger weddings with a classic feel. One of Leicestershire's most sought-after venues.
A charming country house hotel with a warm, intimate atmosphere. Great for couples who want something personal and relaxed without sacrificing elegance.
A boutique wedding venue with a lot of character. Exclusive use, beautiful interiors, and a team that really looks after you. Works well for couples who want the venue to themselves.
A stunning Victorian Gothic mansion set in 30 acres. Impressive spaces, incredible photography opportunities, and a proper sense of occasion from the moment you arrive.
A beautifully restored Regency house just outside Leicester. Elegant rooms, a walled garden, and a dedicated team. A great choice if you want a city-edge location with a countryside feel.
A stunning converted barn set within the Prestwold Hall estate. All the character of an agricultural building with the finish of a premium venue — exposed beams, great acoustics, and a brilliant atmosphere.
Not rules — just things that tend to make the whole process smoother.
A DJ who also handles lighting, PA, and presenting means one less person to brief, chase, and coordinate. It often works out better value too. Think about which suppliers naturally overlap.
Especially the clause about price increases. Some venues reserve the right to increase costs between booking and the event. Know what you're agreeing to before you sign, not after.
Homemade centrepieces, a DIY photo booth, a playlist for the drinks reception — all brilliant if you have the time and enjoy doing it. Be honest about your bandwidth in the months before the wedding.
Eight to twelve months ahead is the standard. A bit earlier if guests are travelling from far away, or if you're getting married on a bank holiday weekend. People need time to plan.
Not essential, but a good one earns their fee many times over — especially on the day itself when you want someone else handling the logistics. Even a day-of coordinator can take a huge amount off your plate.
If someone is slow to respond, unclear about what's included, or makes you feel like you're being sold to rather than looked after — that's useful information. The best suppliers are easy to work with from the first message.
Over 25 years I've worked alongside some genuinely brilliant people. These are suppliers I've seen deliver for real couples on real wedding days — not names picked from a directory, but people I've actually worked with.
A few of the questions I get most often — with straight answers.
Once you have a rough budget — 12 to 18 months ahead is a safe target for popular venues. Some of the best venues in Leicestershire are booked two years in advance for summer Saturdays. If you have your heart set on a specific place, don't wait.
Somewhere between £400 and £1,500 or more, depending on experience, hours, equipment, and what's included. Price matters, but value matters more. A cheaper DJ who doesn't read the room, plays the wrong tracks at the wrong moment, or turns up with unreliable equipment will cost you more than the saving. Ask what's included — lighting, PA hire, ceremony music, planning tools — before comparing prices.
The UK average sits around £20,000–£25,000, but plenty of couples spend less and have a brilliant day. The number that matters is the one you're genuinely comfortable with. Decide your priorities early — venue, food, photography, entertainment — and spend properly on those. Everything else, be smart about.
Not essential, but worth thinking about. A good planner can save you more than they cost — they know the venues, they know the suppliers, and they take a lot of the coordination off your plate. Even a day-of coordinator (someone who just manages the day itself) is worth considering if you don't want to be the one chasing the caterer while you're getting ready.
Eight to twelve months before the wedding is standard. A bit earlier — up to 18 months — if guests are travelling from far away, or if you're getting married on a bank holiday weekend when people tend to have plans. Formal invitations usually follow three to four months before the day.
Personal recommendations from couples who've already been married are worth more than any directory listing. Ask your venue who they work with regularly — venues see a lot of suppliers and know who turns up prepared and who doesn't. My recommended suppliers page lists people I've personally worked alongside and would send my own family to without hesitation.