Essential wedding planning FAQs answered
- digital0732
- 6 days ago
- 8 min read
Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, but having the right information makes all the difference.
From setting your budget and choosing the perfect venue to selecting your photographer and catering, knowing what questions to ask and when can save time, reduce stress, and ensure your day goes exactly as planned.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the most common wedding planning FAQs (including timelines, steps, budgets, attire, and photography) so you feel confident and organised every step of the way.
Wedding planning FAQs
How long does it take to plan a wedding?
The ideal wedding planning timeline depends on the size and style of your day. Most UK couples take 12–18 months from engagement to “I do.”
However, you could plan a smaller wedding or elopement in as little as six months (provided that you’re decisive and have a clear vision for your wedding venue, guest list, and budget).
Large or destination weddings may need 18-24 months to prepare for. This is because of the more complex logistics, travel arrangements, expenses, and wedding guest diary planning.
What are the steps for planning a wedding?
The exact steps vary based on your budget, guest count, venue, and the style of your wedding. However, here’s a top-level overview of the common steps:
Set a budget - know what you can afford before booking anything.
Create a guest list - this helps with venue selection, budgeting, and seating plans.
Choose a venue and date - vendor availability may dictate this to some degree.
Book key suppliers - photographer, caterer, florist, and entertainment. If you know you want extras, do your research now, too and ask for availability. Professionals such as hairdressers, makeup artists, videographers, and games suppliers can be booked up years in advance, particularly for prime dates.
Send wedding invitations - typically done 3–6 months before the big day, but some couples send save-the-date cards before this.
Plan the details - menu tasting, décor, outfits, and rehearsal.
Confirm logistics - final checks with venue, suppliers, and transport.
Enjoy your day - you’ve done the planning, now soak it in!
What should my wedding budget be?
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the perfect wedding budget. It really depends on how much you’re willing to spend and how much you’ve saved. To give you a rough idea, the average UK wedding costs £21,990.
To budget for your own wedding, focus on your priorities. These include venue, food, and photography, which usually take the biggest slice. Then, break your budget into percentages. Here’s a rough idea of how to do this:
40% venue and catering
15% photography/videography
10% attire
10% entertainment
25% everything else
Top tip: Always add a 10% contingency for unexpected costs!
Do I need a wedding planner?
Not necessarily, but a planner can save time, reduce stress, and often get better deals from suppliers. They’re especially useful for large weddings, destination weddings, or couples who have limited free time.
If you love organising and have time, planning your own wedding is typically more cost-effective. This leads us nicely to our next wedding FAQ.
How much is a wedding planner?
Wedding planner rates vary depending on experience and service. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to spend:
Full-service planners are around £2,500–£6,000
Partial planning is around £1,000–£3,000
Day-of coordination is around £500–£1,500.
Many planners can tailor packages to fit your needs, so it’s worth asking questions about their services and what’s included. Some venues include a wedding planner as standard, so look out for this as a benefit when shopping around if it’s an important factor for you.
Wedding venue FAQs
What should I keep in mind when looking at wedding venues?
Start with the non-negotiables. Think about guest numbers, budget, location, and date availability before falling in love with a space.
Check how flexible the venue is with layouts, suppliers, and timings, and consider the guest experience. Parking, accessibility, accommodation, and flow between ceremony and reception all matter.
And always ask what’s included in the price, not just the hire fee. The last thing you want is to be hit with an additional bill for things that you thought were covered in the cost!
What questions should I ask a wedding venue?
Focus on questions that affect cost, planning, and how the day will run. Here are some of the most useful questions to ask the venue for a wedding:
What dates are available, and what is the minimum and maximum guest count?
What’s included in the venue hire (tables, chairs, linens, staffing)?
Is a wedding planner/coordinator included in the cost?
Is catering in-house, or can we use external suppliers?
How long do we have access to the venue before and after the wedding for set-up and pack-down?
Are there sound restrictions or set end times?
What deposit is required, and when is the final balance due?
Is there a wet-weather plan for outdoor weddings?
Can you help with room layouts and the wedding table plan?
Asking these wedding venue questions early helps you compare venues accurately and avoid unexpected costs later in the planning process.
How do I choose the right wedding venue?
The right venue should fit your vision, budget, and logistics, not just look good in photos. Ask yourself whether the space works for your guest count, suits your style, and feels comfortable for the entire day.
Wedding catering FAQs
How do I find a wedding caterer?
Start with your venue. Many UK venues offer in-house catering or a list of trusted suppliers who already know the space and logistics. If you’re free to choose your own, look for caterers who do food you love, with experience in weddings, not just private events.
Read recent reviews, ask to see sample menus, and book a tasting before committing. A good caterer should be flexible with dietary requirements and clear about pricing from the outset.
How much does wedding catering cost?
The average wedding catering cost is £7,408 for a wedding with 80–90 guests. This cost equates to around £87 per person.
Of course, these costs vary depending on menu style, service level, and location. Plated meals sit at the higher end, while sharing feasts or buffets can be more cost-effective.
Always ask your caterer what’s included in the total price. Staffing, tableware, linens, and service charges can significantly affect what you pay, so make sure you have a clear picture of what’s covered so you’re not paying more than expected.
Catering may also be included in your wedding venue cost. Check whether food and service are bundled into the venue package and compare the overall value, not just the headline price.
What questions should I ask a wedding caterer?
These practical questions to ask the caterer for the wedding will help you avoid last-minute issues:
What menus do you offer, and can they be customised?
How do you cater for allergies, dietary needs, and children’s meals?
Is staff, setup, and clear-down included in the price?
What drink options are available, and can we provide our own alcohol?
How long before the wedding do you need final guest numbers and menu choices?
Clear answers to these questions ensure your catering runs smoothly and your guests leave happy and well fed.
Wedding attire FAQs
How to choose a wedding dress?
Choose a dress that first and foremost suits your personal style. Venue and season may also play a small part in your choice. Structured gowns work well in formal settings, while softer fabrics suit relaxed or outdoor weddings.
Try on silhouettes that you wouldn’t normally go for to see what feels best. You might even surprise yourself and discover a dress you never expected to fall in love with!
Top tip: Comfort matters when it comes to your wedding dress. You’ll be wearing it all day, so make sure you can sit, walk, eat a meal, and dance with ease.
What type of wedding suit should I wear?
Your suit should match your personality, the formality of the day, and complement the venue. Classic tuxedos or morning suits suit formal weddings, while tailored three-piece or lounge suits work well for a variety of wedding venues. Lighter fabrics are ideal for summer weddings, while wool or tweed suits feel more comfortable in cooler months.
Top tip: Always get your suit properly fitted! It makes a huge difference to the final look and feel.
How much are wedding dresses?
The average wedding dress costs £1,532, though prices vary widely. Designer gowns and bespoke dresses can be more expensive, while high-street, sample-sale, or pre-loved options tend to be more budget-friendly.
On top of the wedding dress cost, you might also need to budget for alterations, shoes, and accessories.
The cost of alterations is worth considering, particularly if you buy a pre-loved or sample sale dress. Alterations typically cost around £300–£500, depending on the level of changes needed.
What should bridesmaids wear to a wedding?
Bridesmaids’ outfits should tie in with the wedding colour palette while feeling comfortable and flattering for everyone. Many couples choose a colour for bridesmaids to work with, while allowing different dress styles so each person can find a fit that suits their body shape and personal style.
As a guide, bridesmaid dresses in the UK typically cost £100–£250, though mix-and-match or hire options can reduce costs.
What should groomsmen wear to a wedding?
Groomsmen usually wear matching or coordinating suits with the groom. Hiring suits is common and keeps costs down, especially for larger wedding parties.
Make sure fittings are done early and that accessories (like ties, pocket squares, and shoes) are clearly agreed so the look feels cohesive.
What should the dress code be for my wedding?
Your dress code should match the venue and tone of the day. Clear wording helps guests dress appropriately, whether that’s formal, semi-formal, or relaxed. Include guidance on invitations or your wedding website, especially for outdoor or evening events, so guests know what to expect.
Wedding photography FAQs
How much is a wedding photographer?
The average cost of a wedding photographer in 2024 was £1,500. This price usually includes:
A full day of photography coverage
Edited images
Access to an online gallery
Prices vary based on experience, hours of coverage, and whether albums or assistants are included.
How do I choose the right wedding photographer?
Start by reviewing full wedding galleries, not just highlight reels. Make sure you like their editing style, consistency, and how they capture real moments. Experience with your type of venue and wedding size is a big plus.
It’s also important that you feel comfortable with them. Your photographer will be with you all day after all! So try to meet in person and get to know them a little. That way, you'll get a feel for whether they’re the right person to document your wedding day.
What questions should I ask a wedding photographer?
Here are some common questions to ask your wedding photographer:
How many weddings do you photograph each year?
What’s included in your packages, and how many hours do they cover?
Can we see full galleries from recent weddings?
What’s your approach on the day? Posed, documentary, or a mix?
Do you have backup equipment and insurance?
When will we receive our photos?
Clear answers to these questions to ask a wedding photographer help avoid misunderstandings later.
Do I need a wedding videographer?
A videographer isn’t essential, but many couples value having speeches, vows, and atmosphere captured in motion. If the budget allows, video adds another layer to your memories. If you’re unsure, ask to see short highlight films rather than full-length videos to see if the style appeals to you.
Plan your perfect wedding at The Lawrence
Planning a wedding is all about asking the right questions, setting clear priorities, and choosing experienced suppliers you can trust. With the right information and support, the process becomes far more enjoyable and far less stressful.
At The Lawrence, we offer more than just a beautiful setting for your wedding. Our experienced team supports you throughout the planning journey, helping with logistics, trusted suppliers, and the finer details that can create a wedding that truly reflects you as a couple.
Get in touch with The Lawrence today to book a viewing or speak to our wedding team. Let’s start planning the wedding you’ve been dreaming of.
Comments