How Do I Start Planning My Wedding?

Engagement ring on your finger? Check. Excitement bubbling over? Double check. But now comes the big question every couple asks: where do we even begin with wedding planning?

Planning your wedding can feel overwhelming — there’s the budget, the venue, the guest list, and a million Pinterest ideas flying around your head. But don’t worry — you don’t have to do it alone. As a wedding coordinator supporting couples across Manchester, Cheshire, and the North West, I’ve guided couples through those very first steps, helping them feel confident, organised, and excited instead of stressed.

Here’s my updated step-by-step guide on how to start planning your wedding.

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Step 1: Celebrate your engagement first 🥂

Before diving into spreadsheets, take a moment to celebrate your engagement. Share the news with family and friends, take those all-important photos, and enjoy this new chapter.

There is no need to rush, you have the rest of your lives together!

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Step 2: Dream Big, Then Narrow Down ✨

At the very beginning, let yourselves dream. What kind of day do you imagine? A grand hall in Cheshire? A relaxed Manchester city-centre vibe? An outdoor barn surrounded by countryside?

Write down your must-haves and your “would be nice” ideas. This helps shape your vision before you get bogged down in details. Pinterest and Instagram are teeming with golden nuggets of inspiration and wedding dreams. Take your time exploring ideas and envisioning your perfect wedding. All exist, and all can be combined to create your dream wedding. However, they all come at a different cost…

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Step 3: Set a Budget 💷

Your budget will influence almost every decision. Be realistic about what you can spend, and factor in contributions from family if they’re offering. Decide what matters most — whether that’s food, music, or photography — and allocate more budget there.

Weddings in the UK are getting more expensive — but knowing the current numbers helps you plan with your eyes open, so you can set a budget that feels ambitious but doable.

• According to Bridebook’s 2024 report, the average UK wedding now costs about £20,775. Good Housekeeping

• If you include honeymoon and rings, that average jumps to around £25,950+. Good Housekeeping

• Venue and catering are the biggest single expenses — venues in 2024 averaged almost £9,900 for the venue + reception in many UK weddings. Good Housekeeping

• In 2022, the average guest list was about 81 people, with catering costs at roughly £70 per person. The Argus

What this means for you in Manchester & Cheshire:

• If your venue is similar in price to national averages, you’ll likely spend somewhere between £8,000–£12,000+ for venue + catering, depending on guest numbers, day of week, and location.

• Based on venue costs + supplier rates locally, planning ahead and booking early can lock in better rates.

• Always include a buffer — 5-10% for unexpected extras (supplier changes, travel, décor, etc.). The Wedding Handhelps couples build in that safety margin so you don’t get surprised.

The Wedding Hand tip: In our planning sessions, I help couples get crystal-clear on priorities so they don’t overspend on things they don’t actually care about.

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Step 4: Draft a Guest List 📝

Your guest list size will directly affect your venue options and costs. Start with rough numbers, knowing you can fine-tune later.

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Step 5: Choose Your Venue 🏰

Your venue sets the tone. Cheshire boasts stunning countryside manors and barns, while Manchester offers everything from chic hotels to quirky industrial spaces. Think about what reflects you as a couple.

View as many or as few wedding venues as you like. If it’s something you love, absolutely go wild. But if you are time-strapped and it’s not really your bag, do your research before you start viewing. It’s a huge amount of effort to go to venues, have the same conversations over and over, so take the time to look at all the options and whittle them down to what you really want.

With my local knowledge, I can suggest venues that suit your budget, style, and guest list size.

Wedding Hand tip: Do not book immediately. Take the time to review the contracts, check the details. Make sure you know what is and isn’t included, what the timings are, what the alcohol restrictions are, whether they dress the venue, what the minimum numbers and maximum numbers are, and if food is included.

These are really important details that will make all the difference down the line. You may even be able to do a little bargaining to get a better deal.

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Step 6: Set a Date 📅

Once you’ve chosen your venue, you can lock in your wedding date. Be mindful that Saturdays in summer get booked quickly (and can cost more). Weekdays or autumn/winter weddings can be more budget-friendly.

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Step 7: Build Your Supplier Team 💐

From photographers to florists to DJs, your suppliers bring your vision to life. Book the key ones early. Ask for recommendations, read reviews, and don’t be afraid to meet them before booking.

The Wedding Hand tip: I’ve built strong connections with trusted suppliers across Manchester and Cheshire. Couples who work with me benefit from recommendations that save time, money, and stress.

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Step 8: Create a Planning Timeline ⏰

Break your planning into manageable chunks:

• 12+ months: venue, photographer, dress shopping.

• 6–9 months: flowers, cake, invitations.

• 3–6 months: final fittings, menu tasting, décor details.

With a clear timeline, you’ll avoid the last-minute scramble.

The Wedding Hand tip: We will help develop this timeline with you, in a way which fits with your work schedule and life priorities, so your wedding planning is stress-free.

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Why Work With a Wedding Coordinator? 💡

Starting your wedding planning is exciting, but it can feel a little overwhelming and it's very easy to forget those little things. That’s where a The Wedding Hand comes in, we are a wedding coordinator there to be with you on the day, but we understand the importance of you feeling confident in your planning, so we support you all the way through your wedding planning journey.

With The Wedding Hand, I:

• Help you figure out where to start, step by step.

• Provide local expertise in Manchester and Cheshire wedding venues and suppliers.

• Coach you through decision-making so you feel confident, not pressured.

• Keep you calm and supported every step of the way.

• Be there on your wedding day to make things go smoothly, and so you can enjoy your wedding day.

Final Thought

The first steps of wedding planning don’t have to feel overwhelming. With a clear plan — and a coordinator like The Wedding Hand by your side — you’ll swap stress for excitement and enjoy creating a day that’s truly yours.

Ready to start your planning journey with expert support? I’d love to help you take the very first steps.