Newly engaged? Start planning your wedding for 2027

Congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time; and after sharing your amazing news with everyone, you might be wondering what comes next.

Many couples ask us how early to begin planning their wedding after their engagement. We always recommend allowing at least 12-18 months for wedding planning for 2027, as popular dates, suppliers, and venues are often booked far in advance. Planning early gives you more choice, more flexibility, and far less stress. 

Here’s our 2027 wedding checklist to help you plan your dream day with ease.

Step 1: Set your wedding budget

One of the most important (and often trickiest) first steps to planning a wedding is setting a budget. 

You’ll need to consider the following when setting your budget:

• Your ideal wedding venue style (for example country manor house, farm, or barn)
• Your preferred season and day of the week
• Approximate guest numbers for both day and night

Having a realistic budget from the outset helps guide every decision that follows and keeps your wedding planning for 2027 moving confidently in the right direction. 

However, we also understand that this can feel like unfamiliar territory when you haven’t planned or hosted an event of this scale before. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend striking up a conversation with your first-choice venue, as they can offer realistic guidance based on weddings of a similar size. Many couples also find reassurance in talking to recently engaged friends who have already started on their venue hunt, or those who have just got married and their experiences are still fresh.

Step 2: Book your wedding venue

Once you’ve set your budget and you’ve got a rough guest list (day and night) in mind, it’s time to book your wedding venue for 2027. This is probably the biggest decision you’ll make, as it will shape the entire look and feel of your day.

We recommend researching venues early, particularly for weekend or summer weddings. Arrange viewings at your top three venues and directly compare the space, atmosphere, and amenities. In most cases, there will be one venue that sounds out to you viewed in context. If you do still have a couple of venues to see, why not ask the venue to put a Date On Hold – they should be able to give you 10 days to make a decision.

Step 3: Apply for your marriage license

After you’ve secured your venue, it’s time to focus on the legal side of things. In England and Wales, this involves giving notice of marriage at your local register office. Both of you must attend in person, and bring valid ID and details of your chosen venue. 

At Solton Manor, as a licensed wedding venue with five ceremony locations, we reserve your chosen date and ceremony time directly with Kent County Council on your behalf. Not all venues operate in the same way, so it’s always worth asking how this is handled during your show-around.

Once you’ve given notice and paid the final balance to your venue, the registrars will attend early on the day to carry out the required pre-ceremony interview and officiate your ceremony. During your notice meeting, they will also guide you through key ceremony details, including whether pets can be part of your ceremony, your music choices, and any readings or poetry you’d like to include.

Step 4: Book your wedding suppliers

The most popular wedding suppliers usually get booked up quickly, so we recommend securing your favourites once your venue is confirmed. 

Here are some of the key suppliers you’ll need to think about:

• Photographer and/or videographer
• Band or DJ
• Florist
• Cake maker
• Hair and make-up artists

We provide all our couples with a list of trusted suppliers who have helped many dreams come true at Solton Manor. Choosing suppliers that are familiar with your venue will ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day. If you’re working with suppliers who haven’t been here before, for example, your florist, we’re very happy to welcome them to the venue to measure up etc., as long as their visit is arranged by appointment.

Step 5: Go wedding dress/suit shopping

This is one of the most exciting moments of the wedding planning journey. Wedding dresses often take many months to be made or altered, so we recommend you start shopping around 9-12 months before your wedding date. Suits often have a shorter lead time, but it’s still worth organising this early. We also recommend trying your suit on with your chosen shirt to ensure the sleeve length sits correctly.

When shopping for your wedding dresses and suits, make sure you take your time and enjoy the experience. And remember, comfort is just as important as style!

Step 6: Send your Save the Dates/invitations

You should aim to send your Save the Dates around 12 months before your wedding. This is especially important if you’re getting married during peak wedding season, or planning a destination weekend or multiday wedding. 

Formal invitations typically follow around 6-9 months before the big day. This is the ideal time to gather RSVPs, dietary requirements, and menu choices if you’re planning a sit-down wedding breakfast.

Step 7: Wedding menu tasting

Food is one of the highlights of any wedding day! If your venue offers in-house catering, you’ll usually be invited to a food tasting 6-9 months before your wedding. This is your chance to fine-tune your menu and discuss dietary requirements; and of course, it’s a lovely opportunity to enjoy a preview of your day together. 

Check out our blog on the importance of attending a wedding food tasting for a flavour of what to expect at your tasting.

Step 8: Organise the little details

As your wedding fast approaches, it’s time to turn your attention to the finer details that will bring everything together on the day. 

This includes:

• Finalising your Order of the Day timeline
• Planning your table layouts and place names
• Choosing wedding decor, signage, favours, and wedding cake
• Confirming the timings with your suppliers
• Choosing your drinks such as a ‘Champagne Tower’

At Solton Manor, we hold a final details meeting to walk you through the day step-by-step and ensure that we haven’t missed anything at around six weeks before your wedding

Step 9: Last-minute touches

The final weeks before your wedding should be all about preparation and wellness. Now’s the time to pick up your outfits, attend beauty appointments, and pack for your overnight stay if your venue offers accommodation. We also recommend reminding your wedding party of their timings and responsibilities, so that everyone feels prepared for the day. 

Step 10: Relax and enjoy

The big day is finally here! Now it’s time to relax and savour every moment of the day you’ve worked so hard to create. Be sure to carve out some quality time with your partner and focus on making the day as special as possible. 

FAQs

When should I start planning a 2027 wedding?

You should ideally start planning your 2027 wedding around 12-18 months in advance. This gives you the best chance of securing your preferred venue, date, and suppliers, particularly if you’re planning a summer or weekend celebration.

How do I create a realistic wedding budget?

To create a realistic wedding budget, start by deciding what matters most to you as a couple, such as the venue, guest experience, drinks, or food. From there, research all the typical costs and factor in a contingency fund. 

Which wedding suppliers should I book first?

Once you’ve secured your venue, you’ll need to book your caterer, photographer, videographer, and entertainment as priority suppliers. In-demand wedding suppliers can book up well in advance, so it’s best to confirm them as early as possible.