Our 2026 wedding planning checklist
Step 1: Set Your Wedding Budget
One of the most challenging aspects of planning any wedding is setting a budget that takes into account the venue, catering, drinks and more. To decide on a budget, you should first consider what type of venue you are looking for (barn, church, country manor house or orangery), when you are planning to get married, a rough guest count, and what features are important to you. Make sure your budget is realistic and that you stick to it wherever possible.
Step 2: Book Your Venue
Once you have a clear idea of your guest numbers, you can then begin to research wedding venues and packages that match your criteria and fit your budget. Online directories such as Hitched and Bridebook are great places to start. Ensure that you book viewings of your favourite wedding venues well in advance, as popular venues and key dates fill up fast – and don’t forget to write a list of questions to ask each wedding venue. We recommend visiting at least 3 venues before making a decision, and then hopefully you’ll be ready to book the one!
Step 3: Apply for Your Marriage License
This essential step for securing the date and time for your legal ceremony should ideally be completed as soon as you confirm your wedding venue. At Solton Manor, we recommend scheduling your ceremony at 12:00pm during British Summer Time, or at 1:00pm over the winter months, to make the most of the natural light for your photos. If a venue is licensed for holding ceremonies, they will book the date and time for you with the local authority.
Step 4: Book Your Suppliers
Once you’ve confirmed your venue, we highly recommend booking any external suppliers as soon as possible. Wedding photographers, videographers, DJs, musicians, caterers, florists, and cake makers are often booked up many months in advance, so making these decisions early will save you from disappointment later down the line. Your venue can usually provide you with a list of trusted suppliers that are local to the area and familiar with the setup, and never let couples down.