1. Celebrate with an Engagement Party
Before you dive into the planning process, it's time to celebrate! Hosting an engagement party gives you and your loved ones the opportunity to share in your excitement. Whether it's an intimate gathering at a local pub or a grand event in your backyard, this is the perfect way to kick off the wedding planning journey. Use this time to share your wedding vision, get advice from recently married friends, and bask in the joy of your engagement before the whirlwind of planning begins. Our unique spaces at The Bridge are perfectly suited to celebrate your recent proposal.
2. Listing Your Priorities
Once the excitement of the engagement party has settled, it's time to focus on your wedding priorities. Think about the elements that are most important to you and your partner. Do you dream of a grand celebration with a long guest list or a more intimate affair with just close family and friends? Perhaps great food, an outstanding band, or breath-taking photography is at the top of your list. With bespoke options to cater to you and your guests, The Bridge offers a selection of wedding packages to suit all budgets and special touches.
3. Crafting Your Guest List
The next step in the wedding planning process is deciding on your guest list. This is often one of the trickiest parts of wedding planning, as you’ll need to balance inviting all the people you love with keeping the celebration manageable. Start by brainstorming everyone you’d love to invite—family, friends, colleagues, and distant relatives. Once you’ve created a list, review it with your partner and begin narrowing it down based on your venue capacity and budget.
The Bridge in Prestbury offers an idyllic setting for both large celebrations and smaller, more intimate weddings, so you’ll have plenty of flexibility when deciding who to invite.
4. Book Your Venue Early
One of the most important tasks in your wedding planning journey is securing your venue. The Bridge is a highly sought-after Grade II listed location, so it’s essential to book as early as possible to ensure you get the date you want. The Bridge offers a versatile setting for any kind of celebration.
When booking our venue, be sure to ask us about all the services included, such as catering, décor options, and accommodations for guests. Knowing what’s included in the venue’s offerings will help you manage your budget and prevent surprises down the line.
5. Send Out Save the Dates
Once your venue is confirmed, it’s time to let your guests know about the big day! Send out save-the-date cards to ensure your loved ones mark your wedding on their calendars. These cards should include the wedding date, location (The Bridge in Prestbury!), and a note to expect more details soon. It’s a good idea to send these out six to nine months before your wedding day.
6. Choose Your Wedding Photography
One of the most important investments you’ll make in your wedding planning is hiring a skilled photographer. Your wedding photos will be treasured memories for years to come, so it’s crucial to choose a photographer who matches your style. Whether you prefer timeless, classic photography or a more modern, candid style, start looking for photographers whose portfolios resonate with you.
When selecting your photographer, consider the size of the team they provide, the types of packages available, and their experience at your chosen venue. The Bridge’s picturesque surroundings provide plenty of opportunities for stunning photo backdrops, so you’ll want to choose a photographer who is familiar with the area or willing to explore it with you.
7. Think About Your Wedding Style and Theme
From the colours of your flowers to the décor, your wedding style and theme will set the tone for the entire day. The beauty of The Bridge in Prestbury is that it can accommodate a range of styles, from rustic and romantic to modern and elegant. Think about the overall vibe you want—perhaps a vintage-inspired celebration with delicate lace details, or a more contemporary celebration with sleek, minimalist décor.
Once you’ve decided on a theme, work with your florist, decorator, and wedding planner to bring your vision to life. Incorporate elements that reflect your personalities as a couple and make the space feel uniquely yours.
8. Plan the Details – Wedding Dress, Food, and Entertainment
With the big decisions out of the way, it’s time to dive into the details. Shop for your wedding dress, ensuring you select a gown that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Think about your hair and makeup, and book your beauty team early.
When it comes to food and drink, The Bridge offers a variety of catering options that can suit a wide range of tastes. Whether you're looking for a formal plated dinner, a buffet-style spread, or something more casual like food trucks, ensure your food choices reflect your and your guests’ preferences.
Entertainment is another important element to consider. Do you want a live band, a DJ, or maybe a mix of both? Depending on your guest list size and venue, choose entertainment that will keep the energy high and everyone dancing.
9. Stay Organised with a Timeline
The closer you get to your wedding date, the more tasks you’ll need to keep track of. Create a wedding timeline that covers every detail from your first fitting to the final toast of the evening. Break everything down into smaller tasks with deadlines to avoid feeling overwhelmed. You might also want to consider hiring a wedding planner, especially if you need help coordinating all the moving parts.
10. Enjoy the Process
Above all, remember that wedding planning is a special journey that you and your partner get to experience together. There will be stressful moments, but try to enjoy the process and focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love with your closest friends and family.
