The Ultimate Cotswolds Wedding Planning Guide
About The Author: Reeka Events is a luxury catering company specialising in bespoke weddings in the Cotswolds. With over 15 years of industry experience, Reeka is an expert in ensuring your wedding day runs as planned and tastes incredible.
If you dream of getting married in the Cotswolds but don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. Our Ultimate Cotswold Wedding Planning Guide (with checklists) will take you from mayhem to marriage in 12 easy-to-follow, month-by-month steps.
A step-by-step guide to planning your wedding in the Cotswolds
All it takes is four words to spark a new journey together, "Will you marry me?". A lifetime of warm memories and growth awaits you, but before you run off into the sunset together, there's a Cotswold wedding to plan!
You're overflowing with excitement and nerves, but most importantly, love. The following 12 months may be challenging, but trust us, it's worth it. There is nothing quite like making a commitment to that special person who gives you butterflies, affection and support every day.
By making it official in the Cotswolds, you will be surrounded by history and natural beauty as you tie the knot. The region is famous for celebrity weddings and unique luxury venues, from historic manors to rustic barns. It's easily accessible from major cities like London and Birmingham, making it a smooth journey for wedding guests.
Using our years and years of experience in weddings, we have crafted this Ultimate Cotswolds Wedding Planning Guide Guide. No matter what stage of planning you're in, you'll find insider tips, inspiration, and free resources to help you every step of the way.
12 Months - Getting Started
Your Reasons Why
This isn't mentioned in any of the guides we've seen before, but we believe it's one of the most important. Write down all of the things (no matter how small) that you love and are grateful for about your fiancé. If, at any point over the next 12 months, things get challenging or stressful when planning, take a look at your reasons why. Not only will this make you smile, but it will also help you with your vows and speeches!
Make your Guest List
Creating a guest list early on is crucial for several reasons. First, it gives you an idea of what size venue you'll need. Second, it helps you understand what your catering costs might look like. And third, it allows you to think about potential conflicts or issues (like that cousin who doesn't get along with your best friend's wife). This is one of the most stressful parts of wedding planning, so communication with your fiancé is key!
Grab a pen and paper or a spreadsheet, and start listing everyone you'd love to make memories with on your marriage day.
Reeka Tip: Don’t send save-the-dates out too early. Friendships can change in a year, and you might find that certain day guests should have been evening guests (or not guests at all.)
Insure Your Engagement Ring
If you haven't done so already, get some protection! That beautiful ring on your finger is more than just a symbol of love, commitment and eternity; it's also a significant investment.
Let's face it… If it goes missing, nothing can replace it. Having ring insurance may not return the sentimental value, but at least it will recover the financial side of things. Contact your provider to add a policy that covers theft, loss, and even damage or check out the highly-rated Assetsure.
Decide Your Budget
Before you start dreaming about extravagant flower arrangements or a five-tier cake, you must know what you can afford. Sit down with your fiancé and any contributing family members to get a clear picture of your budget.
Weddings in the Cotswolds can range from thousands to tens of thousands. Working out these figures will help you narrow your options and avoid unnecessary stress later on.
To help give you an idea of pricing, in 2022, the average wedding, including engagement ring and honeymoon, will cost around £24,069 (according to Bridebook data).
Expect the venue and caterer costs to naturally take up a large part of your budget, as these are a vital foundation of any successful wedding!
Our Tip: A spreadsheet will help keep your pennies in check.
Hire a Local Wedding Planner
A wedding planner can be invaluable, especially if you're not local to the Cotswolds and have the budget. They have the inside scoop on the best local vendors, from florists to photographers, and they can often negotiate better rates than you could get on your own.
They will be your point person on the ground when you can't be there, ensuring everything is going according to plan. A planner specialising in Cotswolds weddings will also guide you through local customs and traditions, making your wedding feel authentic to the location.
Some of our favourite Luxury Cotswold planners to work with are Eucalyptus Events, The Stars Inside and Emma Twamley.
Start Researching Photographers
A wedding photographer and videographer's job is to document your day so you can relive it repeatedly, the way you remember, as the years go on. This means choosing the right one is crucial. Look for someone whose style and personality match your vision for the day. Schedule interviews, review portfolios, and check reviews. Remember, they'll capture some of your life's most emotional moments.
We love working with Cotswold-based photographers Clem Stevens, Rebecca Carpenter and Lilly Wilson.
Our Tip: Instagram has a great selection of photographers showcasing their work. To get started, search the hashtag #CotswoldWeddingPhotographers for over 30,000 posts and see what catches your eye.
Choose the Wedding Style
Your wedding style sets the tone for the event, from the invitations to the decor. Do you dream of a rustic barn wedding, luxury manor house, or casual garden party? A white lace dress or something less traditional? Are children or pets allowed?
Your choices now will influence everything from the dress code to the type of food served. No pressure there then! Make this decision as a couple and early on in the planning. This means you can choose the right vendors and venues without wasting your time (or money).
If you're stuck for inspiration, check out the latest celebrity Cotswold wedding, Pinterest, the National Wedding Show, or our client stories.
Select the Venue
This is officially the most exciting part of wedding planning, according to Bridebook. Luckily, the Cotswolds offers an incredible selection of stunning venues, from historic mansions to charming farmhouses. Your wedding venue isn't just a backdrop for your photos; it's where you'll make unforgettable memories. Important factors like location, capacity, and the style of the venue itself can play a big part in finding "The One".
Popular venues can book up more than a year in advance, so make this one of your first priorities.
Our Tip: Trust your instinct. Try to imagine your wedding taking place as you view the venue. If something feels off, move on to the next one. Venues are the biggest investment in your wedding day, so ensure it’s the right fit for you.
Some of our favourite luxury wedding venues to cater for include the breathtaking Euridge Manor and stunning Norton Grounds.
Venue - Euridge Manor
Select the Caterer
You and your guests will remember the food at your wedding long after the big day. You deserve the best, so start researching caterers who offer high-end food, understand your theme, and can accommodate any dietary restrictions.
Incredible Cotswold caterers are usually in high demand, with diaries booked months in advance. They should also incorporate local Cotswold products into your menu for an authentic taste you will never forget.
Trust is key here, so check out their reviews, case studies and if they hold tasting sessions. Knowing how to choose a wedding caterer and avoid any red flags will help ensure your wedding breakfast runs smoothly!
Understanding wedding catering terminology will also help with planning, but it’s not essential.
Luxury wedding catering is our speciality. We craft unique menus that tell your love story. Drawing on inspiration from your childhood favourites to family cultural traditions, anything is possible. Contact us to request your bespoke quote and check if we have availability.
A bespoke dessert board by Reeka Events - Click here to see our sample menus.
Buy Wedding Insurance
Wedding insurance isn't just for catastrophes. It covers various issues, from a vendor going out of business to extreme weather conditions forcing you to reschedule. Given the significant financial and emotional investment in wedding planning, insurance is necessary!
Many of our clients have experience with Wedcover and Cover My Wedding. At WedCover, securing a wedding insurance package with coverage up to £30,000 comes at a rate of £145.
Over at Cover My Wedding, their £30,000 wedding insurance package carries a price tag of £149. This comprehensive package includes safeguards for cancellation, ceremonial attire, gifts, cakes, transportation, photography, videography, supplier-related issues, and even personal liability.
Create a Wedding Email
Heads up. You're about to start getting bombarded with confirmations, contracts, and communications from vendors and guests.
So, if your inbox looks like this…
Then, it's probably best to keep it all in one place and create a dedicated wedding email address. This will help you stay organised and ensure that nothing important gets lost.
11 Months - Color Schemes & Early Reservations
Give Notice of Marriage
It’s happening! Giving notice is your formal declaration of intent to marry, and it's a must-do at the registry office. You must give notice at least 29 days before you get married; once you do, you have 12 months to get married.
This is an easy one to tick off the list, so it’s worth doing sooner rather than later!
Before booking an appointment, you must decide where and when you want to get married. Travel is unnecessary if you’re from outside the Cotswolds area (unless you fancy the day out) as you can book the appointment with your local registry office.
Just type your county and “give notice of marriage” into Google.
Hire Cotswold Vendors
Some vendors, like photographers, bands, and DJs, book up incredibly fast, especially the good ones. If you've researched and found people you want to work with, don't hesitate. Book them as soon as you can. If you're getting married in the Cotswolds, consider local talent who are familiar with the area and can add a personal touch to your event. Here is our trusted list of local wedding vendors to help you out!
Choose a Colour Palette and Wedding Theme
Your colour palette will influence everything from your invitations to your table settings. Think about the mood you want to set. Soft pastels for romance or bold colours for excitement? Your choice will set the tone for many other design elements, so take your time and consider how your colours will look in your chosen venue. If you are planning on having a sustainable wedding theme, be sure to source an ethical dress and make your own decorations early on.
Start a Wedding Folder
You probably have documents, paperwork and receipts trespassing on every surface around the house. Let's get organised! Start a folder to keep all your contracts and ideas in one place. This will be a lifesaver when you need to find information quickly or want to double-check details.
Etsy does incredible wedding folders, or you can go digital and set up a Google Drive.
Hitched wedding app.
Choose Your Wedding Party
Selecting your wedding party is an exciting chance to honour your nearest and dearest. For the maid of honour, choose the friend who knows you best. They will be integral for planning help (and emotional support). For the best man, think of the person who's been there for you through thick and thin. And as they will be the ring holder, preferably somebody who doesn't easily lose things too!
Round out your party with childhood friends, old flatmates, cousins and other loved ones. Mixing friends from different eras can unite everyone. Remember, being a bridesmaid or groomsman is a big commitment. Don't be offended if someone can't accept the role but is still chuffed to celebrate you. No matter who stands by your side, your wedding party will provide love, laughter and support throughout the wedding and beyond.
Our Tip: In our experience, if you don’t fancy a hangover, being late or who knows what… The stag and hen do is best organised for the month before your wedding. Remind your Maid of Honour and Best Man to avoid mishaps.
For Cotswold-themed stag and hen parties, check out this list.
10 Months - Dress Hunting & Hotel Bookings
Start Shopping for Your Wedding Dress
It's the moment you've been waiting for! Dig out your vision and Pinterest boards that are undoubtedly overflowing with ideas for your dream dress. Luckily, the Cotswolds is home to a wide range of luxury bridal shops stocking everything from beautiful ballgowns to more casual, comfortable dresses.
Our Tip: Don't forget to mention to the bridal shop consultant the season you'll be getting married, as this may impact the fabric and style you choose.
If you're keeping it local, we adore Enchanted Bridal!
Start Looking at Invitations
Don't panic; it's not time to send these out yet, but let's get the ball rolling. After all, this will be the first thing guests see and start building excitement for the wedding itself. If you're going DIY, collect samples and begin gathering materials! If you want something a bit more bespoke and personal, be sure to check out the talented Cheltenham designer Wildflower Illustration.
Design by Wildflower Illustration
Create Your Wedding Website
If a website fits in with your plan, it's best to get it up and running sooner rather than later to add to guest invitations. Wix makes creating wedding sites easy and has plenty of fancy templates.
Add your engagement photos, schedule of events, accommodation info, registries, and more. Sites also make RSVPing a breeze. As your plans progress, you can keep adding details and getting guests excited for the celebrations. Remember to mention your website on your invites and spread the word on social media!
Take Engagement Photos
Engagement photos are more than just a sentimental keepsake; they're also a great trial run for your wedding day photography. Now is a chance to get comfortable being in front of the camera and get to know your photographer.
The Cotswolds, undoubtedly, has some of the best locations in the UK to complement your photo shoot. Areas such as "The Venice of the Cotswolds," AKA Bourton-on-the-Water or the Cotswold Water Park, make the perfect backdrop for your pre-marriage photographs.
Cotswold Water Park - Photo by Albert Palmer Photography
Reserve Hotel Rooms for Guests
As you probably know, the Cotswolds is a renowned tourist hotspot, especially during peak seasons. To ensure your guests have a place to stay, it's wise to reserve a block of rooms at your venue. If your venue doesn't offer accommodation, a luxury Cotswold hotel or B&B is the next best thing! Be sure to contact multiple hotels to inquire about block rates.
Research Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists
Your wedding look isn't complete without the right hair and makeup. Start researching local Cotswolds beauty experts and book trial appointments. Trials allow you to test different looks and ensure that your hair and makeup will withstand the day's festivities (and night's dancing).
9 Months - Say Yes to the Dress!
Buy Your Wedding Dress
It's finally here. By now, you've likely tried on a million dresses and found the one that makes your heart skip a beat as much as your financé. It's time to make it yours.
Now, the real excitement begins. Place your order with the boutique and start discussing the necessary accessories. The first fitting is 2-3 months after ordering, with the final fitting being roughly six weeks before your wedding day.
In 9 months, you will walk down the aisle towards the next fantastic chapter in your life whilst wearing your dream dress.
Send Save-the-Dates
Your guests will appreciate plenty of time to plan their trip to the Cotswolds, especially if they live abroad. Sending out save-the-dates nine months in advance allows them to book flights, request time off work, and make other necessary arrangements.
8 Months Out - Gifts and Flowers
Meet With Potential Local Florists
Not only do flowers bring beauty and atmosphere to weddings, but they are also a symbol of fertility, fidelity, and new beginnings. This is why the right florist is so important. Start meeting with florists to discuss your vision so they can bring it to life. Take photos, samples, and other inspiration to help them understand your needs. Cotswold floral specialists Fall Into Flowers will look after you if you get stuck. We love working alongside them!
Arrangement by Fall Into Flowers
Make a Gift Registry
A gift registry guides your guests in finding something you'll love and actually use. Whether you're setting up a home together or looking to upgrade some household items, a registry ensures that you get things you genuinely want. This way, you won't end up with 20 pairs of Mr & Mrs mugs!
Make time with your fiancé to browse online or in stores and select everything from kitchen appliances to decor. Focus on essentials, like cookware, small electrics, bedding and towels. Then feel free to dream big and add some fun splurges too! Registries such as Prezola now offer cash funds and honeymoon contributions as well.
Our Tip: If you have everything you need at home, Prezola now offers cash funds and honeymoon contributions.
Select Bridesmaids' Dresses and Schedule Fittings
Your bridesmaids' dresses should complement your wedding dress and fit into the wedding's overall colour scheme and theme. However, they must be comfortable in their dresses, too. Start shopping early to allow time for custom orders or alterations and schedule fittings within the month to ensure everyone's dress fits perfectly.
7 Months - Rehearsal and Ceremony Booking
Book the Rehearsal-Dinner Venue
Rehearsal dinners are all the rage in America, but they are becoming more popular in the UK. The rehearsal dinner is often a more intimate gathering and offers your families and wedding party a chance to get to know each other before things become official. It gets the party started for your wedding week!
Consider booking a cosy Cotswolds pub or a local restaurant that you love. Make sure to think about the menu, atmosphere, and location relative to where most people are staying.
Our Tip: If a pub doesn’t feel right, check with your venue, as some give you the option to have your rehearsal dinner there! Usually, this is part of a special package when you book your location. This makes things even more intimate and also allows for any last-minute changes.
Hire a Registrar/Celebrant
Choose a Registrar or Celebrant depending on what type of wedding you are having. They should reflect the overall tone you want to set during your ceremony - whether traditional, spiritual or unique like you. Interview potential candidates to get a feel for their personality and approach to crafting personalised ceremonies.
Your Registrar/Celebrant sets the stage for you to say "I do," so pick one whose style resonates with your values and energy.
Our Tip: Meet with your Registrar or Celebrant early to outline your ideal, customised ceremony flow and vows.
Plan Specialty Drinks
From Cotswold Mules to Bibury Bellinis, speciality drinks can add a fun and personal touch to your cocktail hour or reception. Unique or seasonal cocktails can inject more of your personality into your day, whether it's a favourite cocktail, a local Cotswolds brew, or a non-alcoholic punch.
Order Rental Items
Not only is renting speciality items environmentally friendly, but it's also much more budget-friendly. Agree on must-haves like eye-catching linens, chic lounge furniture and practical items like a dance floor. As with your vendors, start placing orders ASAP to ensure availability. Work with your planner to coordinate rentals for statement pieces that fit your theme and provide a strong foundation for your wedding photos!
Our Tip: Check with your caterer to see what equipment they supply and what is extra. For example, marquees, cutlery, dinnerware etc.
Hire Ceremony Musicians
Whether you're thinking of a string quartet, a local band, or even a DJ and Sax! The music will dictate the energy throughout the day. Discuss your song choices for key moments like the processional, signing of the register, recessional and, of course, the first dance.
Personalising your playlist will make your ceremony unique and let guests experience your love story too.
Our Tip: Stuck for songs? Which songs have marked special moments in your relationship, like your first kiss or memorable road trips? How about your favourite movies or shows? Go beyond the usual wedding tracks and make new memories with your most-loved music.
6 Months - Lights and Decor
Hire a Lighting Technician
Lighting can dramatically alter the mood and ambience of your venue. Whether you imagine a soft, romantic glow or a vibrant party atmosphere, professional lighting brings your vision to life. Moody lights help with evening or indoor weddings when natural light is limited.
Plan Day-After Brunch
The wedding may have finished, but the celebration doesn't have to end there. A day after brunch is a wonderful way to wind down the festivities and spend more relaxed time with close family and friends. Consider a local Cotswolds café or a picnic in one of the area's beautiful parks.
Our Tip: Similar to how you can sometimes have your rehearsal at your venue, you can also have your day after brunch there too! Check with your caterer for special brunch menus to extend the celebrations.
Book Hair and Makeup
You've probably had your trials and know exactly what you want by now. Make sure, when booking, to confirm the day-of timeline with them so you can coordinate with photographers and the ceremony schedule.
5 Months - Transport
Book Your Transportation
You both deserve to get around in style. There are many unique transport possibilities, from a classic British car to a horse-drawn carriage. Local Cotswold options also add a touch of regional charm and elegance.
Our Tip: If your venue has access to a body of water like a lake, get creative with a romantic arrival by boat. (see below)
Book Transportation for Guests
Consider arranging transportation if your ceremony and reception are in different places or have many out-of-town guests. Whether it's a shuttle bus or a fleet of taxis, make sure no one has to worry about getting from point A to point B.
Buy or Rent the Groom’s Tuxedo
The bride's dress often steals the show, but the groom's attire also has an important co-starring role. Decide whether to buy or rent a tuxedo or suit and schedule fittings to pick out accessories like ties, cufflinks, and shoes.
Book the Honeymoon
If you're jetting off right after the wedding or waiting for a while, you should consider finalising your honeymoon plans. Make sure passports are up to date (and you know where they are). If you're feeling extra on the ball, why not start making your packing lists and itineraries too?
Discuss Premarital Counselling
Many couples find premarital counselling to be an invaluable preparation for marriage. It's a chance to discuss important topics you'll face together, such as finances or children. Ultimately, this strengthens your relationship and helps ensure it lasts a lifetime. Set aside the time for the conversation to decide if counselling is a priority for you both.
4 Months - Tastings, Rings & Fittings
Have Your Final Tasting With the Caterer
Have a last tasting to sample chosen menu items and finalise details with your caterer. Confirm speciality local dishes and discuss presentation, portions and restrictions. Make sure your reception food is utterly unforgettable in both taste and beauty! This tasting builds excitement for the real feast and ensures you will be over the moon with what you are served on the wedding day.
Our Tip: Get a detailed timeline of when dishes will be served. You want seamless, well-timed courses that flow to avoid any hangry guests. If you are hiring us for your wedding catering, this is all part of our bespoke service and ensures a drama-free wedding day!
Have Your Hair and Makeup Trial
You've booked your artists; now let's go for a trial run. Wear a shirt in a similar colour to your dress to see how the overall look comes together. Bring accessories like veils or hairpieces to get the full effect and, most importantly, have fun!
Choose Your Wedding Cake
The cake is not just a dessert but also a focal point at your reception. Whether you want a traditional tiered cake, a trendy "naked" cake, or a table full of assorted pastries, it has to taste and look good! The right cake is the one that satisfies your hunger… and your heart!
Cotswold Cake maker Toria Sefton makes mouth-watering cakes that taste as good as they look.
Buy Wedding Bands
You will see your wedding rings daily for the rest of your life, so naturally, they need to be extra special. Are you going for classic gold bands, trendy platinum, or something unique like engraved designs? Spend some time shopping together. You could even turn it into a full-day activity.
Our Tip: Try bands on towards the end of the day when fingers are largest. This way your new bands should be the perfect fit and not get stuck (or lost).
Select Groomsmen Attire
The groomsmen need to look sharp, too. Whether it's tailored tuxedos or laid-back linen suits, decide on the attire that complements the overall aesthetic of your wedding. It's important to consider the season and venue—wool suits in the middle of summer? I don't think so. Schedule fittings this month to ensure everything will be ready in time.
3 Months - Invites and Personal Touches
Order the Invitations and Consider a Calligrapher
Ordering the invitations is so exciting - it makes the wedding feel real! By now, you've probably settled on a design and style for your invitations. Place the order and consider hiring a calligrapher for that extra touch of elegance your wedding demands.
Brainstorm Guest Favours and Gift Bags
Guest favours are a small but meaningful way to say “thank you” for being part of your special day. Consider local Cotswolds goods like mini jars of honey, candles, or even small bottles of local spirits. A gift bag with Cotswolds maps, walks and local treats can be a nice touch for out-of-town guests.
Finalise Your Menu
You've had your tastings and made your selections. Now, let's finalise the menu with your caterer. Make sure to consider dietary restrictions and perhaps include a child-friendly option if you'll have younger guests.
Write Your Vows
If you're opting for personalised vows, start writing them now. This gives you time to really think about what you want to say and make any revisions. Practice reading them out loud to get comfortable with the words and the emotions they bring up. If you get writer's block, YouTube has several excellent videos to help!
Book a Photo-Booth Rental
Photo booths always create some fun memories and usually some unexpected moments. They give guests an activity and a keepsake from your wedding. Look for companies that offer props that fit your theme, and check if they can customise the photo strips with your name and wedding date.
Select Readings
If your ceremony includes readings, choose them now. Whether it's a religious text, a love poem, or an excerpt from your favourite book, the readings should reflect your relationship and commitment.
Meet Your Registrar/Celebrant and Invite Them to your Rehearsal Dinner
Your Registrar or Celebrant plays a key role in your ceremony, as without them, there is no legal marriage. Schedule a meeting to review the ceremony structure, your vows, and any readings or rituals you want to include (or exclude). This is also the perfect moment to extend an invitation to the rehearsal dinner.
2 Months - Last Checks
Send the Wedding Invitations
This is it. You're actually inviting people to your wedding! Aim to send these out about eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules, book accommodations, and return those all-important RSVPs.
Our Tip: Speaking of RSVPs, set the deadline for one month before your wedding. This will give you a couple of weeks to chase down any stragglers before giving the final headcount to your caterer.
Purchase Wedding Dress Undergarments
Let's talk about what goes under the dress. The right undergarments can make or break how you look and feel in your wedding gown. You'll want pieces that offer the right support without showing visible lines. Think about comfort too; it will be a long day, and you don't want to spend it adjusting straps, feeling pinched or having any wardrobe malfunctions!
Have Your First Wedding Dress Fitting
Oh, the excitement. You’re slipping into your wedding dress for the first time since you chose and altered it! For the most accurate fitting, bring the exact undergarments and shoes you plan to wear when you say "I do".
This is also the perfect opportunity to start thinking about accessories. What kind of veil complements the dress? Do you want a tiara, a headpiece, or maybe just some simple hairpins?
Send Out Rehearsal-Dinner Invitations
The rehearsal dinner is like the opening act for your wedding and is slowly becoming more popular nationwide. If you're sending separate invitations for this, get them out the door now. You can include this info with the main wedding invitation if you want to streamline things. Either way, clarify who's invited to what so there's no confusion.
Do a Floral Mock-Up With Your Florist
You've talked about it and dreamt about it, and now it's time to see your floral vision come to life. Schedule a mock-up session with your florist to see a sample centrepiece, bouquet, or other major floral foundation. This is your chance to tweak things—maybe you want bigger arrangements or a different shade of roses. Make sure you're completely happy before giving the green light.
Buy Wedding Party Gifts
Your wedding party has been with you through thick and thin, and a small token can go a long way to show your appreciation. Think of personalised gifts that reflect their individual tastes. Maybe it's a monogrammed tote bag, a set of cufflinks, or even a tiny piece of jewellery they can wear on the day. Make it something that says, "Hey, thank you, and I appreciate you."
Give the Song Selections to Your Musicians
Music sets the mood, so make sure your musicians or DJ know precisely what you want. By now, you should have a list of must-play songs for critical moments like your first dance, the cake cutting, and the grand exit. Pass this list to your musicians well in advance. If you have any "do not play" songs, now's the time to clarify that too.
Did you know: Some of the top “Do not play” songs include:
Beyonce - “Single Ladies”
Outkast - '“Hey Ya!”
Bruno Mars - “I Wanna Marry You”
Buy All Necessary Small Items
It's easy to focus on the big stuff and forget the small but essential items you'll need. The small but important things like the ring bearer's pillow, the flower girl's basket, or a stylish guest book that matches your theme. Don't forget the pens for signing! These little details add up to complete your day, so make (another) checklist and start ticking things off.
1 Month - Finishing Touches
Assemble Gift Bags
If you've decided to create gift bags for out-of-town guests, now's the time to assemble them!
Create a Seating Chart
You've got your RSVPs; now you must figure out where everyone will sit. This can be a bit like a jigsaw puzzle, balancing friend groups, family dynamics, and special requests. Use a digital tool or even just sticky notes on a poster board to make it easier to move people around.
Our Tip: Allergies and dietary requirements come in all shapes and sizes. From nuts to dairy and vegan to vegetarian. It’s important that your caterer knows where each guest is sitting. This ensures the right food is served to the right people and prevents any issues.
Pay Vendors in Full
Many vendors require final payment a month before the wedding. Review all your contracts in your spreadsheet to ensure you're clear on payment schedules and amounts. Make those final payments to secure their services and avoid potential issues on the big day!
Break in Your Wedding Shoes
As with any new pair of shoes, they can be uncomfortable and cause blisters. Put some work into breaking in your wedding shoes (dancing) around the house to ensure they're comfortable for a day of walking (and partying).
Order or Make Escort Cards and Place Cards
Once the seating chart is finalised, you'll need escort cards to guide guests to their tables and place cards to indicate specific seats. These can be simple, functional, or more elaborate to fit your wedding theme.
Have a Final Venue Walk-Through
Schedule a final walk-through of your venue to confirm all the details and that it's just like you imagined. Discuss the setup/clean-up schedule, and run through any last-minute special instructions or needs you might have.
7 Days - The Final Countdown
The moment you've been waiting for it here. You have spent nearly 12 months planning your dream wedding in the Cotswolds, and in 7 days, it will be official. If you've followed this guide step-by-step, everything should be in place and ready for one of the best days of your life.
Here are a few things to tick off to ensure everything runs smoothly over the next week and beyond!
Confirm Times with Vendors: Make sure everyone knows when and where to be.
Print Seating Charts: For your venue and coordinators.
Pack for Honeymoon: Don't forget your passport if leaving the country, and confirm travel arrangements.
Pick-Up Dress and Suit: Final dress fitting—bring a friend or bridesmaid to learn how to bustle your dress.
Assign Small Jobs for the Day: Such as guest book and gift table setup.
Make an Emergency Kit: Include a sewing kit, stain remover, band-aids, etc.
Go Over the Day's Schedule: With your wedding planner or coordinator.
Practice Your Vows: Out loud, so you're comfortable saying them during the ceremony.
Confirm Rehearsal Dinner: Make sure everyone knows the time and place.
Manicure/Pedicure: Treat yourself to some pampering.
Massage: Consider making it a couple's massage for some last-minute relaxation.
Clean Your Ring: Get your engagement ring professionally cleaned so it's ready for a day full of photographs.
Chase RSVPs: Deliver the final headcount to the venue and caterer.
Clear Work To-Do List: So you can focus solely on the wedding and be present.
Give Your Partner a Note: A heartfelt message to read on the morning of the wedding. This may even be some of "your reason's why" you wrote in the first month of planning.
The Night Before
The butterflies and excitement may stop you from sleeping, so take a deep breath and relax. Here’s some final advice on remaining calm and any last-second checks. Your wedding is now just around the corner:
Prepare Everything for Tomorrow: Lay out your dress, shoes, and accessories.
Check-in with Vendors: A quick call or text to confirm everything for tomorrow.
Eat a Nutritious Meal: Fuel up, but avoid foods that might make you feel bloated or uncomfortable.
Pack a Clutch or Small Bag: Include personal items you'll need during the wedding.
Drink Water: Dehydration can cause headaches and tiredness. Not what you need during a wedding!
Put Items in the Car: Place any boxes, suitcases, bags, and survival kits needed for the ceremony or reception in the car.
Relax and Unwind: Consider a quiet night to relax before the big day.
Charge Your Phone: Ensure your phone and other essential electronics are charged.
Review the Schedule for Tomorrow: A quick review to keep everything fresh in your mind.
Get a Good Night's Sleep: You'll need the energy for your big day.
The Morning Of
Read Your Note from Your Partner: A nice heartfelt message to start the day.
Stay Off Your Feet: Try to relax and conserve energy for the day ahead.
Eat Breakfast: Opt for something healthy to give you extra energy.
Get Hair and Makeup Done: Stick to your timeline to ensure you're ready on time.
Lay Out Important Items: Place rings, invitations, and other items you want the photographer to capture.
Drink More Water: Stay hydrated but balance it to avoid frequent bathroom trips. When nature calls, you may need your bridal party to help with your dress.
Take Dress and Veil Out: Have someone steam them early if needed.
Double-check everything: Make sure everything is packed and ready to go.
Say Thank You: Show gratitude to everyone who's helping make your day special.
Arrive at the Venue: Make sure you arrive with plenty of time to spare. Good luck!
During the Wedding
This is the first special day of the rest of your life with your very best friend. You’ve spent the past 12 months working up to this beautiful moment. You’ve well and truly earned it.
There is one thing to do today… Have fun!
After the Wedding - The New Chapter
Congratulations! You’ve done it! We wish you the best of luck for the future. Now, all that is left is the honeymoon and a few bits of admin to clear up any name changes.
Here are our final bits of advice as a newly married couple to finish up our Ultimate Cotswold Wedding Planning Guide:
Honeymoon: The most important thing on this after-wedding list. Go relax and enjoy yourself. The rest of this can wait until you get home!
Send Thank-You Letters: Use photos from your Cotswolds wedding as custom cards and create them for free on Canva.
Review Vendors: Share your experiences with your vendors and ask them where the best place is to leave a review. This is essential for the growth of the vendor’s business and only usually takes 60 seconds.
Return Any Rentals and Tuxedos: Make sure everything is returned, especially if rented. Yes, even the wedding car.
Preserve Your Wedding Dress: Your dress supplier should be able to help you with this.
Collect Decor and Personal Items From the Venue: Either you, the planner or a friend will need to collect your wedding decor to avoid losing any keepsakes to the lost & found bin.
Review Final Payments: Make sure all vendors have been paid in full.
View Wedding Photos and Videos: These are usually sent digitally unless you purchased a physical photo book. They usually take around 4-6 weeks to be edited and sent to you.
Legal Name Change: If applicable, start this legal process at the government website.
Update IDs and Documents: Such as driver's licence, passport, and billing information.
Financial Planning: Consider meeting with a financial advisor to arrange opening a joint account for example.
Post-Wedding Party or Gathering: For those who couldn't make it to the Cotswolds this private party will ensure everyone gets the change to celebrate your marriage.
Health Insurance and Benefits: Update any beneficiary changes and consider joint health insurance plans.
Wedding Keepsakes: Create a keepsake box with all of your Cotswold wedding memories.
Share Photos with Guests: Consider giving guests access to the digital album when you send out your thank you letters.
Professional Cleaning: Before you put any items into storage, ensure they don’t have any spillages or stains on them to make sure they stand the test of time.
Free Cotswold Wedding Planning Checklist Download
Click here to download all of the actions in this guide into one easy-to-follow checklist.
Conclusion
Our expert guide has taken you through every step of planning a Cotswold Wedding. We’ve called on our own experiences working in the wedding industry, and hopefully, this insider advice has made your planning much less challenging. It may be stressful, but how you organise your wedding is entirely up to you. Whether you go it alone, hire a planner, or bring in friends and family to help. All that matters is enjoying the process, feeling special, and, most importantly, celebrating love.
