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June 19, 2025
Getting engaged is one of the most exciting moments in life. Whether it was a quiet moment at home, a surprise during a holiday, or something totally unique (like a proposal hidden in a Christmas quiz!), the joy is real. But once the initial celebrations calm down, the question many couples find themselves asking is… what now?
If you’re newly engaged and wondering how to start planning your wedding without getting overwhelmed, this is for you. Below is a relaxed, practical guide from our team at Glow Events to help you navigate the early stages of planning with confidence and joy.
Before diving into anything else, take time to celebrate. Go out for dinner, throw a party, post that ring selfie, or just have a glass of bubbly (or a good cup of tea) at home. This moment is worth savouring – your wedding will come soon enough, but for now, soak up the excitement.
One of the first things to do is get clear on what matters most to you both. This will help guide every decision moving forward. Start simple:
A great tip is to create two notebooks:
This balance of vision and practicality helps keep things fun and focused.
It doesn’t need to be final, but having a rough guest count will guide your venue search and budget. Start with immediate family and closest friends, then build outwards.
Decide early if you want to split guests into day and evening invites – it’s a simple way to manage numbers and costs.
Weddings can look very different depending on your budget, and that’s completely okay. Sit down together and have an open conversation about what you’re comfortable spending, and who might be contributing.
Some family members may offer to cover specific elements, like the flowers or the cake. Make a note of any offers early on, as it all adds up.
Top tip: If you’re keen on a particular venue but the price is a little over your ideal spend, look at off-peak months or weekdays. A Thursday wedding, for example, can offer huge savings with the same beautiful experience.
Picking a date can be deeply personal – you might want to honour a family anniversary, a season you love, or simply choose something convenient. Keep in mind that having a few options in mind gives you more freedom when choosing your venue.
Weather is always unpredictable in the UK, so try not to get too hung up on the perfect sunny day. What matters most is that you’re marrying the person you love – and with a beautiful indoor plan, the day will be just as magical come rain or shine.
Choosing your venue often helps shape the whole look and feel of your wedding. It gives you a clear vision, a date to work towards, and brings your planning to life. Some couples have a strong sense of style from the start, while others figure it out after viewing a few spaces.
Our tip? Explore a mix of styles, even if you think you know what you want. You might fall in love with something completely unexpected.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how different venue styles can help define your day:
Once you’ve shortlisted a few venues or picked your favourite, creating a mood board is a great next step. Save images that speak to you, but try not to go overboard. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, step back and review your saved content with fresh eyes – what truly excites you? What’s practical within your budget and venue?
Remember, your wedding doesn’t need to be a Pinterest replica. It should reflect you as a couple.
Some couples are happy to have a long engagement, while others want to get married quickly. There’s no right or wrong. It depends on your personalities, your circumstances, and how involved your wedding vision is.
If you’re planning over two years, enjoy the early calm – use that time to explore ideas, book your key suppliers, and take it slow. If you’re planning a shorter engagement, create a simple checklist and tackle one thing at a time. You don’t have to do everything at once.
Wedding planning should fit around your life, not take it over. Block out time to focus on certain areas – for example, one weekend for sorting invitations, another for shortlisting caterers, and so on. This approach keeps things manageable and fun.
Once you’ve booked with Glow Events, you’ll also get access to our planning platform, Sonas – which helps you:
It’s a real time-saver and keeps everything in one place, which makes a big difference in the final months.
No matter how organised you are, small things may go off plan. It could be the weather, a supplier delay, or a last-minute guest issue. Try not to let it take over.
The most important thing is that you’re marrying your partner. The rest – however beautiful – is just the backdrop.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Make it personal, make it joyful, and don’t forget to laugh along the way. Whether you want to wear white every day until your wedding (we love that energy!) or take a slower approach, the key is to plan in a way that feels true to you.
If you’re feeling a little lost on where to start, we’ve got you covered. Watch episode one of our podcast, Glow Up Your Wedding, for helpful advice, real talk and friendly tips on starting your wedding planning journey.
And if you’re ready to take the next step, book a viewing at one of our stunning Kent venues, we’d love to show you around and hear all about your ideas.