Tying The Knot In 12 Weeks

You’re engaged! Congratulations!

Now you’ve decided to get married, and you want all that goes with the big day, except the wait time. Let us help guide you through the planning process to arranging a wedding in just 12 weeks! It can be done and has been done.

The Big Bookings

In the first four weeks it will be necessary to get all those big bookings in place. Our wonderful wedding co-ordinator, Una, has a handy list for each week which you can refer to and keep yourself on track.

Week 1

• Legal - speak with your local council & advise of your intent to marry

• Legal - get your Officiant booked

• Numbers - sit down together have a look at your guests list

• Venue - arrange a viewing to speak with a member of the team at the Manor House Country Hotel who will be delighted to tailor a package to suit your requirements

• Set a Budget - use an online budget tool to help you keep track of your spending

• Consider setting up a wedding email address - does come in useful when keeping all Wedding information in one place.

The key thing to take away is to have your ceremony venue and your wedding reception venue booked. Here at the Manor House we can perform civil ceremonies (just something to bear in mind). Think of your numbers and speak to us about the package that suits you best. We are here to help, so use us as much as you like for information, as a planning resource and as an idea builder.

BOOK YOUR WEDDING SHOWAROUND

Week 2

• Ask your Bridal Party (Bridesmaids, Groomsmen etc) - make sure & ask these people to help with some of the planning, more than likely these are some of your closest friends & family, so will be delighted to help you both

• Suppliers - try & get some of your suppliers confirmed (please ask a member of the Wedding & Events Team for a local supplier list) including Band, Photographer, Videographer, Stationary, Cake, Flowers, Decor, Hair / Makeup, Transport. See if some of your suppliers do more than one service as this will help speed up the planning process (i.e. does your band off Ceremony / Drinks Reception music).

• Wedding Dress - speak to your preferred Bridal Shop with regards the short lead time & they will be best able to advise on the best route may it be a new or sample dress.

This week is all about getting the suppliers in check. Do your research, ask our team, call the suppliers and make appointments to speak with them, see their work and ask for their estimated quote, and most importantly are they available. If you can get some booked, all the better. We say take all the help you can get.

Week 3

• Arrange appointments with some of your suppliers to discuss your Wedding Colour theme / requirements - get proof for stationery etc

• Suits - get the lads suited & booted

• Bridesmaids - speak to the Bridal Shop that you have used for your Wedding Dress - do they supply Bridesmaids dresses as working with 1 supplier will be easier. If your Bridal Shop don't supply Bridesmaids - ask for recommendations. Remember suppliers will always be delighted to help point you in the right direction!!

• Book Honeymoon / Minimoon

Now you are getting into the finer details. It is time to get the clothing ready and be prepared to shop to you drop. Again, try to have research done on the shops you go to. Do they fit the budget expectations, do they have dresses in stock that suit your style and fit, do they have the designers you like.

Week 4

• Send your invites - consider giving your guests either your phone number or email address to RSVP back to

• Have a look for Shoes & accessories for all the Bridal Party

• Research some hairstyles that you like - both Bridal & Bridesmaids, arrange Hair / Makeup trials

• Shop for Wedding Rings

• Junior Bridal Party outfits - Flower Girls & Page Boys

The invites are out. Things are getting real! Time to think about some of the finer details. Now you know what dresses you have, do your research and get some mood boards designed. Not got the design eye. Some of your bridal party, or friends could be a Pinterest expert. Why not ask for their opinions.

It’s a lot to think of in four weeks. But these are the toughest weeks. Once you’ve got the bookings in place and decided the Manor House is your dream venue, the rest should be adding your flair. Keep in mind your short lead in time. Our wedding co-ordinator Una, is here for you, ask advice. Maybe you know what you want from your big day, all the better, but GET IT BOOKED!