You’ve said “yes,” celebrated with champagne, and maybe even picked a date. Now the reality hits you with the wedding planning stress, not knowing what you need. Google drowns you in lists-venues, flowers, dresses, cake tastings—but none tell you what’s truly essential for a wedding.
So, what do you need for a wedding? At a minimum, you need a legal marriage license, a venue, a set date, a guest list, and basic arrangements for food, attire, and someone to officiate. Everything else, from decorations to entertainment, is optional and based on personal preference.
But there’s more to it. Keep reading for practical tips, overlooked details, and reliable advice to make your wedding day smooth and memorable.
Let’s start with the basics. If you only remember three things from this list, let them be these: venue, date, and budget. Without these, you’re not planning a wedding; you’re just daydreaming.
Book your venue first. We’ve seen many couples get their hearts set on a summer date, only to find every barn in the county is booked.
Deciding on the venue will set your date, your guest count, and half of your style choices. Though a wedding means uncontrollable excitement, don’t pick a band or a photographer before your venue is locked in. Availability is everything in this regard.
Once you’ve got the venue, you’ve got your date. That’s when everything else falls into place. Send out a quick save-the-date email or WhatsApp to your must-have guests before you go public, just to avoid any family drama.
This is the one everyone dreads, but it’s the most important. Sit down with anyone contributing-parents, grandparents, and your own savings, and get a real number.
Add 10% for emergencies. Most of the time, we experience couples or the family remembering last-minute “must-haves.” That’s where your emergency savings will save you.
Don’t forget the paperwork. You need a marriage license, and the process can take weeks. Some venues require proof before you can even book. If you’re having a religious or cultural ceremony, check for extra requirements.
What if you forget it? Generally, when you forget to submit your marriage notice, the GRO won’t register your marriage officially.
What do you need for a wedding that doesn’t fall apart at the seams? A team you trust. It isn’t just about hiring professionals about picking the right people, both paid and unpaid. Who are the important people on your team?
Book your photographer, caterer, and entertainment early. The good ones get pre-booked in advance, even before a year. It means you must start searching for your ideal type of vendor right after getting your wedding date. No delays!
Don’t just go by Instagram; ask to see a full album or attend a tasting. If a vendor is secretive or suspicious about details or slow to reply, move on and do not look back. You want people who are as invested in your day as you are.
Pick your wedding party for reliability, not just sentiment. Your best mate from uni might be hilarious, but if they’re always late or forgetful, maybe they’re better off as a guest.
What we’re implying is that you need to have reliable and trustworthy people to entertain your guests with games, smooth drink service, and other activities in the wedding party.
Give everyone clear jobs—someone to wrangle family for photos, someone to keep the drinks flowing, and someone to check your lipstick before your aisle walk-down call.
You need a go-to person for the day. Who can it be? Not you, not your bridesmaids, and obviously not your parents. Since you’re the family member, you need to pick someone responsible who can communicate and has a presence of mind.
This person needs to handle questions, chase suppliers, and solve problems without panicking. There are some cases where the bride spent half the day fielding calls about missing buttonholes. Don’t let that be you.
If you’re DIY-ing parts of your wedding, assign jobs early and clearly. People love to help, but only if they know what’s expected. And don’t be afraid to say no if someone’s “help” is more stress than support.
It’s the little things that can mess up the whole day. Here’s where most checklists let you down:
Funny, but you need permission from the weather too, to make your day stress-free, unless you want to have a cinematically dramatic wedding.
If any part of your day is outdoors, you need a backup. Rent a marquee, have umbrellas on hand, or pick a venue with indoor options. Too sunny, too windy, and even simply rainy weather can wreck your day.
Pack a bag with plasters, safety pins, deodorant, painkillers, and a phone charger. Add a mini sewing kit and stain remover. Remember, red wine will be running around from hand to hand, and someone may spill it. Nightmare! Hence, having an emergency kit will save you in many unexpected ways.
Start this early. Mixing families, friends, and colleagues can be a minefield while they wait for the aisle call. You can keep them and your other weeding guests entertained while they wait with some fun activities besides arranging a seat plan.
Think about who’ll get along, and don’t be afraid to split up groups if it’ll keep the peace. Print a few copies for your venue and caterer. And select the seat beforehand for them.
Check your venue for ramps, lifts, and accessible loos. If you’ve got elderly or disabled guests, make sure they can get to the ceremony and reception without hassle. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference.
If kids are invited, set up a play area or hire a babysitter. Parents will actually get to enjoy themselves, and you won’t have toddlers running wild during the speeches.
Don’t forget the signs for the toilets, the bar, and the guest book. Label your card box. Otherwise, you’ll find your guests’ stuff envelopes lying on the food table or plant pot or thrown on the ground because they couldn’t find the box.
What do you need for a wedding that feels like your wedding? It’s all about the details that reflect you as a couple. Such as:
Write your own, even if it’s just a few lines. It’s more meaningful than reciting something generic. Whether you believe it or not, your vows can make the whole room laugh, cry, and cheer in the same minute.
If you’re the bride, you may have some songs selected that you dreamt of playing at your wedding. If not, pick songs that mean something to you, or let UK Live Entertainment bring the perfect wedding songs for you.
Your first dance doesn’t have to be a slow ballad. You can bring variation and even walk down the aisle to a rock anthem.
Don’t feel pressured to follow trends. If you love wildflowers, use them. In case you hate chair covers, skip them. Want a Pinterest-like wedding decoration? Hire an event organizer who can build the same theme.
When planning your wedding, you need to communicate openly with your families about any traditions or cultural rituals that matter to them and to you.
Blend elements from both sides if you’re from different backgrounds. Don’t feel pressured to include customs that don’t make you feel special; your day should reflect your story, not just family expectations.
Let’s talk pounds and pence. What do you need for a wedding budget that won’t leave you broke? Here are some crucial money distribution factors:
Food and drink eat up the biggest chunk-sometimes 40% of your total. Don’t be afraid to go to a buffet or street food if it suits your vibe.
Photography and videography are worth investing in, so you may need to spend about 10% of your budget. The music is also a great source for wedding entertainment; thus, you need to know how much you’ll pay the band.
Delivery fees sneak up on you, and some suppliers charge overtime if things run late. Tips for staff aren’t always included, and wedding insurance is one of those things you don’t think about until you need it.
Some venues even add on corkage or late-night surcharges. Always ask for a full breakdown before you agree to anything.
Alterations add up, and shoes, accessories, and beauty treatments aren’t always included in your initial budget. Start shopping early to catch sales.
Who’s taking home the gifts, leftover cake, or hired decor? Assign someone to handle returns and pickups the next day. It’s the last thing you’ll want to think about after a long night.
Book off-peak dates for discounts. Use seasonal flowers. Skip the favours if your budget’s tight-most guests forget them anyway. And remember, a smaller guest list means savings across the board.
The week before your wedding is an important time for preparation. Here’s what you need to focus on:
Call or email every vendor. Confirm arrival times, addresses, and any last-minute details. I’ve seen cakes delivered to the wrong venue and bands stuck in traffic because no one double-checked.
Give individual jobs, like someone to handle gifts, someone to keep an eye on the time, and someone to make sure you eat and drink water. You can’t do it all alone; have someone with you to help while assigning tasks.
Snacks, water, a copy of your vows, and your emergency kit. Add a change of shoes if you’re wearing heels.
Write a note to your partner, take a walk, and remember why you’re doing this. It’s about the two of you, not just the party. Then have a good night's sleep.
So, what do you need for a wedding? Not as much as you think, but more than most lists will tell you. You need a solid plan, a few trusted people, and the guts to say no to things that don’t feel right.
If you want a quiet ceremony in your back garden, do it. If you want a big bash with a live band and fireworks, go for it. Contact UK Live Entertainment to have the best music dedicated to you and your partner.
