Just got engaged? How exciting – Now What?

If you have been asked the all-important question (and answered it), then congratulations! Your journey towards marriage has begun.

Engaged, but what next?

While you are probably still beaming at the thought of being engaged, there will be many things to decide when it comes to organising your wedding day.  Questions such as:

• When will we have our wedding?
• What type of venue do we want?
• What type of ceremony do we want? 
• Do we want the ceremony and reception in the same place?
• What is our budget and how many people will we invite?

These are all big decisions and ones that you will need to make together, but as an established wedding celebrant, I’ve put together a few pointers that will help you to take those first exciting steps! You might want to note that if you choose to have a wedding celebrant, you will have much more freedom to choose your where and when.

When to have your wedding?

Which season do you prefer? (there are pros and cons to each). This will dictate a lot of what comes next, so it’s good to decide and get a few viewings booked in at venues to see which suits your overall wedding feel.  If you are hoping to have any part of your day outside, you’ll need to make sure it has plenty of space and that there is the option for a wet weather plan too. Wedding celebrants work in all types of weather but if you choose a registrar to be your celebrant, this may not be the case.

What type of venue to choose?

BARNS/OUTDOOR SETTINGS

Having selected your favourite season, the next decision is what type of venue to choose. Outdoor settings are the most popular, and if you are looking for an outdoor wedding in North Yorkshire, you are really spoilt for choice. Remember your wet and dry weather planning – here are some more tips.

MANOR HOUSES/STATELY HOMES

Manor houses, stately homes and hotels are all very popular and without the need to have a licensed space you can extend your options to include previously unused outside settings, or even larger or more unusual rooms inside. If you are on a tight budget, it might be best to avoid licensed spaces as they tend to be more expensive.

SOMETHING UNIQUE

If, however, you want something really unusual, there are a growing number of spectacular spaces like warehouses, art galleries, roof terraces, theme parks, private beaches or coves, treehouses and many more besides, to make your special day truly unique.

THAT LOVING FEELING . . .

You’ll almost certainly get a feeling, a sense of how it all feels right when you walk in somewhere, but while I believe that you should trust your instincts, do also bear in mind that your wedding ceremony needs to flow well too.

Think of it like finding a house.  Your first viewing will be a gut reaction, but the second viewing tends to focus more on the practicalities, so it’s a good idea to take a few questions with you like:

• Where will everyone congregate upon arrival?
• Where will I/We enter our wedding ceremony?
• What is the capacity for the ceremony (remember it does not need to be licensed if you are using a wedding celebrant)?
• Where will we go afterwards/does the space need to be turned around?
• Photo opportunities – are there any good spots for the type of images that you want?
• Where will the food be served?
• Is the venue ‘dry hire’ (you have to provide/source everything) or is it staffed?
• What limitations on noise/alcohol licensing/finish times are there?

Where can we have our wedding ceremony?

Anywhere you like!  It’s 2021, so why not have a day that is modern, and a real reflection of who you are. Your favourite pub, your front garden or a forest – the choice is yours.

ENJOYING ZERO RESTRICTIONS

Couples are choosing to have something personal and unique to them, over and above the registrar-led ceremonies, that were previously all that was available . . . these also meant that the locations where you could wed were limited too.

THE LEGAL BIT

With a wedding celebrant, the venue or space does not need to be licensed . You simply have two parts to your wedding  (the declaration and the paperwork signing) and save your vows, exchange of rings and the  other ceremonial aspects that everyone loves for your wedding day. 

Without those restrictions, you can have your wedding ceremony wherever you like and without ANY restrictions. Do something completely different, and in an unusual setting, create a day you and your guests will remember all your lives!

Your Ceremony – the foundations of your day!

When it comes to thinking about your ceremony, remember, you can have this just the way you want it with a wedding celebrant! 

The choice is simple, do you want a standard government-led ceremony or something unique to reflect you and be full of your personality?

Supporting you

I have a wealth of experience when it comes to your ceremony and how to take care of the two legal requirements, so do reach out if you need any help or guidance, about anything at all, however small.   I am here to help!

I  also work with a great group of tried and tested suppliers,  from exceptional wedding planners to  fabulous florists, tent hire, creative cake makers, super-talented photographers, hair, makeup and many  other incredible people to help make your day the truly wonderful day that you deserve.

Enjoy your planning!

So, enjoy this exciting time, sharing your news, telling everyone all the details of your special proposal, and taking those first planning steps together!

It’s a magical time, so prioritise the big decisions and then pace yourselves. Remember the reason you are doing this and don’t let things overwhelm you.

Happy planning

If I can help with any more questions, please just book a chat (they are free and with no obligation.) and we can talk about your ideal ceremony.

For any more info about the local register office

https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/harrogate-register-office