Samantha Gilchrist, Co-Founder and CEO of the UK's largest wedding venue collection, The Gilchrist Collection, shares her top tips on how to kick-start your wedding plans, taking away any unnecessary stress and disappointment in preparation for that special day.
Set a Date - possibly the most important aspect of planning as getting this date in the diary will allow you to move forward with your plans. When choosing a date, it's worth carrying out a simple checklist to help you nail that day down such as:
Think if there is a time of year you both always wanted to get married in? A season you both love or a month that is special to you is a great starting point.
Is there a type of wedding you would love? If it's an outdoor wedding, I always think May and September are most reliable when it comes to British weather
Avoid major clashes such as large sporting events scheduled on that day - do a quick online search to put your mind at ease.
Gather your guestlist - An idea on numbers for your day will help with exploring venues and understand your budget. I like to split it into an 'A,B,C' approach: A. Those who are essential to making your day special - they have to be there. B. Potential guests for your day or evening C. Evening only invites if numbers allow - those who will bring some party energy to dance the night away
Shortlist your venues - Whether you are a bride or groom that has had a dream venue your whole life, or someone who is unsure on the type of venue they are looking for, my advice is to do your research, check-out their social media accounts for real wedding inspiration and then schedule visits. Venues can be booked up to two-years in advance so it's worth getting in there quickly.
Book your photographer, florist, make-up artist & hair stylist - Many wedding suppliers open their books a year in advance to meet the demand, so as soon as you have your date it's worth pencilling it in with your chosen photographer, florist, make-up artist & hair stylist to avoid disappointment if they are already snapped up.
Enjoy your engagement - Once you've got your date, venue and some of your favourite suppliers locked in, it's time to get back to enjoying your love bubble. You've got the essentials covered.
Bluewater's Signature Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events
We live and breathe weddings at CWM towers, so we can't wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on Sunday 18th October 2026! It's one of our Signature Wedding Shows of 2026's Spring wedding show season; and a must-visit for all those that got engaged over the summer months. The event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.
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Bradbourne House Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events
If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Bradbourne House, Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 1st November, 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.
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County Wedding Events comes to Penshurst Place, Kent!
If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at the Penshurst Place, Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 8th November 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples face-to-face wedding with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.
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Yankee Candle® launches limited-edition The Traitors collection
Fans of the BBC's hit reality show The Traitors can bring a little intrigue into their homes this autumn with a limited-edition candle collection from Yankee Candle. Inspired by the BAFTA-winning series, the new collection features two Signature Large Jar Candles: Faithful and Traitor. Each fragrance represents a different side of the game, inviting fans to choose their allegiance while settling in for the latest round of suspicion, secrets and unexpected reveals. Faithful is designed to evoke comfort and calm, blending cashmere vanilla and rose with a warm amber base. Its soft, powdery fragrance is ideal for cosy evenings spent analysing clues and debating who can be trusted.
