Engagement season is here and if you have recently said yes, congratulations!!

January is one of the busiest months for wedding planning as couples start imagining their day, researching suppliers, and turning ideas into a real plan. It is an exciting time, but it can also feel a little overwhelming when you are suddenly faced with decisions you have never made before.

This guide is here to help you take those first steps with clarity and calm. Whether you just got engaged over Christmas or you are finally ready to begin your planning journey in the new year, these simple starting points will keep everything manageable.

1. Begin with your season, not your date

One of the easiest ways to make early planning stress free is to avoid fixating on a specific date. Instead, choose a season that suits you.

Spring celebrations feel fresh and bright. Summer weddings offer long evenings and outdoor drinks. Autumn brings rich colours and cosy atmospheres. Winter weddings feel warm, elegant, and intimate.

Once you know the season you love, choosing a venue and setting your date becomes much easier.

2. Decide what matters most to you as a couple

Before diving into details, think about what kind of day you want.

Is it relaxed and outdoors? Stylish and modern? Classic and elegant? A big, lively gathering or something smaller and more personal?

Your priorities help shape every decision that follows. Common starting points include:

• the feel and style of the day

• budget and guest numbers

• location

• the type of venue

• the level of support you want

These choices become the foundation for your entire planning journey.

3. Create a simple early timeline (hint: you can download ours)

Wedding planning becomes much easier when you have a structure to work with. A timeline helps you understand how the day will flow, where key moments sit, and what you might need in terms of suppliers and support.

You can download our free Wedding Day Timeline Planner to help map out your ideas and turn inspiration into a clear order of the day.

DOWNLOAD TIMELINE HERE

4. Book your core suppliers early

January is a peak month for enquiries and availability moves quickly. You do not need to book everyone at once, but securing your main suppliers early gives you peace of mind and helps everything else fall into place.

Key suppliers to focus on include:

• venue

• photographer

• catering

• bar and service team

• florals

• entertainment

Once your key people are booked, the rest of your planning becomes far more enjoyable.

5. Think about how you want your day to feel

This step is simple but powerful. Close your eyes and imagine arriving at your ceremony. What do you notice? Is it buzzing with energy or calm and quiet? Are guests gathered outside with drinks or already seated? Do you want a lively evening party or a relaxed, candlelit dinner?

This feeling shapes your timeline, your design choices, your suppliers, and the support you need on the day.

6. Understand the flow of the day

Most couples have never planned an event before, so it is normal not to know how long things take or what happens behind the scenes. A clear flow creates a calm wedding day where you can enjoy every moment without rushing.

Things to keep in mind:

• welcome drinks take longer than expected
• photos need time and space
• speeches often run over
• evening guests often arrive early
• transitions between spaces need coordination

When the flow is right, the whole day feels effortless.

7. Allow space to enjoy the planning process

You do not need to make every decision right away. In fact, the best planning journeys happen slowly and intentionally. Save ideas you love, talk to suppliers, visit venues, and give yourselves time to enjoy the process.

A calm start makes for a calm wedding day.

A final note

If you are stepping into planning your 2026 wedding, you are in the perfect place to begin. With a few early decisions, a simple timeline, and the right suppliers by your side, your day will unfold beautifully.

And if you ever want guidance on bringing your plans to life, our team is always happy to help with advice and on the day support. Find out more about how we can support your big day through staffing and coordination.

Staffing and Coordination