We’d like to think that everyone’s wedding planning journey begins with booking their wedding date with us at Hilltop Country House, but in reality, there are many things to discuss and decide before venue enquiring, viewing and booking. This includes determining your budget, guest numbers, and venue location, but ultimately, what do YOU want from your big day? What are your non-negotiables and priorities? Remember to keep yourselves as the special couple at the forefront of your decisions. This is YOUR day, and with us at Hilltop, you can be assured that your ideas will become a reality and it will be the wedding of your dreams.
With this being said, once that ring is on the finger, the excitement of wedding planning begins. Following a wedding planning guide is super useful for keeping organised and not forgetting anything important. We understand that every couple’s idea of their dream wedding is different, we love this as that creates a day unique to you. Therefore, we have created a wedding planning checklist to ensure that you don’t miss the key elements of your wedding day.
So, what are your wedding non-negotiables?
Because if breathtaking gardens, experienced and caring team, in-house catering, country house, elegant marquee, separate dance floor area, outdoor bar with wood-fired pizza oven and 4 different ceremony areas to choose from are what YOU want for your big day, then…
Book your dream wedding at Hilltop Country House.
Wedding planning checklist: before you start planning
Congratulations on your engagement! It’s time to start those wedding conversations and researching venues. Before venue viewing, get an idea of when you’d like to marry, your ceremony type, and estimated guest numbers.
Congratulations on finding your dream wedding venue!
Set a date, book your ceremony and send your save the dates.
Begin to get inspired through wedding magazines, build your Pinterest boards, and use our amazing social media platforms: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
12 months before your wedding…
Decide on a wedding theme. At Hilltop, our venue is a blank canvas with gorgeous white drapes and neutral floral greenery, any colours and styles go so you don’t have to worry about colour clashing.
Begin to create playlists. This is made easy as our Director of Music takes care of everything music-related during the planning process and on the day. You can create your own playlists for every section of your wedding through an app.
Enquire and book your preferred suppliers. We’d say a photographer, florals, wedding outfits and wedding rings are your most crucial. With any other wedding suppliers you’d like, book sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment. We have a complete list of recommended suppliers who we know, love, are local and regular visitors to Hilltop.
6 months before your wedding…
Confirm the timings of the day with your wedding planner. We will advise you on timings based on your ceremony time and what you have going on on the day. Once you have confirmed the timings, you can add these to your formal invitations.
Send formal invitations. Your guests will already have it in their diary, but this invitation will detail the timings, local hotels, and what to expect on your special day.
If you’re honeymooning, get it booked!
Attend your tasting evening. Come along to a tasting evening to try your chosen wedding breakfast menu, wines and cocktails.
3 months before your wedding…
Enjoy your hen do and stag do. The wedding celebrations start now!
Once your guests have confirmed their attendance, you can fill out your table seating plan. Arrange additional stationery, in particular a large seating plan to display for your guests and place name cards for the tables.
1 month before your wedding…
Confirm your final guest numbers and your wedding breakfast and drinks menu with your wedding planner.
1 week before your wedding…
Drop off any wedding stationery or additional extras and leave the rest to us. Enjoy this time looking forward to the day.
On your wedding day…
Simply be in the moment, relish every second of the day, creating memories to last a lifetime. Do not worry about a thing; we will ensure the day runs seamlessly.
Once you book your wedding with us at Hilltop, you become part of the Hilltop family. Throughout the entire planning process, you are welcome to visit us anytime to chat about your wedding plans. We are always here, whether in person, via email, or on the phone.
