Where Do I Start With My Wedding Plans?

by 'Z
(Essex, UK)

I’m out of my depth! I don’t know where to start with my wedding plans. My fiancé and I are both students and we’re planning a wedding on virtually no money.

A simple registry office ceremony will do with a few family and friends. However, I don’t know where to begin! I’m at a total loss as I’m not even from the UK.

I do find this website a great help.

Thanks in advance
Z’

Answer:

The best place to start is to set a really rough budget. Think about how much money you have available and how much you could get hold of between now and your wedding day. Use that amount as your benchmark. If you need help saving for a wedding then this article has lots of great tips.

Now you know how much to you’ve got to spend, start to think about what kind of ceremony you’d like and where you’d like to get married. You mention a registry office above, so I’ll assume that’s your preferred way of getting married.

You’ll need to give notice of marriage in your local register office and in the register office for the district you intend to get married in. You’ll both need to do this, in person, at the same time. At this point you’ll get a date set as you’ll need the superintendant registrar to be at your ceremony. There are costs associated with this, but they’re minimal and necessary.

For more information on the nitty gritty and legalities of getting married, the General Register Office site has comprehensive details.

You said that you’re not from the UK, so there may be legalities affecting whether or not you can actually marry in the UK – I’d recommend that you check these. The General Register Office site will be able to help you here. Alternatively, call your local Register Office.

Now you’ve done the legal bit and have a date, you’ll need to organise the reception. The difficult part is deciding what type of reception you want, but this will mostly be dictated by your budget. Only you know this, but there are plenty of ideas for cheap wedding venues in the receptions and venues section.

Don’t feel you have to have a huge wedding because everyone else does. Just keep within your budget by following the tips and advice on Cheap Wedding Success.

I hope that helps.