For Brides and Grooms alike, the day you say “yes” and agree to marry the love of your life is a moment to treasure forever. But once the high settles and you are faced with planning the biggest event of your life? It can feel overwhelming!
There’s a lot of pressure for couple when it comes to weddings – from Pinterest perfect wedding scenes to expectations from friends and family, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Luckily, our experienced weddings team has pulled together the best advice they’ve heard for brides and grooms-to-be over the years to help you prepare for your big day.
Planning your wedding
Practical things first: when it comes to budget, lay out your costs and add an extra 10% to cover any extras. It will help cover any unforeseen expenses and, if you don’t spend it, it’s more for your honeymoon!
Have a to-do list. Our weddings team at Rutland Hall Hotel will always be there to help advise you and iron out the finer details, but we recommend writing a to-do list with dates. You can keep track of everything that needs doing and when, tick off items for that sense of accomplishment and never feel overwhelmed.
Finally, your day should be about YOU, and reflect your life as a couple. Whether that’s a champagne reception or cocktails on the terrace, personalised decorations or certain foods on the menu, make sure you bring everything that makes you special as a couple to your day. Our team love to help couples bring personal touches to their wedding celebrations.
The day before your wedding
The day before your wedding can feel like the calm before the storm. By now, you should have had your outfits and your beauty or grooming details sorted, so you are feeling confident about looking and feeling your best. Our advice? Relax!
Spend some time with your bridal party or groomsmen doing something you love. Here at Rutland Hall you could enjoy afternoon tea in our Blossoms Restaurant, indulge in a massage in one of our treatment rooms or even go for a bike ride around Rutland Water to shake off that pre-wedding energy!
Then head to one of our cosy bedrooms to make sure you get a great night’s sleep ahead of the main event.
On your wedding day
It’s a cliché, but the day really will go by in the blink of an eye, so our tips for on the day are about savouring every moment.
Try to keep your environment as relaxing as possible in the morning. Staying the night before at the venue really helps, as you don’t need to worry about travelling.
Once your ceremony is done and you’re finally married, take a few moments alone as a couple to let the newlywed bliss sink in.
Put your bridal party to work! Appoint one person to make sure you are eating and drinking enough water – it’s easily forgotten when you have so many people to talk to. And why not give your phone to a bridesmaid or groomsman for the day? Allow them to capture some memories on your behalf so you have pictures to flick through whilst you wait for your official portraits.
Speaking of photos, make sure you get plenty of time with your photographer. You don’t want to feel rushed, as you’ll be looking back at these pictures for a lifetime. Here at Rutland Hall Hotel, we have so many stunning locations in our grounds for the perfect newlywed shot, from lakeside romance at Rutland Water to the stunning natural backdrop looking out from the pagoda.
Make sure you have comfortable footwear – or have a change of shoes ready in case your feet start to hurt. You don’t want anything to stop you dancing the night away!
Finally, after the most wonderful day of your lives, have a serene retreat waiting to welcome you and your new spouse. Our range of rooms and suites are the perfect place to escape after an incredible day – wake up refreshed and ready for married life ahead.
