10 Steps to Begin Your Wedding Journey in Cornwall
Congratulations on your engagement! This marks the start of an unforgettable chapter in your life. As you begin to dream about your Cornwall wedding, let the beauty of the coastlines, tranquil woodlands, and rolling hills inspire your journey. To help you start planning, we’ve created a checklist for wedding planning in Cornwall that balances practical advice with creative inspiration.
1. Picture Your Wedding
Imagine your day. What’s the atmosphere you wish to create? Fairytale, traditional, elegant, relaxed, intimate…? Let your imagination run wild. Weddings in Cornwall offer endless inspiration, from sunlit beach ceremonies with a backdrop of lapping waves to candlelit celebrations in centuries-old barns or manors. Consider the details that feel important to you - the season, the colours, the ambiance, and the flow of your day. Take a look at our curated collection of wedding venues in Cornwall to help refine your vision and spark ideas.
2. Define Your Wedding Budget
The foundation of stress-free wedding planning is your budget. Start with an open conversation with anyone contributing financially. What’s most important to you? The venue, catering, photography, music for example? Create a spreadsheet to track costs and break down your budget into categories, leaving room for unexpected expenses. Consider a contingency of around 10 percent. Having a clear budget will help make decision-making smoother.
3. Plan Your Guest List
Brainstorm everyone you’d like to invite and then refine your list to reflect the size and style of your celebration. Remember, this is your day - prioritise the people you would like to witness your wedding and be part of the celebration.
4. Choose a Wedding Date
Picking your wedding date is more than a practical decision. Think about the mood and seasonal backdrop you want - spring wildflowers, summer sunsets, autumn’s golden hues, or winter’s cosy intimacy? Have a few dates in mind to accommodate venue availability, and give yourself ample time to plan if you’re dreaming of an elaborate celebration. A date with personal significance can add even more meaning to your day.
5. Discover Your Dream Wedding Venue in Cornwall
Your wedding venue is the foundation of your Cornwall wedding day. Our county offers an unparalleled variety of locations, from hidden beaches and historic estates to eco-conscious retreats and boutique hotels. When searching for your venue, think about its practicalities as well as its charm. Does it work for your budget? Does it suit the size of your guest list? Does it align with your vision? Explore Cornwall’s stunning wedding venues in our curated guide to find a space that’s just right for you.
6. Secure Your Registrar or Celebrant
The ceremony is the heart of your Cornwall wedding day, so booking a registrar or celebrant early is vital. If you decide to opt for a legal ceremony, secure the date and time with the registry office or church before paying the deposit for your venue. Your venue will likely hold your chosen date for at least 48 hours. Alternatively you might want to consider a celebrant? In Cornwall, celebrants bring a deeply personal touch, designing ceremonies that reflect your unique journey as a couple. Enjoy exploring our curated list of celebrants.
7. Book Your Key Wedding Suppliers
The best wedding suppliers are in high demand, so early booking is advised. You can often secure your chosen supplier with a relatively small deposit providing you with peace of mind. Your photographer and videographer will capture the essence and beauty of your day, while a talented caterer can elevate your menu into a celebration of local flavours. Flowers can create a stunning backdrop while music can add joy and enhance the atmosphere. Our site provides you with all the suppliers you need.
8. Enlist a Wedding Planner
A wedding planner or coordinator can be invaluable. They’ll work within your budget, help you to refine your ideas, handle logistics, connect you with trusted local suppliers and so much more. With their help, your day will unfold seamlessly, leaving you free to focus on the moments that matter most. Meet our wonderful wedding planners here.
9. Plan for Your Wedding Guests
Thoughtful details make your wedding guests feel welcomed and cherished. Start by sending save-the-dates early, especially for a destination wedding in Cornwall. Provide accommodation recommendations and travel tips, perhaps with a wedding website that doubles as a hub for updates.
10. Stay True to Your Vision but Be Flexible
As you plan your wedding, it’s important to be true to your vision, but also to be open to change. Wedding planning can involve unexpected twists. Trust that everything will come together in the end. Being flexible can help reduce stress and allow you to enjoy the wedding planning experience. Focus on the big picture and embrace the journey, knowing that the final result will be beautiful.
Enjoy Planning Your Wedding!
With Cornwall as your canvas, the possibilities are as boundless as the horizon. Explore Cornwall’s unique wedding venues and suppliers and let the magic unfold. We can’t wait to help you plan the wedding of your dreams.
Credits:
Photo 1: Venue: Cornish Tipi Holidays |Photographer: Apple B Images
Photo 2: Venue: The Eden Project | Wedding Stylist & Planner: Rebel & Anchor | Photographer: In Lovers Eyes
Photo 3: Wedding Planner: Tide the Knot Weddings | Photographer: Feast Photo
Photo 4: Venue: Treseren | Florist: Liv Cousins Foral Design | Photographer: Lyra & Moth
Photo 5: Venue: Cornish Tipi Holidays |Photographer: Apple B Images
Photo 6: Celebrant: Sara Price | Photographer TBC
Photo 7: Mammoth Band | Photographer TBC
Photo 8. Wedding Planner: Weddings Made in Cornwall | Photographer: You Got The Love
Photo 9. Photographer: Cat U Glow
