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Clandeblog The ultimate wedding planning checklist

Planning your wedding is such an exciting time and having a clear plan can make all the difference in ensuring everything falls into place just how you envision it. While the thought of planning your big day might feel a little overwhelming at first, it doesn’t have to be. At Clandeboye Lodge, we’re here to make sure your journey to ‘I do’ is as special as the day itself. Here’s our easy-to-follow wedding planning checklist to help guide you.

1. Set your wedding date

Wedding Planning Checklist Northern Ireland
Mark Barnes Photography

Choosing the perfect date is one of the first and most important decisions you’ll make! Consider the season as it will influence many aspects of your day from the styling to the food menu. Are you dreaming of a summer celebration with long, sunlit days or perhaps a magical winter wedding?

If you're after a last-minute wedding date, many venues in Northern Ireland offer late availability and whirlwind wedding packages. At Clandeboye Lodge, our last-minute wedding package, Swept Away, is designed to take all the stress out of planning a beautiful wedding in a short space of time.

2. Book your wedding venue

Wedding Planning Checklist
The Clandeboye Suite at Clandeboye Lodge

Start by exploring a range of wedding venues in Northern Ireland that align with your style and budget. From historic castles and contemporary city venues to a hotel wedding venue like Clandeboye Lodge, it’s important to get a good sense of what’s out there. Whether you’re dreaming of a spacious, elegant reception room like our Clandeboye Suite or a more intimate, personal setting like our Blackwood Suite.

When you’ve narrowed it down, book a showaround to get a feel for the space. Walking through the wedding venue, seeing the layout and picturing your day unfolding in that setting can help you decide if it feels like the right fit for you. It’s also the perfect opportunity to meet with the wedding team and ask lots of questions. Once you’ve found the venue that ticks all the boxes, don’t hesitate to secure your date and book it!

3. Book your accommodation

Wedding Planning Checklist
The Ultra-luxe Suite at Clandeboye Lodge

After securing your wedding venue, it’s time to think about where you’ll stay before and after your wedding. Choosing Clandeboye Lodge as your wedding venue means your accommodation is just a short walk across our beautiful gardens making everything easy, convenient and stress-free for you and your guests. Plus, all of our wedding packages include a luxurious wedding suite for the married couple and discounted rates for 8 rooms.

The morning of your wedding should be all about relaxing and preparing for your big day and at Clandeboye Lodge we offer the perfect space. Our stunning new Dressing Room Suite is designed with this in mind featuring ample natural light, dedicated hair and makeup stations and a stylish lounge area where you and your bridal party can enjoy a peaceful, stress-free morning together.

When the celebrations are over, you’ll want somewhere equally luxurious to retreat to. Our Ultra-Luxe Suite is the perfect choice for the night of your wedding. Relax in the free-standing copper bath, set against a backdrop of copper-veined quartzite before retiring to the super-sized, contemporary four poster bed.

4. Attend a wedding fair

Wedding Planning Checklist
The Clandeboye Lodge Wedding Fair

Wedding fairs are a fantastic way to meet Northern Irish wedding suppliers, explore fresh ideas, and compare different options for your big day. The Clandeboye Lodge Wedding Fair is one you won’t want to miss. It takes place twice a year in both Autumn and Spring, offering you the chance to explore our wedding venue and gather inspiration for your dream wedding from top wedding specialists. Whether you're still in the early stages of planning or ready to make decisions, attending a wedding fair is an invaluable step in your wedding planning checklist.

Here's what you can expect at the Clandeboye Lodge Wedding Fair:

  • Explore our venue: Discover our eclectic wedding suites, stroll through our gorgeous gardens and explore our hotel facilities.
  • Wedding inspiration: Meet over 20 of our best local wedding suppliers who will be there to show off their newest ideas and creations.
  • Exclusive sneak peeks: Taste canapés from our recently updated wedding menu and take a first-look at our new Dressing Room Suite, perfect for your wedding morning.

5. Buy your wedding dress

Wedding Planning Checklist
Agnieszka Marsh Photography

Finding the perfect wedding dress is one of the most exciting moments of your wedding journey. Take your time to visit local bridal boutiques in Northern Ireland like LA Bridal House in Newtownards. Whether you're dreaming of something classic, modern or a bit more bohemian, there's a dress out there that's perfect for you. Make sure to schedule plenty of time for alterations to ensure that your dress fits you perfectly and feels just right on the day.

6. Capture the moments

It’s important to find a photographer who matches your style and vision. Local photographers like Agnieszka Marsh, Jake Samuels or Ian Pedlow are experts at capturing every beautiful moment of your special day. A videographer can bring your wedding to life with cinematic footage that tells the full story. Check out Purple Box Productions or Jamie Gray Videography for stunning wedding films. A wedding content creator is another option if you're looking for more candid, laid back style videos.

7. Choose your wedding florist

Wedding Planning Checklist

From your wedding bouquets to ceremony and reception styling, flowers can add a magical touch to your day. Floralearth and Bluebells are great wedding florists in Northern Ireland for creating breathtaking designs. Arrange a consultation to discuss your vision, budget and any other details. Make sure to show photos of your dress, your bridesmaids’ dresses and even the venue to get a better idea of the overall look you are going for.

Alternatively, faux florals have become a wedding trend of their own, offering an eco-friendly alternative that still delivers on style. They are incredibly realistic nowadays and can look just as beautiful as fresh flowers. And because they’re artificial, you can hold onto your arrangements for years to come, making them a sustainable option.

8. Plan your entertainment

Your wedding wouldn’t be the same without great entertainment! Music sets the mood and keeps your guests engaged throughout the day, so it’s important to choose options that match the atmosphere you want to create. Think about the different parts of your wedding day – from the ceremony, reception drinks and dinner to the after party. Here are a few entertainment ideas to consider:

  • Harpist: For a romantic atmosphere, a harpist like Cherith Knipe is a beautiful choice for your ceremony or drinks reception.
  • String quartet: Elevate your wedding ceremony to a new level of elegance with the beautiful sounds of a string quartet like Ionian String Quartet.
  • Guitarist / singer: For something more intimate and laid-back, a guitarist and singer combo might be perfect for you. This option is ideal for a relaxed ceremony, outdoor drinks reception or dinner, offering a beautiful acoustic backdrop to your celebration. Check out James Quinn Music, Anna Smyth or Rachel Toman.
  • Wedding band: A live wedding band can bring energy and excitement to your reception, getting everyone on their feet to dance the night away!
  • DJ: If you want a more diverse selection of music, a DJ is a fantastic choice. DJs can play a wider variety of songs and take requests from your guests to keep the party going well into the night.

8. Sample your wedding cake

Wedding Planning Checklist

Choosing the perfect wedding cake is more than just about aesthetics – the flavour matters too! Many talented wedding cake suppliers in Northern Ireland offer tastings at wedding fairs, giving you the chance to try different flavours before making your decision.

Check out Relax Cakes and Bella Torta, both are brilliant wedding cake suppliers in Northern Ireland. Bella Torta even offers an interactive cake bar, where your guests can personalise their own mini cakes with a selection of toppings - a unique and memorable touch for your big day!

9. Consider a venue stylist

Wedding Planning Checklist
Styling by MOOD Events

Styling your wedding venue is your chance to let your personality and vision shine. Whether you prefer to take a DIY approach or enlist the expertise of a professional, it’s the little details that bring your day to life. Partner with a venue stylist in Northern Ireland like MOOD Events, who specialises in crafting bespoke table settings and décor themes tailored to your style.

Or, make a statement with wedding decor hire service, Quirky Kitten, whose unique designs from stunning floral arches to eye-catching neon signs will leave your guests in awe. With the right touches, your Pinterest board dreams can become a beautiful reality, creating a day that’s uniquely you!

10. Send save the dates and invites

Wedding Planning Checklist
Wellwood Wedding Stationery

Once your guest list is set, it’s time to share the excitement! Start by sending out save the dates to let everyone know when and where the celebration will be. Aim to send these out 6–12 months before your wedding, giving your guests plenty of time to mark their calendars. Closer to the big day, around 6–8 weeks before, send out your wedding invitations with all the essential details. If you're searching for bespoke wedding stationery in Northern Ireland, check out Wellwood Wedding Stationery.

11. Book your hair stylist and makeup artist

Book your hair stylist and makeup artist early to ensure you have the dream team for your big day! Helen McClurg will transform your wedding makeup dreams into reality, crafting natural, flawless looks that make you feel confident and beautiful. Pair her expertise with Kim Alexandra Hair for the perfect bridal beauty duo.

12. Organise your wedding transport

Wedding Planning Checklist

If your wedding ceremony is at a different location from your reception, organising transport is a must to ensure your guests can travel seamlessly between venues. Why not arrive in style in a VW Campervan or Beetle? Our friends at Logybear have a range of quirky camper vans and cars for hire on your wedding day. With different styles and colours to choose from, you can find the perfect wedding transport to match your theme. As an extra bonus, this makes for a unique backdrop for your wedding photos!

13. Choose your menu

Wedding Planning Checklist
Deconstructed honeycomb and white chocolate cheesecake

Make final decisions about what’s going to be on the wedding menu, including the canapés, the main meal and late-night snacks. At Clandeboye Lodge, we believe that food is central to creating a wedding day that will live in the memory for years to come. From hand-crafted canapés to a decadent 3-course dinner we work with you to create bespoke, beautifully presented dishes all inspired by fresh, delicious and locally sourced ingredients. Our team of chefs prepare all food from scratch, so that our wedding menu is always a dining experience that compliments your unique vision.

14. Enhancing your day

Wedding Planning Checklist

Make your special day even more memorable with thoughtful touches that leave a lasting impression on your guests. From unique drinks features to fun photo booth experiences, there are endless ways to elevate your wedding day and make it unforgettable.

  • Drinks feature: Wow your guests and enhance your special day with a show-stopping drinks feature such as a champagne fountain from Champagne Memories. This works well in our spacious Sheridan suite where guests can enjoy a pre-dinner drink in a stylish setting.
  • Photobooth: For a unique and fun photo booth experience, look no further than Mr Photobooth NI. Complete with props and costumes, guests will love getting creative for photos that will provide lifetime memories wedding day!
  • Garden games: Consider garden games for your summer wedding drinks reception. At Clandeboye Lodge, we can provide these for your guests to enjoy in the Sheridan terrace courtyard area.

15. Organise wedding favours

Wedding favours are a thoughtful way to thank your guests for celebrating your big day. Personalised favours are always a hit, whether it's a jar of local honey or handmade treats. Or, many couples choose to donate to a cause close to their hearts which is a meaningful way to share the love on your special day while supporting a cause you care about.

16. Book your officiant

Wedding Planning Checklist
The Blackwood Suite at Clandeboye Lodge

The officiant you choose plays a key role in the tone and feel of your ceremony. Whether you’re opting for a religious service, civil ceremony or something more personal like a humanist ceremony, it’s important to connect with someone whose style resonates with you. Reverend Gary Haire is an experienced wedding celebrant in Northern Ireland who works closely with couples to create meaningful, memorable ceremonies. He can help bring your love story to life with words that reflect your unique journey together.

For a stunning ceremony setting, our Blackwood Suite is the perfect choice, offering an intimate space for exchanging vows. With its arched timber beams, gothic windows and enchanting ambience, it is used for ceremonies for up to 155 guests.

17. Purchase or hire groom's suit

Wedding Planning Northern Ireland
Agnieszka Marsh Photography

While much of the attention goes to the bride's dress, the groom deserves to feel just as special on the big day! Choose a suit that complements the style and formality of your wedding. Focus Menswear offers a fantastic selection of stylish suits for grooms, whether you prefer a classic tuxedo or a more relaxed, modern look. Don’t forget to accessorise with cufflinks, a pocket square and shoes that complete the look.

18. Buy wedding rings

Wedding Planning Checklist

Your wedding rings are a symbol of your eternal commitment and should reflect your personal style. There are plenty of options when it comes to design, from traditional gold bands to something more contemporary.

19. Create a gift register

A wedding gift register makes it easier for your guests to choose the perfect present for you. Many couples opt for a registry that includes items they’ve selected for their home. Wardens of Newtownards offers a great selection of wedding gifts that you can include in your register, from homeware to bespoke keepsakes.

20. Plan your honeymoon

The honeymoon is your chance to unwind and celebrate your new life together, so it’s worth putting thought into. Whether you’re dreaming of relaxing on a sunny beach or exploring a new city, Enchanted Travels with Belle is a honeymoon travel agent in Northern Ireland offering a range of personalised honeymoon packages.

Wedding planning at Clandeboye Lodge

Wedding Planning Checklist
Beth & Peter, Bethany Chisholm Photography

Let us take the stress out of wedding planning and help create a day filled with beautiful moments that will last a lifetime. Whether you're looking for an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Clandeboye Lodge is the perfect wedding venue in Northern Ireland. Ready to start planning your dream wedding? Contact us today to book a showaround, discuss our wedding packages and begin your journey to the perfect ‘I do’ at Clandeboye Lodge. We can’t wait to be part of your unforgettable day!

traveller choice award 2024 Good hotel 24 25 2 Untitled design 35 GM SILVER TRANSPARENT Booking com 1 Georgina Campbell Award 2023
traveller choice award 2024 Good hotel 24 25 2 Untitled design 35 GM SILVER TRANSPARENT Booking com 1 Georgina Campbell Award 2023