Top tips for starting your luxury wedding planning

Your wedding should feel like the most extraordinary day of your life — elegant, personal, and unforgettable. Whether you dream of a romantic garden ceremony, a candlelit ballroom, or a bespoke celebration with a pole and canvas marquee in the great outdoors, the key to a truly luxury wedding is knowing how to start planning with confidence. Here are our expert tips to help you kick off your journey in style.

Planning a wedding is one of life’s most exciting chapters and one of the most detail-driven. It takes a talented team of florists, chefs, entertainers, photographers, videographers, stylists and planners to create a celebration that reflects who you are as a couple and gives your guests an unforgettable experience.

Through years of helping couples bring their visions to life, including providing canvas and pole marquee hire for elegant outdoor celebrations, we’ve learned the secrets to creating a seamless, personalised and truly luxury wedding. Here are our top tips for getting your party planning started.

1. Define your budget and priorities early

Before you book anything, decide on a total budget and then break it down by category, from attire to catering to entertainment. Luxury doesn’t always mean spending more; it’s about prioritising where the money goes to achieve the look and feel you want.

Pro tip: Keep a detailed record of expenses from the beginning so you can make informed decisions without last-minute surprises.

2. Build your guest list with purpose

Your guest list affects almost every decision; venue size, catering, furniture, stationery and budget. Think about the kind of atmosphere you want. An intimate gathering can feel deeply personal, while a large guest list may bring extra energy and grandeur.

If you’re considering canvas and pole marquee hire, knowing your guest count early helps you select the right marquee size and layout. Although the beauty of marquees is that you can add breakout areas or even connect more than one marquee to cater for any extra guests that might pop up.

3. Create your wedding vision board

Before booking suppliers, spend some time imagining your perfect day. A Pinterest board or digital mood board is a great way to gather inspiration and communicate your style to florists, planners, and designers. Don't be afraid to go analogue and get out the foam board and glue stick either, sometimes you need more than a small screen to see the big picture.

Current luxury wedding trends include:

• Statement floral installations and abundant greenery

• Layered lighting schemes for day-to-night transformation

• Sustainable, locally sourced décor and catering

• Bespoke stationery and personalised guest touches

  
  
  
  

4. Consider hiring a luxury wedding planner

A wedding planner is more than an organiser, they’re a creative partner with insider knowledge, trusted supplier contacts and the psychic ability to spot problems and swerve them before they arise. Experienced planners can often negotiate better rates or source exclusive venues you might not find yourself.

If you’re hiring a marquee, a planner can help with layout, flow and styling to ensure your day looks and feels cohesive.

5. Choose the perfect venue

Your venue sets the tone for the entire day. Whether you love the grandeur of a historic country estate, the charm of a vineyard, or the freedom of an outdoor space, choose somewhere that reflects your personality. For maximum flexibility, canvas and pole marquee hire allows you to create a bespoke venue in almost any location — from countryside meadows to coastal clifftops.

6. Make a statement with your fashion choices

Your attire is the most effective way to showcase your style. Consider couture gowns, bespoke tailoring, vintage gems, or made-to-measure options for a perfect fit. Many contemporary brides are also embracing second dresses for the evening, cute mini dresses are sleek and dance floor friendly after a dramatic ceremony look.

7. Focus on guest experience

Luxury weddings aren’t just about aesthetics, they’re about how your guests feel. Offer thoughtful touches like welcome drinks, personalised place settings and comfort items for outdoor spaces (blankets, parasols, or hand fans depending on the season).

8. Capture the moments perfectly

Top-tier photographers and videographers are worth the investment. Look for professionals who understand the unique challenges of both indoor and outdoor lighting — especially if your celebration includes a marquee.

9. Curate entertainment that matches your theme

From elegant string quartets to high-energy bands, choose entertainment that reflects your personality and keeps the energy flowing. For marquee weddings, there’s usually greater flexibility with space, staging and acoustics.

10. Plan an unforgettable finale

End your day with a moment to remember — a sparkler send-off, fireworks, or even a late-night cinema under the stars. For multi-day celebrations, a relaxed post-wedding brunch or countryside walk can give you extra time to connect with guests.

11. Don’t forget the honeymoon

Amid the whirlwind of wedding planning, set aside time to plan your honeymoon. Whether you want a tropical escape, a European adventure, or a wellness retreat, it’s the perfect way to relax, celebrate and start married life.

Bringing it all together

At Peacock and Bow, we specialise in creating unforgettable celebrations, from intimate gatherings to grand affairs. Whether you need guidance on suppliers, styling, or pole marquee hire, our expertise ensures your luxury wedding starts on the right note — and ends as a memory you’ll treasure forever.