5 Big Questions Every Bride Has When Planning their 2026 Wedding

Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting, and overwhelming, times in your life. Whether you’re newly engaged or knee-deep in mood boards, it’s totally normal to have a ton of questions. And with 2026 around the corner, couples are planning further ahead than ever before, trying to navigate a changing wedding landscape filled with evolving trends, rising costs, and endless inspiration.

If you’re a bride (or groom) planning your 2026 wedding, here are the 5 most common questions you’re probably asking – and some helpful guidance to get you started on the right foot.

1. “Where do I even start?”

The first few weeks of being engaged are full of excitement… and sometimes confusion. With so much to plan, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what comes first.

Pro Tip:

Start with your budget and guest list estimate. These two factors will guide almost every other decision, especially your venue and vendors. Once you have those, booking your venue should be your first big step – dates and availability fill up quickly, especially for peak 2026 weekends!

2. “How much is this actually going to cost?”

Let’s be honest, wedding budgeting is not for the faint of heart. Between inflation, rising vendor costs, and Pinterest-perfect expectations, it’s easy to underestimate what you’ll spend.

Pro Tip:

The average wedding in recent years has cost anywhere from £20-30K, but there’s no “one size fits all.” Build your budget around your top priorities – whether that’s the venue, photography, dress, or entertainment – and be realistic about where you can scale back.

3. “How do I choose the right venue?”

Your venue sets the tone for everything – the vibe, the photos, the guest list size, even the date. And with so many options (manor houses, hotels, barns, vineyards…), decision fatigue is real.

Pro Tip:

Before you book, consider:

• Guest count capacity
• Indoor vs. outdoor options
• Rain plan / weather backups
• Lighting (for photography)
• Vendor restrictions or preferred lists

Visit in person if possible, and don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions – your venue is the foundation of your wedding day.

4. “How can I make my wedding feel unique – not just like everyone else’s?”

Every couple wants their wedding to reflect who they are, not just another Instagram copy-and-paste. With trends shifting constantly, brides are asking how to strike that perfect balance between timeless and personal.

Pro Tip:

Start with your story – how you met, shared interests, your favorite places. Look for ways to weave that into your:

• Ceremony and vows
• Decor and color scheme
• Food and cocktails
• Music and entertainment
• Guest favors or welcome gifts

The most memorable weddings don’t necessarily go over the top – they feel intentional.

5. “Do I really need to hire all these vendors?”

Let’s face it: Between photographers, planners, florists, DJs, caterers, videographers, hair + makeup teams, officiants, and more… it adds up. So many brides wonder: What’s essential, and what can I DIY or skip altogether?

Pro Tip:

Focus on the vendors that directly impact your experience and memories. For most couples, that includes:

• Hair and Make up (to get pampered and feel at your very best)
• Photographer (you’ll treasure your wedding photos for life and are a record of your memories of the day)
• Catering (no one wants hungry guests)
• DJ/band (they set the energy)

DIY is great – but be realistic about your time, skills, and the pressure of the wedding day.

Final Thoughts

Planning a 2026 wedding? You’re not alone and you don’t have to figure it all out at once. The most important thing is to stay focused on what matters most to you as a couple. Ask questions. Do your research. And remember: this is about celebrating your love, not just throwing a picture-perfect party.

Need more help with planning your 2026 wedding?

Stay tuned for more blog posts on timelines, style guides, and planning checklists! Please also checkout my Instagram account for helpful tips, inspiration and more of my wedding photography

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