As a premier wedding venue, we’ve helped hundreds of couples plan seamless celebrations - so we’ve created this helpful month-by-month guide to keep you on track.
10–12 Months Out: Book the Big Stuff
Choose Your Date
Start by selecting your ideal time of year. Think about whether you’d love a sun-filled summer celebration, a fresh spring affair, a cosy autumnal wedding, or a magical winter setting.
Book Your Venue Viewing
Top venues can book up to two years in advance - so if you have 2026 in mind, act now. Book a viewing at The Norfolk Mead to visualise your day, ask questions, and explore options.
Francesca and Danni, our dedicated Wedding Coordinators, are here to guide you. They’ll take time to get to know you as a couple and discuss all the possibilities for your perfect wedding.
Receive a Bespoke Quotation
Budgeting is key. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all packages. Every Norfolk Mead wedding is tailored to you - from the format of the day to your own bespoke menu. After your viewing, you’ll receive a personalised quotation with a clear overview of your costs. You can amend this as many times as needed before your final meeting.
Ready to Book?
If you’ve fallen in love with the venue, we can provisionally hold your chosen date for 7 days. During this time, contact Norfolk Registration Services or your Church to book your ceremony. Once confirmed, you’ll pay a deposit and sign our T&Cs - one of the most exciting steps of your planning journey!
Top Tip: Take out wedding insurance at this stage for peace of mind.
9–12 Months Out: Lock in Your Dream Team
Book Key Suppliers
With your venue secured, it's time to book suppliers. This includes:
Photographer or videographer/content creator
DJ, band, or live singer(s)
Flowers
Cake
Entertainment
Photobooth
Garden games
Need help? We have a list of trusted suppliers and can make tailored recommendations.
Find Your Dream Dress or Suit
Wedding dresses can take up to 9 months to arrive, plus time for fittings. Grooms: now’s a good time to start shopping too.
Create a Wedding Spreadsheet or Website
Staying organised will make all the “wedmin” much easier. Consider a shared spreadsheet or a planning app that also includes your guest list and RSVPs.
8–9 Months Out: Plan the Experience
Choose a Theme
Create a cohesive style - whether it’s soft pastels, bold florals, forest greens, or elegant black tie. Pinterest and Instagram are great for inspiration.
Order Invitations
Custom invites take time to design and produce. Canva is a great tool if you’re designing your own, or go bespoke with a stationer.
Menu Discussions
Now’s the time to chat to Francesca and Danni about menus and catering preferences. Want to try something unique? Let’s make it happen.
Assign Wedding Roles
Ask your bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls or ring bearers to join your wedding party.
6–7 Months Out: Bring It All Together
Menu Tasting
Come hungry! It’s time to sample your canapés, wedding breakfast and evening food with Francesca and Danni.
Book Your Honeymoon
Take a break from planning and book that dream honeymoon. Check your passport expiry and remember: you can travel in your maiden name - just make sure it matches your booking.
3–6 Months Out: Finalise the Details
Give Legal Notice
You must give legal notice to Norfolk Registration Service at least 29 days before the big day - but book early to secure your appointment.
Confirm the Timeline
Book a meeting with Francesca or Danni to confirm timings and coordinate suppliers. Your timeline will be updated on your quotation document. Simply call 01603 737 531 or email events@norfolkmead.co.uk.
Confirm Suppliers
Touch base with all vendors to finalise arrival/setup times and logistics.
Allocate Hotel Rooms
Fill in your room allocation form and return it so guests can book their rooms and spa slots.
Buy Your Wedding Rings
Whether matching or bespoke, now’s the time to make your final ring choice.
Choose Accessories
Shoes, jewellery, hairpieces, ties - make sure everything is ready before final fittings.
Final Touches
Place cards, signage, favours, orders of service - lock in the little things now with your stylist or florist.
1–3 Months Out: The Home Stretch
Celebrate!
Now’s the perfect time for hen, stag or sten parties! Let your bridal party do the planning - your job is to enjoy.
Final Fittings & Beauty Appointments
Book your hair and makeup trial, and use The Norfolk Mead Spa for massages, nails, facials or just some R&R in our hydrotherapy pool.
Collect RSVPs
Final numbers will help you confirm everything from catering to seating plans. Send these to your Coordinator and stationer.
Final Meetings
Meet with your venue and suppliers to finalise everything from timings to table plans and special requests.
Write Speeches & Buy Gifts
Now is the time to polish speeches, write personal notes or cards, and purchase thank-you gifts for your bridal party or each other.
1–2 Weeks Out: Countdown Time!
Collect Outfits
After final fittings, collect your dress and/or suits and store them safely.
Break In Your Shoes
No one wants blisters on the big day! Wear your shoes around the house.
Final Beauty Prep
Speak with your beauty therapist about the best time for spray tans, waxing, nails or hair colouring.
Pack Everything Up
Prepare your emergency kit, décor, favours, signage, and anything else that needs to go to the venue. You’re nearly there!
Need help at any stage?
Francesca and Danni are just a phone call or email away. Let’s make your 2026 wedding unforgettable at The Norfolk Mead. Contact us or find out more about our weddings here.
