If you could bottle up and keep just one thing from your wedding day, it’d be the joy. The exact feeling of saying “I do”, or perhaps when you first see each other walking down the aisle: that burst of love and happiness. That right there is your once-in-a-lifetime wedding moment. Couples who feature on English Wedding tell us again and again how amazing it feels. And only afterwards do you realise that every minute of the last however-many-months you’ve spent planning was all leading up to that moment.
Images in this blog are from Jemma Khan Studio. Known for calm guidance, thoughtful service, and abundant yet considered arrangements, Jemma works with couples to design floral experiences that feel personal, timeless, and completely effortless. Header image by Sophie Mort Photography
It’s easy to get caught up in wedding planning, follow all the details on your checklist and feel as though you need all of those little details: the table decor, the signage, the blankets or baskets of flip flops, sparklers and 8pm pizza truck*. But with that comes a trap where you lose sight of what’s important.
Here’s how to refocus on having a meaningful wedding.
- Scale it back: invite people you’re both genuinely close to, and avoid unfamiliar faces and awkward catch ups on your big day
- Have a considered ceremony: Celebrants are highly recommended for the most meaningful wedding ceremonies – learn about humanist and independent wedding celebrants here
- Include extra little touches – but not stuff: How about some meaningful wedding readings?
- Choose natural wedding photography with minimal (if any) posed shots
- Hire trusted suppliers: folks who’ll be calm, and experienced enough to solve any problems on the day without you even needing to know about it!
- … and trust your suppliers. If you’ve picked the right team, you should be able to relax and just let them do their thing.
- Go for relaxed, not formal vibes. Formality, tradition and etiquette can all get in the way of what’s important, and that’s basking in the LOVE all around you. Ditch the bouquet toss and don’t even consider a receiving line!
- Stay comfortable: don’t ask anyone to speak if it’s not their thing and it will make them nervous (including traditional speakers: a shy best man, neurodivergent groom or self-conscious dad shouldn’t be forced into it. You don’t need to have speeches at all, but if you do, avoid AI and watch this wedding speech advice instead
- Personality: make the day (and the planning) about both of you – no surprises, and equality all the way if you plan your wedding together
- Prioritise self care to avoid overwhelm and planxiety, especially as your big day draws closer
Photography by Emilie May Photo at Holesfoot Cumbria; floral styling by Jemma Khan Studio
More really lovely advice here:
How to plan an intentional, sincere and authentic wedding
11 ways to have a more authentic, heartfelt wedding
Beyond the “I Do”: 10 ways to have a meaningful ceremony
* OK – we’re happy to consider pizza trucks an essential if you are!
First time planning a wedding? Yep – pretty much everyone’s working all this out as they go along, so you’re absolutely not alone! Diving into a world of catering and styling, planning and logistics can be insane – but keeping on top of your plans will stop the overwhelm. Having a great relationship with your suppliers is really important, and communication is everything. Here’s how to talk to your wedding suppliers – from jargon to problem-solving, budgets and more.
Honesty, transparency and openness
Don’t be nervous to talk to your wedding suppliers as you want them to talk to you! I can feel a bit nervous sometimes when I’m asking an expert about their work – whether they’re a floral stylist, wedding photographer or planner. Having conversations on an equal footing means you can talk honestly – as if to a friend. Having that balance, and an equal relationship with your suppliers, will make your wedding planning so much smoother. So sound out your suppliers before you book! If you feel comfortable, they’ll be a great part of your team.
Top tip: don’t book suppliers at a wedding show. The overwhelm and adrenalin of the day is real. Everyone feels under pressure, including vendors! Choose your suppliers or shortlist on the day, but have a conversation after the event where you’ll both be more relaxed, and more yourselves. You can book after that!
All images in this blog are from Jemma Khan Studio, captured by Jono Symonds Photography
Share your wedding priorities with suppliers
Be open about your priorities – what’s important to the two of you as a couple, and what you’re really not bothered about! For example, if you want natural and candid wedding photography, or if you need a venue where your guests can relax, rather than a formal wedding vibe – be up front. If you have awkward questions (or questions you’re nervous to ask) get them out in the open. Chances are, your suppliers have heard them before and can reassure you.
The biggie: let’s talk wedding budgets
I reached out to luxury destination wedding planner Michelle Jacobs for advice on this one. She told me, “Trust and transparency go hand in hand during wedding planning, from the stage before booking all the way up to the big day. One area this is particularly important is around budget – we know it can be an awkward topic for some couples.”
“Whenever I ask about budget it’s not to be provocative. I like to have a frank conversation with every couple before they book, surrounding what their expected budget is and what we can create for that budget. I’ve been planning weddings in the UK and Europe for many years, and so can give couples a good idea of what their money will get them in different places. This 2-way communication ensures that my couples get the best experience and that we can exceed expectations – and this all starts with honesty, expertise and clear communication.”
All images in this blog are from Jemma Khan Studio, captured by Jono Symonds Photography
Choose your wedding suppliers wisely
I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to choose your suppliers well. Always make a joint decision on who you want to book for your day – especially those who’ll be around all day (photographers, videographers, caterers, entertainment etc.) Never pick wedding suppliers based on how their service looks. Choose for communication, professionalism, experience, reputation and GENUINE reviews.
Here’s an example: you might find the most amazing tailored suit or bespoke dress on social media, but when you reach out to the designer or boutique, they’re a bit ‘off’. You adore the look so much you book an appointment anyway, and go along – even though you’re a bit nervous. When you’re trying outfits on, you feel you have to be on best behaviour, or perhaps things feel rushed – but you adore the suit and it feels really high end. Should you book?
Talking’s important for wedding vendors too.
Before you contact any wedding supplier, remember they want to talk to you. They want to go through details, they want to hear your story and they want you to be as honest and open as you can be. It goes both ways. Great wedding suppliers will welcome your questions, encourage you to ask things you think are silly, and make you feel ok about asking whatever it is you need to. Things like wedding industry jargon can be confusing – things like candid vs natural photography styles, corkage (a classic!) and dry hire are baffling at first. Find suppliers who make you feel at ease so you can ask them to explain anything!
Two-way communication is everything!
Back in April I was talking to the UK’s number one wedding planner, Mark Niemierko. His down to earth advice is always a breath of fresh air.
“The single best thing a wedding planner can do for couples is to alleviate stress with amazing communication. Of course, as a planner I will always deliver an amazing wedding – logistically and creatively – but the most important thing which I learnt early on is to communicate. It’s really important to give couples peace of mind – even if something isn’t yet done, knowing you’re on it is everything.”
Where to talk to your wedding suppliers
As a wedding stationery designer and calligrapher, I’m used to hearing from couples by email, on instagram, by phone and text. I’m pretty sure this is the bare minimum, and other suppliers are also contactable on TikTok, Pinterest and even Facebook.
Before you lose track of who’s said what and where, focus on making it manageable. Talk to your wedding suppliers wherever is best for you! Having all your chats in one place will help. Having them scattered across the cloud is a one-way ticket to chaos. (And if you lose an important chat which isn’t backed up – nightmare!) Wedding Wire has some good advice about methods of contacting wedding suppliers – and how soon to expect a reply.
Top tip: write things down. Any special requests, preferences – anything. If you both have a written record, you can check back on your notes any time.
What if there’s a problem with one of your wedding suppliers?
So this can happen – it’s less likely if you’ve chosen your suppliers well, but the secret to resolving misunderstanding or conflict is to be open and honest. More advice on talking to wedding suppliers in tricky situations here: https://www.keptweddings.co.uk/difficult-wedding-suppliers-and-how-to-manage-them/
Don’t just take it from me – the best wedding suppliers want to prioritise communication.
Jemma Khan is a luxury florist for private estate weddings and marquees: “From our first conversation, I try to tune into what you really want, even if you don’t quite have the words for it yet. I’ll ask questions, listen to your story and quietly gather the pieces of your vision until it feels just right…Service is everything. My couples trust me not only to create beautiful flowers but to guide them through the process with care, clarity, and calm.”
Erika Tanith is a wedding photographer from Newcastle: “Communication is absolutely key, it’s the foundation for trust, comfort, and a truly tailored experience. The better I understand my couples and what matters most to them, the better I can capture their day in a way that feels uniquely theirs. From the very beginning, I aim to create an open, easy-going dialogue. I’m friendly, transparent, and always happy to share a bit of myself too, because I don’t believe in one-sided conversations. I want my couples to feel completely comfortable coming to me with their ideas, questions, and even last-minute changes. That connection is what helps me do my best work, and what turns a great service into something genuinely meaningful.”
Manchester wedding photographer Priti Shikotra told me: “Communication is so important – I can’t emphasise it enough. It really helps to build that rapport & relationship with couples when communication is on point. I take a step back & listen to couples tell me in detail about how they met, details for their wedding day & how are they feeling about it up until now. Often couples will follow on social media so I’ll follow back. It’s nice to have a glance into their lives even if it’s via Instagram stories for example as you can interact that way too. I let couples know they can expect a response within a time frame & for anything urgent they can of course ring or text me.”
Mel, luxury wedding planner at Your Story Events explains that for her, communication is part of building a relationship: “As a wedding planner we are in constant contact throughout, I guide and advise couples through the whole process. We have regular calls and meetings, a wedding planning whats app group and a wedding planning portal we use to keep everything in one place. I genuinely build such a lovely relationship with my couples, I miss them when the day is over! And for the majority we still send occasional messages and comments or DMs on instagram which I love.”
One of my shining stars in the wedding industry is lovely Ross Willsher Photography from Essex. He says, “Trust comes from open communication where everyone can be themselves and express themselves freely – as a photographer I want my couples to share their insecurities and fears as I have lots of techniques – both photographic and psychological – to improve confidence on camera. I think it’s important for suppliers to be explicit about how open they are to supporting their couples and to actively encourage and enable couples to approach and collaborate with them throughout the planning process. Of course there are limits, and during busy seasons suppliers cannot be on hand to answer calls and emails 24/7, but by building mutual trust and respect, couples and suppliers can work closely to create and incredible experiences.”
The loveliest advice from Lake District wedding photographer Mark Battista: “For me, communication is everything, especially when it comes to building trust. From the moment a couple gets in touch, I keep things relaxed and open — no pressure, no jargon. I’m always happy to chat things through, whether it’s about timings, nerves, or the best light for portraits.
It’s about being present, checking in when it matters, and making sure each couple feels genuinely looked after — not like just another date in the diary. That kind of care grows with experience, and in my view, it’s one of the biggest differences between someone who’s been doing this for years and someone who’s just finding their feet.”
Strikingly beautiful floristry can elevate a wedding more than anything else. Sweeping, statement floral displays will wow your guests and look sensational in your wedding album. For a stately home wedding, it’s essential to choose flowers and arrangements to do more than just complement the space: they should take inspiration from your venue’s aesthetic and bring your wedding vision to life in the most beautiful way. To create unforgettable installations, work with an experienced designer who specialises in flowers for stately home weddings. I had the loveliest chat with luxury wedding florist Jemma Khan, whose advice for couples is golden.
This blog was inspired by two pieces written by Jemma on her beautiful website: A Guide to Wedding Flower Installations and Your Stately Home Wedding: A Guide to Florals and Styling
What is a wedding floral installation?
Floral installations bring a sense of artistry and atmosphere that goes far beyond traditional arrangements. They’re large-scale, sculptural designs created specifically for a location. These statement pieces are typically fixed in place and crafted to suit the unique shape, features, and mood of your venue. Well-chosen wedding flower installations can highlight a stately home’s architectural features, create beautiful photo moments, and tie the whole floral scheme together.
Think of installations as floral art: a grand arch to frame your vows, cascading flowers down a staircase, or greenery suspended from a ceiling. They are often more complex to design and install, but the impact is unforgettable.
How flower installations elevate stately home weddings
The grandeur of stately home weddings means high ceilings, vast rooms, and dramatic staircases. Make the most of every inch of your venue by using the venue’s existing architecture, grand fireplaces, sweeping staircases, and decorative ceilings—as a focal point for floral installations. Tall statement pieces can draw the eye upwards, complementing tablescapes and smaller arrangements used elsewhere.
Appreciate, respect and take inspiration from your wedding venue’s architecture and decor
This is where hiring a florist experienced in stately homes becomes so important. Jemma Khan understands the challenges and opportunities a stately home wedding location brings: from incorporating your venue’s gardens’ own seasonal blooms into your indoor arrangements, to working under strict conditions to preserve the venue itself. The owners of stately homes care deeply about preserving their venues’ features, from centuries-old flooring to humidity levels and more!
Bridgette Ibbotson Photography at Holesfoot Cumbria
Yes, you can have sustainable wedding flowers in a stately home
When I spoke to Jemma Khan I learned so much about wedding floristry, not least the steps taken to provide sustainable flower installations and arrangements with as little waste as possible. Seasonal, eco-conscious designs not only enhance the romance of your chosen estate but also reflect thoughtful values, ensuring your day feels both indulgent and responsible. Jemma works without floral foam, sourcing seasonal flowers designed to last: even for three-day wedding weekends where flowers can be repurposed. She even offers a bunching-up service after your wedding, gathering used flowers into beautiful bouquets to be taken home.
Where do wedding flower installations work best?
Every stately home wedding venue is different. A visit will show you the heart and soul of the space you’ve chosen: perhaps a grand entrance hall, breathtaking ballroom or exquisite courtyards are a highlight. Many have sweeping staircases which suit floral installations perfectly. Your stately home wedding florist will advise you where to place flowers to the greatest effect for your specific venue.
Types of wedding flower installations for luxury country houses and stately homes
Flower arches: can be can be full and abundant or wild and asymmetrical, depending on your style.
Use flower arch installations to complement entranceways, grand gates and church steps, or as a backdrop to your ceremony.
A “broken” arch means two asymmetrical pieces, for a more natural, romantic look
Cascading flowers: down a grand hallway staircase or at the entrance to your venue, these are luxurious and dramatic, perfect for heritage homes and elegant manor houses.
Analogue and Light at Capesthorne Hall
Desiree A North at Tortworth Court
As an experienced stately home florist, Jemma Khan has designed wedding flowers at some of the UK’s most breathtaking estates, including Chatsworth House, Dorfold Hall, Birdsall House, and Boughton House.
Further reading:
- A guide to wedding flower installations
- Sustainable flowers for stately home weddings
- Your stately home wedding: a guide to florals and styling
