Just Engaged This Christmas? Why It’s Okay to Slow Down Before Booking Your Venue
If you got engaged over Christmas (or New Year), first of all — congratulations 🎄💍
It’s such a special time to pop the question, with family around, a few drinks flowing, and that “we’re finally doing this” feeling kicking in.
But once the excitement settles, reality hits fairly quickly. Messages start coming in. Instagram suddenly knows you’re engaged. And before you know it, you’re being told “venues are booking up fast” and “you need to secure your date ASAP.”
Here’s our honest advice: it’s absolutely okay to slow things down.
Don’t Rush the Venue — Let the Big Picture Form First
The venue is usually the first big decision, and yes — it’s an important one. But rushing into it without thinking about the rest of your day can sometimes back you into a corner.
Your venue influences:
Guest numbers
Layout and flow of the day
Supplier access and setup times
Sound limits, lighting options, and timings
Overall vibe (formal, relaxed, rustic, party-focused, etc.)
Taking a bit of time to picture how you want your wedding day to feel — not just where it’s held — can make every other decision much easier.
Why Building a “Supplier Deposit Pot” Is a Game Changer
One thing couples don’t always expect early on is how supplier deposits work.
Most professional wedding suppliers will ask for a deposit to secure your date. This isn’t a bad thing — it protects both sides and ensures your date is locked in.
Typically, deposits are:
Around £100–£250 per supplier (sometimes more, depending on the service)
Required at the point of booking
Taken off your final balance later on
When you add up a venue, DJ, photographer, videographer, florist, and other suppliers, those deposits can stack up quickly.
That’s why we always recommend creating a dedicated supplier deposit savings pot early on.
How a Deposit Pot Takes the Pressure Off
Having a small pot set aside purely for deposits means:
You can enquire and book suppliers confidently
You’re not scrambling when you fall in love with someone’s work
You can secure key suppliers before availability disappears
You’re spreading the financial load instead of feeling overwhelmed
Even putting aside £500–£1,000 early doors can make a massive difference and allows you to build your team properly — rather than rushing decisions because of money timing.
Booking Suppliers Early Helps Shape Your Day
Suppliers aren’t just boxes to tick — they help shape the experience.
For example, booking your DJ early allows:
Time to understand your music taste properly
Planning special moments and transitions
Coordination with your venue and other suppliers
A far more personal, stress-free build-up to the big day
The same goes for photographers, planners, and stylists — early conversations lead to better outcomes.
A Gentle Reminder From Someone Getting Married Too…
Speaking honestly — even as a wedding supplier, planning your own wedding can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot you don’t realise until you’re in it yourself.
So if you’re newly engaged:
Enjoy the moment
Don’t feel pressured to book everything instantly
Give yourselves time to plan properly
Build a small buffer for deposits
Focus on how you want the day to feel, not just how it looks
Your future selves will thank you for it.