The 10 most commonly asked wedding planning questions
When is the best month to get married?
There really is no right or wrong answer to this – whatever month you choose for your wedding, it will be a beautiful occasion. However, there are some things to take into consideration. If cost is an important factor, then hold your wedding in the low season or the ‘shoulder months’ – at Lapstone Barn, this can almost halve your venue costs – take a look at our prices for more guidance.
Naturally, the weather will play a big part in proceedings – if you dream of having a relaxed wedding with a drinks reception on the lawn, then you should look at a May to September wedding. That said, there are no guarantees that the weather will behave, and besides, a winter wedding can in itself be a lovely, cosy affair. Plus, if you choose to get married out of season, you may find that there is better availability from wedding suppliers and also higher guest attendance.
How long do I need to plan a wedding?
We usually advise couples to give themselves at least a year to plan their wedding, but again, this can vary. Some couples book the venue two years or more in advance – we are already taking bookings at Lapstone Barn for 2027 – while some couples take their chances with a last minute cancellation booking. The quickest timeframe for a wedding we have held at Lapstone Barn is two months from booking the venue to the wedding day – and it was wonderful! You can read more about how long it takes to plan a wedding in our blog on How long before a wedding should you plan?
When to send wedding invitations?
For the best chance of having the people you want at your wedding, it’s important to let them know the date sooner rather than later. Many couples send Save the Date cards or virtual messages at least a year in advance so that guests can bookmark the date in their diaries. Then the official wedding invitations can go out 8-12 weeks before the wedding date, longer if you are planning on a destination wedding.
How many people should you invite to a wedding?
This really depends on the type of wedding you envisage. Do you want a small, intimate celebration with just your closest friends and family or do you see yourself throwing a big-scale party for the masses? Micro weddings, with up to 30 guests, are a growing wedding trend for 2025, but at Lapstone Barn, we can also create a wonderful, intimate experience for bigger parties. We can comfortably accommodate around 200 guests, whether that’s in our beautiful Cotswold wedding barn, or an outdoor wedding ceremony in our picturesque Cotswold courtyard garden.
What is the best time of the day to get married?
There is no hard and fast rule about the timeframe for your wedding day, but we feel that a 2pm wedding ceremony hits the sweet spot! That gives plenty of time for last minute arrangements on the day, and allows the bride-to-be and her party to enjoy precious time getting ready together without being hurried. Our Hayloft Barn is available from 10am for the bridal party to use before the main event and it’s a wonderful space in which to enjoy the build-up to the big moment.
What does an usher do at a wedding?
There is a general rule of thumb that says one usher for every 50 guests is an appropriate number, but what exactly does an usher do? They are mainly there to support the groom, with duties such as greeting and seating guests for the ceremony and then directing guests throughout the day. They are also there to help deal with any latecomers and unexpected situations!
Do we need a wedding planner?
Some couples prefer to hand over all of the organising to a wedding planner who can take care of every detail of a wedding, from sending out invitations to arranging the photographer and decorating the venue. However, you may prefer to have more involvement in the finer details of your wedding, and it can be a really lovely way to enjoy the build-up. At Lapstone Barn, we offer the best of both worlds with our experienced wedding coordinators who have been running weddings for years.. They know exactly what is needed and when, and will work with you to make sure your dream day runs smoothly.
Are wedding favours necessary?
Wedding favours are a lovely tradition but whether they are necessary at today’s weddings is a good question. Waste is a big factor when thinking about wedding favours so if you do choose to have them, try to opt for something that is usable at home or even edible so there is less reason to just throw stuff away. Cost is another factor, but wedding favours don’t have to be expensive – homemade tokens or gestures are incredibly special and a great way to show your guests you care – take a look at our blog to discover some of the beautiful handmade wedding favours that couples at Lapstone Barn have created over the years.
Should we welcome children at weddings?
This is a very personal decision and can sometimes be dictated by the stage in life that you find yourself. If many of your friends have small children, then it may be difficult for them to attend your wedding without bringing them. In which case, it can be a good idea to hire a nanny or an entertainer to look after children, allowing the adults to focus on the ceremony and the party after. That said, there is something special about having young people at a wedding and their presence can add to the memories.
If you have decided that your wedding should be an adults-only affair so you and your guests can really let their hair down, then make sure you give plenty of notice so people can make childcare arrangements – you never know, some couples may be grateful for some time on their own together!
Why is it called a wedding breakfast?
It’s not tradition to serve a fry-up to your guests during the wedding reception so just why is it called a wedding breakfast? The term wedding breakfast actually dates back to the 17th century when wedding ceremonies were part of the Eucharist Mass and so newlyweds would have been fasting ahead of the service. The priest would then ‘break the fast’ by distributing wine and food after the service. In some ways, the term still makes sense – the reception meal is the first meal you have after the marriage ceremony and the first you eat together as a married couple!
Need help with your wedding planning?
We have hosted over 700 weddings at Lapstone Barn so we know what works in terms of wedding planning! Our advice on local wedding suppliers can be useful to look through and you can discuss plans for your big day by booking an appointment with our wedding coordinators.
