10 Essential Steps | Newly Engaged

10 Essential Steps to Take When You're Newly Engaged (Plus Tips for Planning Your Wedding at Mytton Fold Hotel)

Congratulations on your engagement! The moment you say “yes” is filled with excitement, but it can also be overwhelming when you realise all the decisions you’ll need to make. Whether you're imagining a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, planning your wedding is a journey full of special moments.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to take after getting engaged, along with some personal tips to help you plan a stress-free and unforgettable day—especially if you're considering the stunning Mytton Fold Hotel as your wedding venue.

Step 1: Take a Moment to Celebrate

Before jumping into any of the planning, take some time to simply enjoy being engaged. Celebrate with friends, family, or just the two of you. It's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of wedding planning, but taking a moment to soak in this special time will give you the energy and perspective needed for the months ahead.

Tip: Mytton Fold Hotel is known for its picturesque surroundings and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal place for a post-engagement celebratory meal or stay. If you’re in the area, why not spend your first evening as an engaged couple here? The cosy yet elegant setting gives you a chance to relax before diving into the planning process.

Step 2: Set a Wedding Date

One of the first big decisions is choosing your wedding date. Think about the time of year you’d like, whether there are any significant dates for you as a couple, and the availability of your preferred venue. Mytton Fold Hotel offers both indoor and outdoor options, which can make a big difference depending on your season of choice.

Tip: Popular wedding venues often book up months or even a year in advance, so it’s a good idea to choose your date early and check the venue’s availability. If you’re planning a summer wedding, consider booking sooner rather than later.

Step 3: Create a Budget

Setting a wedding budget is crucial early on. It helps you prioritise your spending and avoid surprises later down the line! Consider what’s most important to you—whether it's the venue, catering, or entertainment—and allocate your funds accordingly.

Tip: Mytton Fold offers a range of packages that can suit different budgets. Whether you’re looking for a full wedding package with everything included or prefer to add on services a la carte, we can work with you to tailor the experience to your financial needs. Don’t forget to factor in extras like venue styling, photographer fees, and transportation for your big day.

Step 4: Choose Your Wedding Party

Now it’s time to pick your bridal party and key helpers. Whether it’s bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, or a ring bearer, gather your closest friends and family members who will support you throughout the planning and on the big day.

Tip: Mytton Fold’s team can help coordinate logistics for your bridal party, including pre-wedding dining, and timing for pre-ceremony events on the day. We have a gorgeous make-up room onsite, exclusive to your bridal party, allowing you to soak in the morning of preparations with your nearest and dearest.

Step 5: Start Researching Wedding Suppliers

Once you have your date and venue confirmed, it’s time to book your vendors. Start with the essentials: photographer, florist, entertainment. Ask for recommendations from your venue, friends, and family, and make sure to read reviews.

Tip: Mytton Fold has a list of recommended and trusted suppliers they regularly work with, which makes it easy to secure high-quality services. We host regular wedding fairs where you can meet these suppliers to discuss your requirements.

As part of our extensive wedding package, we also include your wedding stationery as standard, that means there’s no need to worry about your table plan, table numbers, or name cards – we’ve got it covered.

Step 6: Your Wedding Vision

Now the fun part begins; bringing your wedding vision to life! Think about your colour palette, theme, and overall vibe—whether it’s rustic chic, modern elegance, or something entirely unique to you as a couple. Consider how the space at Mytton Fold Hotel will complement your design.

The light and airy Abbey suite offers a blank canvas for all kinds of themes and designs, and the stunning grounds provide a beautiful backdrop for outdoor ceremonies, whilst the indoor spaces offer versatility.

Tip: If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at Mytton Fold Hotel’s past weddings on our ‘Mytton Journal’ Blog area, and our social media pages. You might find inspiration from other couples who have tied the knot here before.

Step 7: Finalise That Guest List

Start drafting your guest list. This will help you determine the size of your venue, narrowing down your search. Keep in mind that some venues will have specific guest capacity limits.

Here at Mytton Fold, our function space is completely versatile, meaning we can cater for both smaller more intimate dates, along with those larger grand celebrations! Our function space can hold up to 200 for your wedding breakfast.

Tip: Don’t forget to consider potential plus-ones or family dynamics. It’s always a good idea to make your guest list as early as possible so you can ensure the venue’s capacity fits your needs.

Step 8: Send Save-the-Dates and Invitations

Once your date, venue, and guest list are confirmed, it’s time to send out save-the-dates. Many couples opt to send these out 6-8 months in advance. Formal invitations typically follow about 3-4 months before the wedding.

Tip: Mytton Fold’s team can help you with all the details related to invitations and RSVPs, including offering a full breakdown and timings for your day.

Step 9: Plan the Day-Of Details

As your wedding day fast approaches, make sure all the small details are covered. This includes coordinating your ceremony timeline, creating a list of must-have photos with your photographer,

Tip: The weddings team here at Mytton Fold Hotel are onhand to assist in recommendations for any suppliers, and alongside the chef and team, can create a completely bespoke menu and experience to meet your needs, favourite flavours, and party size.

Step 10: Have Fun!

Once wedding planning is in full force, things can get overwhelming, as the wedding to do’s begin to pile up. Remember to take some time as a couple to spend some quality time together. Why not indulge in a date night at your wedding venue to make things a little more special.

Tip: Here at Mytton Fold Hotel, there’s plenty of options on offer, and reasons to join us. Dine at Jules restaurant, enjoy cocktails in the lounge bar, relax with an overnight stay, or attend one of our ticketed events throughout the calendar.

Exploring venues in the Ribble Valley area? Why not head to Mytton Fold Hotel for a private venue showaround. Browse the venue, walk the grounds and discuss your needs with our weddings team.