The final few months before your wedding can be a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and emotion. There’s so much to look forward to — and plenty to get organised — especially when your celebration takes place outdoors, in a tipi, or under a marquee. But don’t panic – If you’re working with us then we will take most of this stress away from you. And if you’re not working with us, hopefully this wedding countdown article will help!
Planning an outdoor wedding brings a wonderful sense of freedom and individuality, but it also comes with its own set of moving parts. From power and lighting to guest logistics and weather plans, we can take away the stress of all of those practical bits. Then it’s all about pacing yourself and keeping things simple so you can actually enjoy the build-up.
Here’s a practical six-month countdown to help you stay calm, organised, and ready to soak up every moment of your countryside wedding experience in Staffordshire or Cheshire.
Wedding Countdown – Six Months Before: Start the Details That Take Time
Now’s the time to think about:
- Ceremony readings, music choices, and décor details that reflect your setting — whether that’s a tipi in a field, a marquee in your garden, or one of our countryside venues in Staffordshire or Cheshire.
- Finalising stationery, signage, and menus (especially if they’re being printed or designed).
- Rechecking your budget for last-minute extras such as outfit alterations, supplier tips, or additional lighting and décor.
This is when your focus shifts from the big picture to the finer details that bring your day to life.
If you’re writing your own vows, start early. Those words will mean so much more when written with time and care rather than a few nights before.
Three Months Before: Check In With Your Team
At this stage of your wedding countdown, your suppliers will be confirming logistics and timelines, so it’s the perfect time to check in. If you’re working with us, we will also get in touch with them to make sure that we are providing everything that they need or expect – being an outdoor wedding venue comes with challenges that suppliers might not expect.
We will arrange a planning meeting with you, either in person or on a video call, and ask you lots of questions you may not have thought of! This will include:
- Confirm arrival and set-up times with your florist, caterer, photographer, and any other suppliers.
- Discuss weather contingencies — a must for outdoor weddings — so you know how your plan adapts if the forecast changes.
- Finalise your guest list with meal choices and any access or transport notes.
It’s also worth drafting a simple running order for the day to help everyone stay on track. We will have a detailed one which we can share with your wedding suppliers but an overview of your plan for the day will help. And don’t forget to book in those beauty and grooming appointments so they don’t sneak up on you later.
Two Months Before: Confirm Your Look and Final Fittings
This part of the wedding countdown is when you can start ticking off all the personal touches.
- Confirm your outfits and accessories, and make sure they’re practical for your setting — think sturdy shoes for walking over grass or a wrap for cooler evenings under the tipi.
- Make sure everyone in your wedding party has their outfits ready, especially if items are being hired or altered.
- Book hair and makeup trials, finalise your jewellery, and double-check your rings are cleaned and ready.
If you’re planning a first dance under the tipi lights, now’s a great time to book a few lessons and turn it into a fun date night.
Wedding Countdown – One Month Before: Focus on Guest Experience
As everything starts to come together, turn your attention to how your guests will experience the day.
- Create your seating plan and finalise table layouts (particularly important in marquees and tipis where space and structure can vary).
- Prepare signage, name cards, or favours if you’re including them.
- Double-check accessibility and comfort — think paths for older relatives, heating options for cooler evenings, or shade for sunny days.
- Send your suppliers a final copy of your schedule, and confirm payment dates and any final balances.
If you’re hosting your wedding at home or on private land, now’s the time to confirm power, toilets, and waste disposal so there are no last-minute surprises. This is where working with our Venue at Home service really comes into it’s own as we can make sure all of this is covered for you.
Two Weeks Before: Organise and Delegate
You’ve done most of the hard work — now it’s about tying up loose ends and handing things over.
- Label boxes for décor, signage, and accessories so your setup team knows exactly where everything goes.
- Confirm the key shots with your photographer and videographer — especially if you want to capture your tipi lights glowing at sunset or the marquee filled with guests after dark.
- Run through timings with your wedding party so everyone knows their role on the day. Add them to a WhatsApp group with us so that they can ask us any last minute questions without having to bother you.
One Week Before: Make Space to Switch Off
This is your week to breathe. Whilst the wedding countdown is well and truly on, you still need to relax. You’ve earned it.
Try to take a little time off from work if you can. Rest, eat well, and take a few quiet moments to enjoy how far you’ve come. Write cards or notes to each other, double-check your honeymoon or mini-moon plans, and make sure your outfits and essentials are ready to go.
If you’re staying near your venue — perhaps in a cosy cottage or glamping at one of our Staffordshire or Cheshire partner sites — book something simple and comforting for the night before, like a relaxed dinner or an early night with your nearest and dearest.
The Day Before: Light Prep and an Early Finish
Avoid overloading the day before your wedding. Drop off any last-minute items at the venue, check the weather, and let your coordinator or planner handle the rest.
Lay out your outfit, charge your phone, and get a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow’s the day everything comes together — tipi lights twinkling, countryside views, and the people you love gathered to celebrate.
Final Thoughts: Planning Ahead in Your Wedding Countdown Makes Space for the Moments That Matter
Outdoor, tipi, and marquee weddings have a magic of their own — full of freedom, personality, and natural beauty. With a little forward planning, our expertise and some trusted suppliers by your side, you can step into your day calm, prepared, and ready to enjoy every second. By pacing your planning and staying organised in these final months, you’ll give yourself the space to focus on what really matters: celebrating your relationship, connecting with your guests, and soaking up the joy of your countryside celebration.