7 things to do after you get engaged

7 things to do after you get engaged

7 things to do after you get engaged

Oh hello newly engaged friend!

 

With all my heart, HUGE congratulations on your engagement & what an utterly beautiful time in your life it is! 

It makes me incredible sad when I hear from couples who describe their engagement period as ‘stressful’ & they feel they can’t enjoy this cherished time without the anxiety of knowing what wedding planning actually entails. 

I’m hear to change all that…I want you to enjoy & celebrate your engagement freely without the pressure of worrying about the first stages of planning your Soirée.

Below you will find my 7 best piece of advice to ensure your wedding planning begins on the right foot & you can enjoy your precious engagement time free from anxiety… 

 

 

Dorfold Hall cheshire wedding venue

01. DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

This deserves to be said in caps! 

I know it can be really tempting to dash out & grab the latest copy of Bridal Vogue or lose an hour (or several) pinning alllll the things on Pinterest, but hold your horses for just a sec & soak up the newly engaged feeling.

Open that bottle of delicious champagne, indulge in a celebratory dinner or just snuggly up on the sofa together & enjoy this wonderful moment! 

 

 

02. Celebrate your engagement

 

Whether you’re all for a full blown engagement party or an intimate supper with your favourites is more your vibe, take some time to just be engaged without the mental load of wedding planning. 

If little ‘wed-min’ thoughts begin to encroach on your precious engagement time then jot them down for now (in a fabulous notebook of course). Those little ideas/questions will then be in one place when they’re needed…& not swishing around your brain during celebration time.

 

 

 

 

03. Start day dreaming

 

You may be an excited soul who’s dreamt about your wedding day your entire  life or it’s something that you’ve never really given much thought. Which ever camp you’re in, now is the perfect time to start visualising your wedding & what elements mean the most to you both. 

The most efficient way to gather your wedding wishes is to begin a Pinterest board & fill it with anything that takes your fancy & sparks joy! 

You don’t need to be a Pinterest whiz or think too much into what you’re pinning at this stage so don’t worry about your pins complimenting one another or fitting into a specific colour palette. Just have fun & pin anything that catches your eye. (I pinky promise this stage will be super helpful during wedding planning).  

 

 

04. The budget

 

If you take on board one thing today, make it this! 

Get real about your budget before you even step foot in a wedding venue/bridal boutique/cake shop & have those budget conversations with the people contributing to your wedding from the onset.

Why?

Knowing your budget MASSIVELY reduces your wedding planning time, overwhelm, anxiety & ensures your budget is invested in the areas of your wedding that bring you the most joy. 

When you know your budget upfront, your supplier searches become more targeted which is going to save you time & reduces the wed-min stress. 

Budgeting isn’t one of the most exciting wedding planning jobs so I’ve done some of the hardwork for you! Click below to find my average breakdown for a wedding budget & some handy tips to kick off your budget planning. 

A wedding reception with long tables, place settings, flowers and candles, set up in a wooden venue.
Bridal gown at Stansted House
A wedding seating chart and table plan with flowers at the base.
A wedding seating chart and table plan with flowers at the base.

05. The guest list

Now that you have your overall budget broken down into categories, its time to start jotting down the guest list. 

This can be a task that causes tension so here’s my top tips

1. Start by creating the VIP list – these are the people you absolutely cannot imagine getting hitched without. 

2. Next create a second list of everybody else you’d love to invite & don’t hold back! Add partners, work colleagues, children (if you’d like little ones to attend). This will give you your max number of guests.

3. Now take the second list & highlight your most treasured guests; you know the one’s, the fabulous people in your life that make you laugh uncontrollably, wouldn’t hesitate to buy you dinner, spark the best memories & have stood by your side through the wonderful times…& challenging ones. This list, along with your VIP list will give you your minimum number of guests. 

You know I’m all about saving you time & reducing stress so I’ve created a guest list spreadsheet ready for you to use! Simply click below to grab your copy…

06. The Venue Search

You’re now armed with your venue budget & guest list so next up – The all important venue search.

Your venue is the most important supplier to nail at this stage for obvious reasons & other suppliers won’t be able to accurately supply quotations without knowing your venue location & wedding date. 

My heart always sinks when I receive an enquiry asking for pricing for a wedding without a venue & a confirmed date so to begin your search, here’s a few things to consider: 

1. Location – What area do you want to say your ‘I-do’s’? Where will your guests be travelling from? Would you like guests to stay on site or in close proximity to your venue?

2. Pick a season – Some venues will cater for weddings all year round while other may offer beautiful features for outdoor soirée’s so choosing a season will help narrow down your search. 

3. Grab your copy of my ‘Little Black Book of Suppliers’ which includes an extensive list of exceptional wedding venues throughout the UK. This little beauty will save you oodles of time at this stage of planning so grab your copy below: 

 

07. Assemble your supplier dream team

 

There’s a lot of choice out there & it can feel pretty overwhelming when you start searching for suppliers that match your vibe.

Here’s my top tips for finding your supplier dream team without tearing your hair out:

 1. Before shiny object syndrome creeps in, pick your top 5 must haves for your wedding day & make them non-negotiable. Maybe a killer band/DJ is a must or the overall aesthetic & styling of your venue fills you with excitement ; ) – These areas are where you want to focus your supplier search (& energy) first.

2. Be honest with suppliers about your budget (& I know you’ve done your homework & completed your budget breakdown so this step should be a breeze!) Most suppliers will ask about the investment you wish to make to ensure they don’t waste your time (& theirs) presenting products/services that don’t fit your budget – It saves you time too because you won’t end up with an inbox full of quotations that aren’t aligned with the investment you wish to make.  

3. Grab your copy of my ‘Little Black Book of Suppliers’!

I’m continually asked by clients for supplier recommendations so here’s my list of my absolute besties! This will save you a looooot of time during your supplier search so click below to get a copy straight to your inbox!

 

 

Ok, now what?

I’m here to help you

Get in touch

Not too sure what wedding design, styling & stationery you need? Let’s chat! 

To find out more, head to my contact page below or you can email me directly at hello@soireestudio.co.uk

Explore my services

Learn more about my services & how I can help

A huge thank you to the following supplier legends:

Wedding Design & Venue Styling FAQs

Wedding Design & Venue Styling FAQs

Wedding Design & Venue Styling FAQs

Your most-asked questions wedding design & venue styling questions — beautifully answered.

Planning your wedding should feel exciting—not overwhelming. But with so many moving parts, it’s natural to have questions. Whether you’re wondering what a wedding designer actually does, or how styling works at your venue, this guide answers it all.

We’ve brought together our most frequently asked questions from couples, planners, and venues alike—designed to give you clarity, confidence, and a real understanding of the role wedding design plays in creating a day that looks and feels unmistakably yours.

A colour image of a wedding design, styled on a wedding table with flowers.
Birdsall House wedding day decor and styling by soiree studio
Soiree studio - Land Rover Defender work vehicle

Why do we need a wedding designer & venue stylist?

Without a creative lead throughout your wedding planning journey, the suppliers you appoint often work in isolation—interpreting your ideas in different ways, which can lead to a disjointed look & feel on the day. A wedding designer brings clarity and cohesion to your entire aesthetic, ensuring every detail feels considered and connected.

Won't my venue or caterer style my wedding?

Most venues and caterers provide only minimal setup—placing name cards, lighting a few candles, and laying out standard tableware. They don’t offer design input or creative styling, and often won’t have the time or creative eye to personalise details like napkin styling, or sourcing refined decor.

A wedding stylist transforms a practical setup into a cohesive, beautifully curated space—elevating every detail so your wedding feels elevated, and not just executed.

 

What’s the difference between a wedding planner and a wedding designer/stylist?

Think of a planner as your logistical lead and a designer as your creative lead.

A planner manages your timeline, budget, and supplier coordination.
A designer/stylist curates the look and feel—your colour palette, decor, ambience, and guest experience.

They work beautifully together, and if your planner doesn’t offer design, we’ll become your creative partner.

Do you offer a design-only service?

Yes, it’s called our Design Direction service. It’s perfect for:

  • Couples who need to define their style, cut through the wedding trend noise, and give every supplier a clear, cohesive vision to work from—reducing overwhelm, saving time, and avoiding costly purchases that don’t align with your vision.

  • Planners who want design support if its not a service they provide in-house. 

  • Destination weddings with remote suppliers who need a visual guide to work from. 

You’ll receive a bespoke Design Book filled with intentional ideas, colour palette, styling notes, and supplier guidance—all tailored to your story and venue.

Explore our Design Direcetion service here. 

Can you help us visualise what our wedding will look like?

Absolutely. Couples often struggle to picture how all the elements will work together—and that’s where our Design Bookcomes in.

You’ll receive:

  • A colour palette that complements your venue

  • Moodboards for each styling focus area (ceremony, dining, stationery, etc.)

  • Layout and styling suggestions so every detail aligns

Think of it as a visual blueprint that ties every element together.

Do you offer floristry too?

We collaborate with a curated team of talented florists who share our creative vision, design values, and love for refined, heartfelt weddings.

We’ll recommend the perfect florist based on your aesthetic and take care of the creative direction—so your flowers enhance the design, not compete with it.
Already booked a florist? No problem. We love collaborating and they always appreciate the clarity of our design book.

Do you style our venue?

Yes. We are trusted stylists for luxury venues across the UK and beyond.

Preferred supplier venues: 

Birdsall House  | Iscoyd Park |   Dorfold Hall | Capesthorne Hall

Other venue favourites: 

Hawkstone Hall

King Street Townhouse

Holford Estate

Garthmyl hall

Tyn Dwr Hall

The Compton Gallery

Dewsall Court

Middleton Lodge

Plans Dinam Country House

Cornwell Manor

Owen House Wedding Barn

Euridge Manor

FiveFour Studios

Tower Hill Barns

Wyresdale Weddings

Combermere Abbey

Whether you’re getting married in a manor house, marquee, or modern space—we tailor our design to suit the surroundings while reflecting your personal style.

What does your full styling service include?

Our Signature Styling Service includes:

  • Full design concept

  • Sourcing of all visual elements (linens, crockery, glassware etc.)

  • Decor hire from our exclusive collection

  • Bespoke stationery & signage – design and production
  • On-the-day styling setup and full installation

  • De-rig and decor removal the following day

 

You don’t have to juggle multiple suppliers—we manage the whole visual journey from concept to candlelight.

How much should we invest in design and styling?

Every couple’s priorities differ, but most of our clients invest around:

  • 10–15% of their total budget on design & styling

  • 10–20% on florals

  • 3-8% on stationery, signage & custom production

By starting with a cohesive design, you avoid overspending on decor that doesn’t align—saving money and avoiding costly mistakes.

When should we book your services?

As soon as you’ve booked your venue.
Design is the first step to avoid confusion and ensure consistency as you hire your suppliers.

Peak dates book up quickly (especially spring and summer), so we advise booking 12–18 months in advance for popular seasons.

Can we book just stationery and signage?

Yes. Our Stationery & Production service is perfect for:

  • Couples who already have a clear design vision and already have a designer & stylist booked

  • Couples getting married abroad who don’t require a designer/stylist
  • Wedding Planners needing a creative production partner

 

All items are designed and produced in-house—giving you consistency, quality, and quick turnaround when needed.

What’s your booking process?

Beyond our passion for creativity & timeless styling, you will always be met with warmth & professionalism throughout your wedding styling journey.

Wedding design & styling can be an overwhelming, time-consuming part of wedding planning; we’re here to guide you through the abundance of trends & inspiration to deliver a beautifully curated celebration that bespoke to you.

Our Booking Process: 

1. Get in touch to book your complimentary discovery call via our here or email hello@soiréestudio.co.uk

2. Based on our conversation, we will send you a bespoke proposal detailing along with further details of how to secure your booking.

3. On receipt of your deposit, you’ll receive a link to an online client file where all details of your booking will be shared.

4. Based on your proposal, we will arrange details such as venue visit & begin the design process, guiding you through the finer details.

Dorfold Hall cheshire wedding venue

Design Isn’t a Luxury. It’s the Foundation to a wedding brimming with personality.

Without a design, you’re relying on chance to bring your wedding together.

With a design, everything clicks into place.
Suppliers are aligned, the space feels polished, and your day reflects you—not Pinterest.

Ready to bring your vision to life?

Book a Discovery Call
View Our Services
Or email hello@soireestudio.co.uk

Wedding invitations FAQ’s – Your ultimate guide

Wedding invitations FAQ’s – Your ultimate guide

Wedding invitations FAQ’s – Your ultimate guide

Oh the excitement when a deliciously tactile envelope lands on your doormat with your name beautifully inscribed on the front! Wedding invitations are the perfect platform to highlight your personality & set the tone for your Soirée.

Whether it’s ‘Save the Dates’ to give your delighted guests a glimpse of what’s to come or an invitations suite brimming with all the details of your day; a consistent stationery style throughout all areas of your wedding will truly elevate your overall wedding look & feel.

Wherever you are in your stationery planning I’m here to help so here’s a list of the most popular wedding invitation FAQ’s to ensure a stress-free stationery journey…  

Dorfold Hall cheshire wedding venue
Wedding invitation suite

WHEN TO SEND

 

 

12-14 Months

Save the dates

6-8 Months

Invitations

2-3 months

Thank you cards

Tip:  For international guests, consider sending earlier to give them time to arrange travel.

 

Wedding invitation suite

 ORDER QUANTITIES

 

 

One invitation per household unless:

Over 18’s live at home

House share guests

Tip:  Order extras for:

Guest list changes

Your photographer

keepsakes

 

 

BUDGET

As a guide, my clients spend an average of

4-8%  

on wedding invitations, wedding stationery & signage (based on their entire wedding budget).

Wedding invitation suite

 

WHEN TO ORDER

6-8 weeks before your stationery needs to be despatched. 

Turnaround time can fluctuate based on peak wedding season, length of time it takes to approve artworks & delivery of any specialist materials.

I also only take on a certain number of stationery projects per month & so booking well in advance is strongly advised. 

A wedding invitation displayed on a table.
modern wedding invitation design in black

WEDDING WEBSITES

 

I love them but…

Invitations set the scene for your wedding day & stop you from being pestered by guests who ‘don’t do emails’. 

 

modern wedding invitation design in black

NO KIDS ALLOWED

 

If you’re opting for a child free wedding & want to make the message clear…

Add a polite note to your invitations announcing that the venue isn’t suitable for children & also clearly address your invitations to the guest you only want to attend.

 

 

DRESS CODE

The design, style & colour palette you choose for your wedding invitations can give guests inspiration for their wedding attire without having to state a specific dress code.

 If you do want to enforce a dress code however, I strongly advise adding a little note on your invitations with the specifics e.g. black tie/cocktail attire. 

Luxury timeless wedding invitations

 

POSTAGE 

  

The weight of those tactile handmade papers, wax seals, clips & pins can sometimes add up…

Before you post your invitations to guests, be sure to get the Post Office to check the weight & size for you so you purchase the correct postage. 

Ok, now what?

I’m here to help you

Get in touch

Not too sure what wedding stationery you need? Let’s chat! 

To find out more, head to my contact page below or you can email me directly at hello@soireestudio.co.uk

Explore my services

Learn more about my Stationery services & how I can help

THE

dreamteam

Big love to these talented souls for being part of this blog post…

 

Safrina Smith Photography

Marta D Weddings

The McHendry’s 

Wrenbury Hall Editorial Shoot – Autumnal wedding elegance

Wrenbury Hall Editorial Shoot – Autumnal wedding elegance

Wrenbury Hall Editorial Shoot – Autumnal wedding elegance

With its magnificent sandstone exterior &  elegant historical features, Wrenbury Hall was the perfect setting for an editorial shoot to embrace opulence & showcase the sultry tones that define Autumn in its most elegant form.


Couples can often find Autumn wedding inspiration a little clichéd with the overabundance of bright orange pumpkins & an overwhelming rustic theme. ew!⁠

With a supplier dream team packed with passion, we united our skills to prove that Autumn weddings can be synonymous with sophistication & luxury, so enjoy this sumptuous photo shoot…without a pumpkin in sight! ⁠

 

A bride, holding a bouquet, and groom exiting a wedding ceremony with confetti thrown at them, with a row of wedding guests either side.
A wedding seating chart and table plan with flowers at the base.
A bride and groom exchange vows during their beautifully styled wedding ceremony adorned with stunning flowers.
A wooden table set up with wedding styling and place settings, candles and flowers.
A wedding seating chart and table plan on a thin black wrought iron stand with flowers at the base.
A black and white photo showcasing long wedding tables styled with place settings and flowers, set in a hall.
A white wedding cake surrounding with wedding flowers on a wooden table.
A black and white photo of a wedding table setting with a place card and personalised menu.
A black and white photo of a table plan with flowers in front of it, showcasing elegant wedding styling.
A black and white photo of a beautifully styled wedding table place setting with clear glass plate, wedding menu and silverware.
A colour photo showcasing long wedding tables styled with place settings and flowers, set in a hall.
A barn wedding featuring pink and white flowers and chairs arranged either side of the aisle and a wood stove at the front of the room on the right side.
A bride holding a bouquet of pink and white flowers.
A large bouquet of pink and white roses and greenery sitting behind a row of chairs for a barn wedding.
A table set up with white flowers and wedding styling.
A black and white photo of a white wedding cake surrounding with wedding flowers on a wooden table.
A beautifully styled long table with white flowers, candles and place settings and a table number card.
A table setting with wedding styling and silverware.
A beautifully styled wedding table set with white plates and candles.

DREAM TEAM

Design concept, venue styling, stationery & signage : Soirée Studio 
Floristry: Anna Flora
Cake: TSP Cake
Bridal Gowns: Bellissima Brides

Models: Oksana and Luke

 

 

Ok, now what?

I’m here to help you

Get in touch

Not too sure what level of Design & venue styling support you need? Let’s chat! 

To find out more, head to my contact page below or you can email me directly at hello@soireestudio.co.uk

Explore my services

Learn more about my Design & Venue Styling services & how I can help

A modern, chic wedding at Dorfold Hall

A modern, chic wedding at Dorfold Hall

A modern, chic wedding at Dorfold Hall

Nestled within 800 acres of picturesque English countryside, the L’Écurie venue at Dorfold Hall exudes a chic & atmospheric ambiance. Natural light streams through the space, accentuating its modern & contemporary features; the perfect setting for Sam & Lewis’s Black tie Soirée.  

When Sam & Lewis got in touch to discuss their design & styling at Dorfold Hall, I was instantly drawn by their desire to create a sleek, stylish look while still creating a laidback atmosphere for their guests.

A colour palette of champagne, almond & latte with accents of pitch black was the perfect colour combination to compliment their stylish springtime ‘black tie’ vibe.

When Sasha from Sassflower confirmed she was available to join forces & provide her floral expertise, I knew it was going to be a truly spectacular venue transformation! Sasha’s passion & unique floral designs continue to amaze me, not to mention her attention to detail & dedication to ensure every bloom looks flawless on the day.

Enjoy swooning over Sam & Lewis’s stunning photos which were expertly captured by Marta D Weddings & I hope their day provides you with some inspiration for your own Soirée! 

A bride, holding a bouquet, and groom exiting a wedding ceremony with confetti thrown at them, with a row of wedding guests either side.

” Corrie we could not thank you enough for getting the special little touches to shine out & recommend the best use of our space.

I 100% would recommend Corrie to anyone looking for someone to style an event or wedding! From the get go she was all ears, ideas and piecing together a display of us as a couple!

Corrie worked so closely with our other suppliers who truly seemed to make the dream team & our day will be one to go down in wedding history. Thank you so much for all your hard work x “

SAM & LEWIS 

A wedding seating chart and table plan with flowers at the base.
A bride and groom exchange vows during their beautifully styled wedding ceremony adorned with stunning flowers.
A wedding seating chart and table plan on a thin black wrought iron stand with flowers at the base.
A wooden table set up with wedding styling and place settings, candles and flowers.
A white wedding cake surrounding with wedding flowers on a wooden table.
A black and white photo of a wedding table setting with a place card and personalised menu.
A table setting with wedding styling and silverware.
A black and white photo of a beautifully styled wedding table place setting with clear glass plate, wedding menu and silverware.
A black and white photo showcasing long wedding tables styled with place settings and flowers, set in a hall.
A colour photo showcasing long wedding tables styled with place settings and flowers, set in a hall.
A barn wedding featuring pink and white flowers and chairs arranged either side of the aisle and a wood stove at the front of the room on the right side.
A bride holding a bouquet of pink and white flowers.
A large bouquet of pink and white roses and greenery sitting behind a row of chairs for a barn wedding.
A table set up with white flowers and wedding styling.
A black and white photo of a white wedding cake surrounding with wedding flowers on a wooden table.
A beautifully styled long table with white flowers, candles and place settings and a table number card.
A beautifully styled wedding table set with white plates and candles.
A black and white photo of a table plan with flowers in front of it, showcasing elegant wedding styling.
A beautifully styled long table with white flowers, candles and place settings and a table number card.

DREAM TEAM

Design concept, venue styling, stationery & signage : Soirée Studio 
Floristry: Sassflower
Photography: Marta D. Weddings

 

 

Ok, now what?

I’m here to help you

Get in touch

Not too sure what level of Design & venue styling support you need? Let’s chat! 

To find out more, head to my contact page below or you can email me directly at hello@soireestudio.co.uk

Explore my services

Learn more about my Design & Venue Styling services & how I can help

The Discovery Call – What to expect

The Discovery Call – What to expect

The Discovery Call – What to expect

The discovery call is an essential part of planning your design, venue styling & stationery and helps you to offload any styling stresses you may be experiencing.

 

We will chat through any initial inspiration you have, look at the products & services best suited to your specific needs and I ensure you end our call with all the answers you need!

 

Dorfold Hall cheshire wedding venue

First things first… I know you’re pretty snowed under with allllll the other wedding/life to-do’s so our call won’t take long! Typically our chat will last around 15 minutes & calls are available during evenings & weekends to work around your wonderfully busy world.

here's what to expect...

AN IMAGE OF SOIREE STUDIO FOUNDER CORRIE MCDONALD AT KING STREET TOWNHOUSE IN MANCHESTER

Brief Intro

 

I’m always excited to hear about your engagement story, where you met & what you do for fun! I’l also give you a brief background of my expertise & my passion for designing & styling fabulously creative Soirée’s! 

 

A beautifully styled wedding table set with white plates and candles.

Your Initial Ideas

  

You may be raring to go with a Pinterest board brimming with inspiration or have no clue where to begin with a vision for your day. We will use this time during our call to explore your styling thoughts & I can share some initial suggestions. No idea is too crazy so I’m keen to learn about your lightbulb moments but if you’re totally stuck for inspiration, I’m here to guide you through the all the styling possibilities. 

 

 

Service Suggestions

 

I will talk you through my services & suggest the right products to bring your vision to life! We will also chat through the investment you wish to make so I can be respectful of your budget when creating your proposal. 

Not sure where to start when it comes to budgeting? Click here for my ultimate wedding budgeting guide! 

 

My Process

 

I’ll give you a brief timeline of my seamless process that will guide you from booking confirmation to set-up on the day. Understanding my process ensures you know what’s around the corner at every stage of your booking… the perfect tool for keeping those wedding planning worries at bay!  

 

Neutral wedding table styling and floristry

Questions?

  

We will wrap up our call with any questions you may have or any parts of our call you wish for me to expand on. 

No question is too silly at this stage so feel free to ask away.  

 

 

A beautifully styled wedding table set with white plates and candles.

Next Steps

  

I’m now armed with all info needed to create your bespoke proposal which will be sent to your as a PDF via email within 5-7 working days. You will then have one week to review your proposal & I will be available on email or the phone to answer any additional questions you may have. As soon as your proposal is sent, your wedding date is provisional held while you take time to review the details. 

 

 

Book your Complimentary Discovery Call

Simply complete the enquiry form & a link to my calendar will be sent to you to choose a day/time that works best for you. 

 

 

THE

dreamteam

Big love to these talented souls for being part of this blog post…

Stansted Park

Sassflower

Rosaria Flowers

Millia London

The Two Hummingbirds

Safrina Smith Photography

Marta D Weddings

The McHendry’s