Top Wedding Tips from Rudge Farm: What Matters, What Doesn’t, and What Ends Up in the Bin
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting – and let’s be honest, overwhelming – things you’ll ever do. And here at Rudge Farm Cottages, we’ve had the privilege of hosting countless weddings of all shapes, sizes, and styles. We’ve seen what works beautifully, what causes unnecessary stress, and what (despite everyone’s best intentions) usually ends up in a black bin bag by the end of the night.
So today we’re sharing the things that make the biggest difference, the things you can definitely skip, and the things that will help you throw a celebration that’s not only gorgeous but joyful, relaxed, and full of heart – just as it should be.
We believe in inclusivity, creativity, sustainability, and making your wedding truly yours – whatever your budget. So grab a cup of tea (or a glass of fizz), and have a read of our tried-and-tested top tips.
1. Wedding Favours: Pretty… Pointless?
We’re diving straight in with a controversial one. Wedding favours – the sweet little treats placed at every seat – are traditional, yes. But let’s be honest: most of them get left behind. You could spend anywhere from £100 to £500 on them, and after all the effort, they often end up untouched and sent to landfill. It’s a heartbreaking waste.
That said, we’ve seen some lovely homemade favours – jams, seed packets, handwritten notes – that are heartfelt, eco-conscious and cost-effective. If you’re set on favours, make them personal and useful. But otherwise? Give yourself permission to skip them entirely.
2. Budgeting: Spend Where It Matters (and Don’t Let Pinterest Steal Your Wallet)
So, you’ve just saved yourself £500 skipping favours. Where should that money go?
Think about the experience. An open bar, cocktail hour, or drinks tab can completely transform the energy of your day. A £500 drinks tab offers a couple of drinks per guest and kicks the evening off with a bang.
Here at Rudge Farm, we’ve introduced something called the Ring and Sling – a 15-minute shot moment that really gets everyone going. It’s a brilliant way to break the ice and get your party started, plus it makes for some fantastic photos. That’s money well spent.
Now let’s talk about Pinterest. The very first thing most brides do after getting engaged? They start a Pinterest board. And rightly so – it’s a brilliant place to begin shaping your style, exploring colour palettes, textures, and getting a feel for how crafty, rustic or elegant you want your wedding to be.
BUT – and it’s a big but – Pinterest isn’t always budget-friendly. Many of those dreamy setups are not from real weddings. They’re styled shoots created to showcase products and florals, often with unlimited time and budget. And it can be incredibly disheartening when you try to recreate them exactly, only to find they cost a fortune or simply don’t translate to real-life logistics.
So use Pinterest for inspiration, not expectation. Let it guide your vision, but keep your feet on the ground and your budget in check. Set boundaries early on, and decide where the “wow” moments should be – not everything has to be a showstopper.
3. Time Schedules: Don’t Pack It In
Your wedding day doesn’t need to run like a military operation. While structure is helpful, having every minute accounted for can be exhausting for you and your guests. And a packed photo schedule? Even more draining.
Yes, plan the moments that matter – the ceremony, the speeches, the first dance. But leave room for ad-hoc joy. Leave space to breathe. Some of the most magical moments happen when you’re not rushing to tick off the next item on your list.
4. Suppliers: Time Is Your Friend
We’re here to help coordinate the day, but we can only work with the timings you’ve booked. And while it can be tempting to save money by asking suppliers to arrive at the last possible second, this often causes a domino effect of chaos.
A florist still fluffing arrangements as guests arrive. A DJ setting up sound while the drinks reception begins. Caterers unloading trays through the main entrance. Give yourself (and your team) time. A bit of breathing space leads to a calmer, smoother, more polished day.
5. DIY Decorations: Know Your Limits
Lady Rudge adores a bit of DIY. She’s been known to reupholster a bench or revive a tired urn with fresh paint – and it’s wonderful when couples bring that same spirit to their wedding.
But here’s the catch: we’ve too often seen brides or grooms left to decorate the marquee alone on Friday night, while friends and family enjoy the barbecue and pop the Prosecco. Everyone intends to help – but once the drinks flow and the music starts, decorating gets forgotten.
If you don’t have a couple of rock-solid helpers lined up, consider hiring someone to do your styling. It’ll save your sanity. Also, buying everything outright can often cost more than just hiring beautiful, well-made pieces – and it’s a lot more sustainable too.
6. Dried & Faux Florals: The New Classics
Gone are the days when only fresh-cut flowers would do. More and more couples are choosing dried florals – and we love it. They’re eco-friendly, long-lasting, and can be pressed and kept forever.
Faux florals also have their place – especially in high-up areas like beams, ladders or hanging installations. With lighting and height, most guests won’t notice whether the greenery is real or not, and it won’t wilt under the summer sun in a marquee.
Think smart, spend wisely, and choose florals that last beyond the day.
7. Local Talent: Use Who Knows the Land
We always provide our couples with a welcome guide full of trusted local suppliers. Why? Because people who know the land work faster, smarter, and more harmoniously with the space.
Whether it’s a folk duo who’ve played the lake before or caterers who know where the plug sockets are, it all makes the day smoother. Plus, you’re supporting local businesses who genuinely care – and that brings a wonderful energy to your celebration.
8. Too Many Cooks: Keep It Simple, Keep It Cohesive
Many hands make light work, as the saying goes. But we’d like to gently remind you of the flip side: too many cooks spoil the broth.
We’ve seen weddings with multiple photographers, videographers, content creators, and drones, all vying for the same moment. The result? Cables, tripods, and people in the background of every photo.
The solution? Do your research. Choose a photographer and videographer who’ve worked together before or can collaborate with ease. Trust a small team of professionals and let them work their magic. You’ll end up with cleaner shots, better footage, and far less chaos.
9. What’s Your Wedding Hook?
Here’s a question we always like to ask: What’s your wedding hook? What’s going to make your day stand out as yours – something personal, fun, or unexpected that your guests will remember long after the cake’s been eaten?
You don’t need to go over the top. At Rudge Farm, we’ve seen everything from sparklers at dusk to string quartets by the lake – simple touches that create beautiful moments and set the tone just right.
But if you’re looking for something a little more playful, especially in the evening, one brilliant way to bring your guests together is with a fun group game. A firm favourite is a twist on adult musical chairs: guests sit in a line, and a groomsman, toastmaster, or willing volunteer reads out a list of items the guests have to retrieve (a lipstick, a sock, a spoon… anything goes!). While they dash off to find the item, a chair is taken away. First one back claims a seat – and it continues until just one guest (and one chair) remains.
It’s light-hearted, energetic, and gets people mingling. Because remember – you know everyone at your wedding, but your guests might not know each other. Some may be there solo. A game like this breaks the ice and sets the stage for a night of connection and celebration.
It’s also completely budget-friendly – all it takes is a bit of pre-planning and someone with a loud enough voice!
Final Thoughts from Lady Rudge
Planning a wedding should feel exciting, not overwhelming. The best weddings we see at Rudge Farm aren’t the ones with the biggest budgets or the most decorations – they’re the ones where couples are present, relaxed, and surrounded by love.
Put your money where your memories will be. Decorate with purpose. Trust the right people. And please – don’t be the bride stringing bunting at 7pm on a Friday while your friends are dancing.
We’ll be here behind the scenes making sure it all runs smoothly, and cheering you on every step of the way.
If you’d like to talk through your ideas, book a visit, or receive our Rudge Farm Wedding Brochure, get in touch. We’d love to help bring your dream day to life – your way.
