You’re Engaged! Now What?
Congratulations on your engagement! Planning a wedding in Buffalo, NY can be a wonderful experience, with its four distinct seasons, beautiful outdoor settings, and vibrant cultural scene. As a long-time wedding venue in Buffalo, we believe we are experts on this topic!
Most weddings are planned 12 – 18 months out. This enables couples to book the venue and vendors of their choice. Planning a wedding with fewer than 12 months is possible, but a bit trickier, and we will have another blog posted soon that will walk you through that process! Stay tuned!
Below are the steps to follow, in chronological order, when planning your Buffalo, NY wedding:
1. Set a Budget
Before diving into any major decisions, it's essential to first establish a wedding budget. The average cost of a wedding can vary greatly depending on location, number of guests, and style. Once you have your budget, determine how you will allocate funds for the following:
Venue
Catering
Photography/videography
Music
Wedding attire
Flowers and décor
Transportation
2. Determine a Guest List
Prior to touring venues, you will need a rough idea of your guest count. This will enable you to narrow our venue list down to those that can accommodate your guest count and budget. Beware of small venues that indicate they can hold large guest counts. You should always ask how many they can comfortably hold, without having to break down tables for the dance floor, as this is highly disruptive and will lessen guest experience. You may even want to ask to see photos of the layouts that have been done with your guest count.
Rustic barn wedding venue entrance with summer landscape and barrels in Buffalo NY
3. Choose Your Season
Notice we didn’t say “choose your date”. Rather than selecting a specific date, consider the season and weather you prefer. Finding a venue will be much more difficult, and perhaps costly, if you limit yourselves to a particular date. In Buffalo, spring, summer, and fall are the ideal seasons for a wedding. Notting Hill Farm is Buffalo’s most beautiful wedding venue in every season!
4. Select a Venue
This is the big one—picking the place to say “I do.” Notting Hill Farm is the perfect venue for couples looking for a private, romantic vibe. With stunning indoor and outdoor options, ample photo opportunities, beautiful get-ready spaces, and an included day-of coordinator, you’ll fall in love all over again. Make sure to book your date early; we fill up fast!
5. Assemble Your Vendor Dream Team
Now that you’ve got your venue, it’s time to start securing vendors. Here are the essential services to look into:
Catering: At Notting Hill Farm, once you’re booked with us, there is no need to look for a caterer. We work exclusively with Zambistro, one of Buffalo’s best caterers. Chef Michael Zambito and his team will bring your wedding to the next level with beautifully presented, unforgettable cuisine! You will also not encounter all the little hidden charges that other caterers typically charge; for example, tents, refrigerated trucks, generators, cooking equipment, water service, coffee service, etc…this can add up to thousands of additional dollars!
Photography/Videography: Search out photographers who have experience with weddings in Buffalo, who understand your vision and whose aesthetic appeals to you.
Music: Whether you prefer a live band, DJ, or something more unique like a string quartet or a jazz band, Buffalo has a wide range of music options, including artists who can provide multiple modes of music entertainment.
Florists: For beautiful arrangements, look for local florists that specialize in weddings. Consider seasonal flowers and colors that complement your venue. You can visit our Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/weddingsatnottinghillfarm/ to see examples of spectacular floral installations at our venue.
Transportation: If you need to arrange transportation for the wedding party or guests, Buffalo offers various options, including limos, vintage cars, and even trolley rides.
Ivory wedding tablescape at beautiful barn wedding venue with lanterns, flowers, and crossback dining chairs in Buffalo, NY
6. Choose Your Wedding Style
Your wedding’s theme or style will influence everything from attire to décor. Whether you are looking for a rustic or barn wedding, a classic and elegant vibe, a more modern look, or an indoor/outdoor theme, we have you covered! Notting Hill Farm’s aesthetic is all of those things!
7. Wedding Attire
Beautiful wedding couple in summer on beautiful green lawn with wooded background at barn wedding venue in Buffalo, NY
Begin by shopping for your wedding gown and suits/tuxedos. Buffalo is home to many bridal boutiques, such as:
Brenda Babe Bridal: Highly-customized bridal fashion and VIP private styling www.brendababebridal.com
Bridal Chateau: Bridal salon exclusively focused on bridal gowns and inclusivity https://www.bridalchateauinc.com
Bliss Bridal Boutique: Ready-to-wear fashions and bridal party dresses https://blissbridalwedding.com
Don’t forget to plan for accessories, shoes, and alterations.
8. Invitations: Order invitations early, keeping in mind your wedding theme and color scheme. You can go traditional or explore local wedding invitation designers. Make sure your RSVP deadline is 8 weeks out from your wedding date, ensuring that you have time to chase late responders and still get your final guest count to your venue and caterer on time.
9. Special Touches
Stunning barn wedding venue with dramatic white silk drapery and twinkle lights hung from ceiling with ivory tablescape, flowers, and crossback chairs with fireplace in background in Buffalo, NY
Consider adding some unique elements to make your wedding truly memorable:
Soft, elegant drapery: Incorporate dreamy, silky chiffon drapery hung from the heights of your venue space to add that dramatic, elegant and luxurious grandeur that will wow your guests.
Bistro lighting: Bistro lighting installed in the reception space will add glow and ambiance and create a cozy and romantic vibe!
Cigar & Bourbon Bar: The bourbon and cigar bar can give guests a chance to unwind and enjoy the evening at a slower pace. Many guests may enjoy the opportunity to try types of bourbon or a fine cigar that they wouldn't ordinarily have!
10. Enjoy the Process!
Planning your wedding can feel overwhelming, but remember, your wedding day is all about celebrating your love!
Newly engaged and staring your wedding venue search? At Notting Hill Farm, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Ready to see what makes Notting Hill Farm so special? Book a tour and start your wedding journey with us today!
Notting Hill Farm is your dream destination for a private, elegant wedding experience. As a woman-owned wedding venue nestled on a family-operated farm in the rural suburbs of the Buffalo, NY area, we pride ourselves on offering a stress-free, luxury wedding experience. Our experienced and talented staff will ensure every couple receives the personalized attention they deserve.
Photo credits: Photo 1 - Nicole Gatto Photography; Photo 2 - Notting Hill Farm; Photo 3 - Meccay Photography; Photo 4 - Lindsey Robinson Photography; Photo 5 - Nicole Gatto Photograpy; Photo 6 - Megan Ann Photography
