Getting Ahead with Your 2026 Event Planning

Why starting early sets you up for a stress free and unforgettable celebration

Planning an event for 2026 might feel like you have all the time in the world, but the truth is that the earlier you start, the smoother everything becomes. Venues book up quickly, suppliers get snapped up, and ideas need a little space to breathe. If you want a celebration that feels seamless, enjoyable and beautifully thought out, now is the perfect moment to get ahead.

Events do not need to feel overwhelming, whether you are planning a wedding in Devon or Cornwall, a UK wide corporate event, or a special celebration that deserves a moment in the spotlight. With the right approach, you can take control from the very beginning and enjoy the process along the way.

Let us walk through some 2026 event planning tips that will set you up for success.

Start with your vision before anything else

It sounds simple, but many couples and corporate clients jump straight into booking things without understanding the bigger picture. Take a moment to define your goals. What atmosphere do you want? Who is the event really for? What memories do you hope people take away?

For weddings, think about the personal touches that make your day feel like you. For corporate events, consider what you want your team or guests to experience. Is it connection, motivation, learning, or celebration?

A strong vision guides every decision and prevents you booking something that does not align with the final feel you want.

Tip: Write down three words that describe your ideal event. For example, relaxed, elegant, joyful. Or for corporate, professional, inspiring, energising. Keep these words close when planning.

Choose your date and book your venue early

This will make the biggest difference to your 2026 event planning. Venues across the UK, especially in Devon and Cornwall, are already taking bookings well into 2026 and even into 2027. The most popular dates will naturally go first.

When viewing venues, think about:
• Guest accessibility
• Parking and transport
• Wet weather contingency
• Layout for movement and flow
• Space for suppliers and equipment
• How your décor ideas work in the room

Real example from experience: I once supported a corporate client who booked a venue without checking whether their screens and lighting needs could be met. A week before the event we had to bring in additional AV equipment which cost more and required extra planning time. Early checks save stress.

Secure your essential suppliers

Once you have the venue, the next priority is your key suppliers for 2026. That usually includes catering, entertainment, photography or videography, floristry, and any specialist needs like staging or décor. The best suppliers book early, especially those who are known for reliability and high quality.

For weddings, this might be your florist, band, hair and makeup team, cake maker and celebrant.

For corporate events, this could be your production team, keynote speaker, graphic designer or AV support.

Do not forget the slightly less obvious suppliers. You may need additional furniture, generators in rural locations, cleaning teams, temporary signage or accessible facilities. These often slip under the radar until the very last minute.

Create a timeline that actually works

One of the most important 2026 event planning tips is to map out a realistic timeline. Not a Pinterest perfect timeline, but one based on real life, real people and real logistics.

Break your timeline down into:
• Before the event
• Morning or pre event
• Guest arrival
• Main activity or ceremony
• Transitions or room resets
• Speeches, entertainment or presentations
• Food service
• Close down and load out

A good timeline always includes buffer time. Things run late. People need comfort breaks. Microphones fail. Guests arrive early or late. A timeline with no breathing room will leave you feeling panicked.

Think about the flow of the day

Flow is everything. It keeps guests happy, prevents bottlenecks and allows suppliers to do their best work.

Wedding example: If you have 90 guests and one bar, expect queues. If you have photos scheduled immediately after the ceremony, make sure guests have something to do so they stay entertained.

Corporate example: If you have back to back speaker sessions, schedule stretch breaks, refreshments and movement. This keeps energy high and prevents people feeling tired or overwhelmed.

Walk through your event from the perspective of an attendee. Does anything feel too long, quiet, busy or confusing? This is where an experienced planner can spot potential issues very quickly.

Décor and styling that feels intentional

Décor is not just about making things look pretty. It is about creating an atmosphere.

For weddings, choose colours and textures that reflect your style and the season. 

For corporate events, choose branding that feels slick and professional without being overpowering. Your décor should complement the venue, not fight against it.

If you are styling the event yourself, keep these tips in mind:
• Test your lighting ideas at the venue
• Keep table décor low enough for guest conversations
• Avoid complicated setups that cannot be reset quickly
• Choose décor that is practical as well as beautiful
• Think about sustainability and reusability

Remember the things people often forget

This is where an experienced planner makes all the difference. Some of the most common forgotten details include:

• Electric and charging points for suppliers
• Extension leads
• Spare stationery
• Wet weather plans
• Signage for guests
• Setup access times
• Insurance requirements
• Accessible arrangements for disabled guests
• Vendor meals
• Security or crowd management if needed
• Waste disposal
• Storage for personal belongings

These might not seem glamorous, but they make or break the smooth running of an event.

When to ask for help even if you want to DIY

Many people love planning their own event but want to be fully present on the day. This is where on the day coordination becomes incredibly useful.

I regularly support couples and corporate teams who have planned everything beautifully but need someone to step in, manage suppliers, troubleshoot and keep everything running effortlessly.

An on the day coordinator:
• Oversees the timeline
• Manages suppliers
• Handles last minute changes
• Supports guests
• Spots issues before they become problems
• Allows you to actually enjoy the event

There is nothing worse than spending months planning your wedding or corporate celebration only to spend the entire day managing logistics. If you want 2026 to feel stress free, on the day support is a game changer.

How is the event industry shaping up in 2026?

Early predictions show continued growth in sustainable décor, interactive entertainment, hybrid corporate events and personalised guest experiences. Many venues in the South West are expanding their offerings to include better AV facilities and more flexible outdoor spaces, which is worth checking when booking for 2026.

Sources you can explore for inspiration and current trends:
• The Meetings Industry Association
• Hitched UK
• Conference News
• Event Industry News

Make 2026 the year your event runs perfectly

Planning your 2026 event now gives you breathing room, better options, less stress and more enjoyment. Whether you are hosting a wedding, corporate event, retreat, party or celebration, the right preparation now will make the entire journey so much easier.

If you would like guidance, inspiration, reassurance or on the day support, I would love to help you make your 2026 event feel memorable for all the right reasons. Get in touch and let us start planning something wonderful together.