WEDDING PLANNING TOP TIPS
PLANNING FOR A GOOD START
SET A WEDDING DATE
This needs to be flexible until you have checked on availability of your wedding venue. If you have your heart set on a venue then check what dates they have available and book your wedding date around that or if you want a specific date then be prepared to be flexible on location and venue. Be warned - don’t spend too long deciding on your wedding date or all your other preparations will fall behind and you could put yourself under unnecessary stress.
DECIDE ON A BUDGET
The key driver of wedding expense is the size of your guest list e.g. reception venues often quote per head, catering etc. If you can estimate numbers - great! One approach is to allocate your budget to each expense - keep a reserve for contingencies! A second approach is to sum individual expenses, compare to your budget and cut back on individual items as appropriate. For peace of mind agree all prices in writing, being careful to check what's included in the service being offered.
BOOK RECEPTION VENUE
It’s important to decide as a couple what kind of wedding reception you want. Outdoors, indoors, hotel setting, home or away. Parents may want a say, especially if they are paying, so be prepared to negotiate. It’s important that you, as a couple, are 100% happy with all the plans. If the venue is in a far flung location then get plenty of photos and written information, don’t be afraid to pester - this is your one big day and you want it to be right. Goes without saying - book as soon as possible!
It may be simple - your venue offers a selection of dishes and all you need to do is discuss menus and sample the food. If you must find a caterer, go with personal recommendations where possible and get several quotes. The food should match the wedding theme - if very formal, a sit down meal may be appropriate; if relaxed, you may choose a buffet style. Remember to cater for your vegetarian friends or those with allergies or illnesses. If possible, sample the food.
BOOK MUSICIANS
Will you have musicians playing during the wedding? Do you want a live band at the reception? What kind of music are you going to have? A string quartet, a harpist, a jazz band, possibly a disco in the evening or popular music played by a live band. All this is down to personal choice and, of course, the type of wedding you are planning. Good wedding musicians get booked a long time ahead, so the minute you have a location and date, get them booked.
BOOK CEREMONY VENUE
Like the reception venue, the ceremony venue can be booked solid, so book early. Your ceremony venue may be the same as the reception venue and this can take a lot of pressure off. If you are getting married at home, book a registrar as soon as you know your date. You may be getting married somewhere very unusual - check that that the registrar is ok with the venue. Be sure to check that weddings can take place at your venue of choice - this is not always the case!
BOOK THE FLORIST
A personal recommendation is highly advisable here unless you are going with an established and reputable wedding florist. A florist experienced in weddings should be able to provide you with all the advice you need and make recommendations fitting your venue and ceremony choices and your wedding theme. Unless you have a particular bouquet in mind, ask to see the florists portfolio to get some ideas. Be sure to get an idea of when, on the big day, the arrangements will be ready.
DRAFT THE GUESTLIST
Start with too many and adjust down to match your budget as your plans develop. Family and close friends should write the date in their diaries long before the wedding invitations go out - you want to avoid mix-ups in dates. Parents may want to invite some of their friends or relatives that you left off the list! Don’t fall out over this - they may be prepared to pay for these guests. If marrying abroad, you may have a second guest list for a reception at home - budget permitting of course!
We hope these have been useful! More to come soon.
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