Just starting your wedding planning journey and need a little inspiration? Ensure planning success with these top tips for organising the perfect wedding…
It’s no secret that planning the perfect wedding is no easy task. Not only is it challenging financially, but it also takes a lot of time and effort to bring your vision to life using a mix of suppliers. But as much as planning can be stressful, it’s also one of the most exciting times in your life, and all part of the build up to your big day. We’ve outlined the key planning features you should focus on to help make the whole process seem a little bit more manageable, so you can enjoy every second!
Budgeting
One of the most important planning elements to start with is budgets. Have a look at how much you have, how much you’re likely to save, and any potential gifts towards your wedding from family. Be realistic with this budget and don’t overstretch yourself, before making a ball park figure of your ideal spend and maximum. When you’ve finalised this, don’t increase it, work with what you have. Now you need to prioritise which suppliers are most important to you and divide the budget accordingly. If you under spend in some areas, put the excess into an emergency fund that you can use in case something crops up along the way, like an unexpected charge or maybe a finishing touch you just really can’t live without. Most importantly, don’t forget to book wedding insurance. With prices from only £20, which covers everything, you’d be crazy not to. Check out companies like My-Wedding Insurance and E&L.
Organisation
Being organised is key for planning the perfect wedding. With so many different suppliers involved with different deposits and payment deadlines, it’s crucial that you keep on top of everything. The best way to do this is to create spreadsheets with all your budgeting, suppliers’ contact details and deadlines, and a ‘to do’ list. It’s also really important that you are realistic with timescales – you may be surprised by how long some things can take. For example, from ordering your dress to having it in your hands can take up to 6 months, sometimes more, plus time for alterations. Work backwards from your wedding date to figure out when you need to be booking certain things.
Health & Beauty
The big day isn’t only about fabulous favours and a wow-factor venue, it’s about you and your husband-to-be making a lifelong commitment to each other, so it’s important that you look after yourself in the build up. You’ll want to look and feel the best you ever have on your special day, and that means maintaining a healthy lifestyle, having a good skin regime, and taking time to relax away from wedding planning. It’s important that you keep perspective – although the wedding is sure to be one of the biggest days of your life, sleepless nights, bad debts and stressing will make it more of a nightmare. Don’t push yourself too far and try to enjoy it as much as possible, accepting help from friends and family when you can.
The venue
Your chosen venue will set the scene for your whole day and will most likely be your biggest expense, so you must make sure you’re 100% happy when you book. Check with the venue about all fees, and that means final fees that are all-inclusive, as well as what is and isn’t prohibited before you book. For example, if you’re a party-loving couple, a gorgeous venue may seem perfect, but an 11pm curfew may not be right for you. From location and costs to the menu and accommodation options, make sure it ticks every box before signing the dotted line.
Perfect photos
It’s true what they say; your wedding will go by in a flash, which is why choosing a great wedding photographer should be top of your list. You need to find someone that understands what you want, will capture both staged and candid moments, and importantly, who you feel comfortable with. It’s always a good idea to have an engagement shoot with your chosen photographer to help build a relationship with them, while also practising poses for the big day.
Happy guests
They’ve travelled from all around to share your special day with you, so keeping guests happy should be high on your list. From keeping them entertained to ensuring there’s plenty of food and drink for everyone (hungry guests are never a good thing!), make sure that throughout the day there’s lots to keep them busy. Many guests say that good food is something they always remember from a wedding.
Helping hands
Use the help of friends and family in the build up to the big day, particularly help from your bridesmaids – that’s what they’re there for! A problem shared is a problem halved, and using the skills of loved ones could save you money, too, especially with all the little details that will make your day extra special. It’s nice to give things a personal touch, too.
Honeymoon
Finally, to complete the planning process, you need to think about the honeymoon. Whether you’re waiting until you receive monetary gifts from guests or pre-book so you can jet off straight after the big day, make sure you have everything in place so you can globe trot without any worries. Do you have a pet sitter? Is insurance in place? Have you changed up currency?
