No need to get tied up in a knot when tying the knot! Stay calm and collected with these fabulous top ten planning tips for 2018…
The run-up to your big day should be exciting, not stressful. But we’ll wager there isn’t a bride alive who won’t admit to feeling stressed over some aspect of her special day, however small (and indeed, precisely because it’s small… we tend to focus on the little details with an obsessive, disproportionate amount of worry: I was banned from my marquee for losing the plot because the tent was ‘the wrong type of white’. Yeah – I’m not proud.) So remember to breathe, have some more Prosecco, and de-stress with these top ten planning tips for a 2018 wedding from Smart City Weddings…
lauraholmanphotography.com
1. A Rush of Love
It can be easy to rush in, head first. After all, you’re engaged! That’s exciting, but rushing in to getting married can be a recipe for disaster. You will end up with a wedding you aren’t 100% happy with, and you certainly don’t want that. Take your time with the process to ensure you plan a perfect day.
2. A Plan After my Own Heart
The key to planning a day that you can look back on with real joy is to begin planning early; in fact, begin the enquiring from the week you are engaged. Begin to search online for wedding car hire, photographers etc, and don’t forget about having your key date in mind.
Liza Edgington
3. The Bigger Picture
Try and begin by envisioning your big day and what kind of wedding you want and work inwards from that. Everything will fall into place once you have your main framework planned. It’s fine to get excited about it, so get to conjuring up ideas!
4. Needs Vs Wants
Try to separate your wants from your needs. The needs list needs (!) to have items that are essential to make the day work; items such as the rings and the wedding transport. Your wants can come after your needs; this will be items such as elaborate centrepieces.
garethnewsteadphotography.com
5. Budget is Key
Don’t spend a penny until you have the budget thoroughly worked out. Couples can go wrong early on by not being financially organised. Don’t blow your budget on one thing such as the venue either – try and spread it out and include necessities!
6. Cut and Run
Uncle Jim would probably love to take your wedding photos and the Mother-in-Law would love to put her vintage beetle to use and drive you to the ceremony, but would everyone be happy? You can save stress by hiring professional services.
Love Photography 13
7. Be Our Guest, Be Our Guest
Sorting your guests early is a great idea! Once you’ve got your guest list, invites, RSVPs and such sorted, you can focus on a venue that will cater to your party size. Then you focus on having fun with your table arrangements and decorations.
8. Pick of the Bunch
Your bridesmaids and groomsmen could be the difference between a smooth wedding planning ride and not. Make sure you pick the most supportive, and of course a fun bunch of people. Choose wisely: you want to look back at your wedding photos and still have them by your side.
9. Lists of Lists
Lists will be your life saviour. Every time you have a thought or remember what you need – jot it down! There are many checklists on the internet that you can print out and tick your way through, including everything from the wedding car hire to your something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue!
10. Big Day, Bigger Smiles
While all this planning seems daunting, it can be fun, and so it should be! If you give yourself plenty of time, utilise lists, and overall be organised you will give yourself the time to enjoy the experience. Involve your groomsmen and bridesmaids with your planning and you will be sure to have a laugh while getting some serious business done!
photography by Ed Godden Photography
