Are you deep in the wedding planning process? Or, are you just about to start? If so, here are my top tips when it comes to getting started. Here are a few basics to help you avoid the overwhelm when you shift your attention from the proposal to the planning phase.
After you’ve had a conversation about budget, you need to think about the type of venue and the catering options available at the location where you’d like to hold your celebration. The venue will set the tone for the day so it is important to list the top five words which capture this. Is the tone – formal, informal, relaxed, vibrant, fun, classic, alternative, traditional but with a twist? Spend a few moments together discussing this and write down five keywords that will describe your wedding style.
You could also consider whether you would prefer the relaxed vibe of a barn, tipi or woodland wedding? How about the glamour and formality of a hotel or manor house. Think where – urban or countryside? Lots of couples want to stay in one location for the duration of their day so is this possible at the venues you are considering? You also need to consider the size of the guest list.
Everything hinges around the venue as once you have secured the date for your wedding, you can start looking at booking everything else which leads onto.
Now it’s time to think about who will perform your ceremony. Now, you know that I will recommend a wedding celebrant first and foremost. My website and social media are full of the reasons why. But that aside, more and more engaged couples are opting for a wedding celebrant over a registrar simply because a celebrant has the freedom to deliver exactly the wedding ceremony you want – no restrictions. If you want maximum freedom of venue, vibe and va va voom, go with a celebrant. You’ll have to take care of your statutory marriage registration prior to your day but here is a link to another blog just on this topic!
The next supplier to tick off the list is your wedding photographer and it is best to move quickly on this. The good wedding photographers get booked up quickly. It may be tempting to compromise on your budget here but don’t. The best wedding photographers have carefully built their portfolios and have a good offer. It is definitely a case of you really do get what you pay for.
Really good and experienced photographers are in demand. They get booked up early so get onto this as soon as you’ve signed the contract with the venue. Have a look at their work, their style and see what chimes with you. Just James Weddings is a very good first port of call.
With the venue, celebrant and photographer in place it is time to turn your attention to what you are going to wear. Wedding wear can have a long lead time and require several fittings so get choosing early to ensure that you get the look you want. Especially if you are going to wear a gown.
Gather your gang and go and try on some dresses, suits, kilts, cloaks, hats, wizarding wear… Whatever the dress code is, start early!
Lastly, the guest experience. Do you want them to experience a live singer during the ceremony or during post-ceremony drinks? A DJ or a live band on the dance floor? A magician as the photos are being taken? Guest experience is a crucial one and live entertainment always goes down a storm. A fantastic singer can add a personal touch to your day. Why not get in touch with Shalana Serafina Weddings?
When these foundations are in place, you can then think about florists and other decor, cake maker, hair and makeup and any other personal touches you’d like to include to make your day unforgettable.