| Your wedding day is one of the most exciting days of | | | | double bookings. Find out exactly what your policy |
| your life, but for many it can also be the most daunting. | | | | covers and try to get recommendations from friends. |
| Instinctively knowing everything that needs to be | | | | 6. Contact a wedding planner for either full |
| arranged, for something you have never done before, | | | | management or for certain aspects or just |
| is a rather tall order. Therefore knowing where to start | | | | consultancy to go through a detailed plan of action and |
| can be tricky. Most brides will immediately think of the | | | | provide advice. It is worth knowing that planners have |
| ideal venue and dream wedding dress, but there are a | | | | many contacts and can usually negotiate better rates |
| few things that need to be considered prior to this. | | | | than if you go direct. |
| Having this information to hand will save you stress at | | | | 7. The service. Consider if it will be religious or civil and |
| a later date and ensure your wedding planning process | | | | if you would like everything to be held in the same |
| runs smoothly, on time and very importantly to budget! | | | | venue, or for example a church plus reception venue. |
| 1. First things first, make a list of everyone you would | | | | 8. The venue. If you wish to have the ceremony and |
| like to invite to your special day (remembering to | | | | reception in one venue, find out if they have a wedding |
| check with both of your families). Then revisit it and | | | | license. Things to consider: cost, capacities, number of |
| decide if it is an acceptable number to you all. It is | | | | rooms, space for dancing, late license if required, music |
| worth bearing in mind that the larger the venue you | | | | license and time restrictions. For separate venues also |
| need, the fewer options there will be available to you | | | | consider distance between the two. |
| and naturally your budget will increase. | | | | 9. Suppliers. Work out if the venue will provide the |
| 2. The wedding party. Decide who the best man, maid | | | | suppliers - florists, caterers and decorations. Some will |
| of honour, bridesmaids and ushers will be and ask | | | | insist on using theirs, others will be more flexible. This is |
| them. | | | | important if you have a local florist or caterer you wish |
| 3. The budget. This can be a sensitive subject but it | | | | to use. A wedding planner will also be able to advise if |
| must be considered so that you can establish what | | | | their suppliers are costly or not - you do not want to |
| your limits will be. If you are managing your wedding | | | | get a great venue rate only to find your suppliers cost |
| yourself, make a comprehensive list of every item that | | | | an arm and a leg! |
| will cost you so you can work out what you want to | | | | 10. Time line. Most people spend on average one year |
| prioritise. If you have a wedding planner, they will do | | | | planning a wedding. This is because of the planning |
| this for you and make sure nothing is forgotten whilst | | | | involved and also to get venue availability - believe it or |
| helping you stay within budget! | | | | not, popular venues can be booked up well over a |
| 4. Choosing the date. Things to consider: season and | | | | year in advance! Think about how long each item |
| weather, bridal party availability, religious limitations, ideal | | | | takes to organise and prioritise accordingly. |
| honeymoon location, day of the week (weekdays are | | | | There are many elements to planning a wedding, but |
| usually more cost effective). | | | | hopefully you will find these top tips useful to get you |
| 5. Wedding insurance. This is something that many | | | | started. Working with a wedding planner will not only |
| people do not consider and it is extremely important. | | | | mean you have a professional to guide you and often |
| The sooner you can get cover the better, as your | | | | negotiate better rates, but will also save you time and |
| policy can cover eventualities such as losing the | | | | give you that much needed support. Good luck! |
| wedding rings, damage to the bridal gown and venue | | | | |