READY, SET, PLAN

PLANNING SOS Ready, set, plan!

How to create the perfect wedding

Here at Your Surrey Wedding, we understand how overwhelming organising your nuptials can be. To help, we’ve spoken to local experts and asked for their tips on choosing the perfect suppliers and what you should be aware of before booking.

www.andy-matheson.com www.charliecampeyphotography.co.uk

HOW TO CHOOSE A DANCE TEACHER

It’s time to take to the dancefloor for the first time as a married couple, but with so many routines and music options available, where do you start planning? We’ve put together a list of things you should take into consideration before booking a company to help you learn your first dance.

When should I sign up for classes? This depends on whether you would like a one-off class with a few moves or a package of lessons with a choreographed routine. With either option, it’s best time to work four-12 weeks before the wedding. Too early and you may forget the routine or get bored of your first dance song!

What song works well for a first dance? Over the past 20 years we’ve worked with more than 2,000 couples, and have heard and taught almost every genre of first dance song. From romantic ballads to heavy rock and roll and everything in between. Even if you aren’t sure what song to pick, we can help you find something that is personal to you both, something you will be happy to listen to over and over again and a song that grabs you. How much budget should we set aside for lessons? The average wedding in the UK in 2021 cost £17,300. This usually includes the venue, food and drink. Wedding dance lessons would normally be about one per cent of the budget but keep in the purse up to £500 if you want multiple lessons. Have a think about whether you want to have a first dance with your partner, one with parents or even a flash mob as part of your wedding celebrations.

First dance lessons online or in person? During lockdown we really missed our couples. We offered various online options to help couples learn their first dance but we feel that in person works so much better. In studio and in person teaching means that the teaching is at the pace you need, with the language and phrases that work for you as well as getting immediate feedback.

When you are looking for a teacher, ask how they will break down the dance for you both, whether they will take your ideas and options into account and how they will plan out the lessons for you. At First Dance Studios, we offer a free initial consultation to chat through everything from your song choice, dates, outfits and much more.

www.irockvisuals.com www.irockvisuals.com

CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER

When it comes to booking your wedding photographer, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the amount of choice available. I would start with recommendations. These are from people who have used the service before and will know first-hand how good they are. Check out the photographer’s website, as this will give you a great variety of photos to look over and an idea of their style. Make sure your photographer is open and transparent with you on how much their services cost and what it includes. All details should be sent in writing, and most importantly, make sure you get a good vibe from them. You have to feel comfortable around them as they will be capturing one of the most special days of your life.

www.magdahoffman.com www.irockvisuals.com www.irockvisuals.com

Eray Kaya www.irockvisuals.com

www.magdahoffman.com

FINDING THE PERFECT VENUE

If you’ve got a particular date that you want for your wedding, then we recommend you get in touch with your favourite venue as soon as possible. Most will typically have weddings booked anything from 18 months to six months in advance.

Before you book your venue, ask heaps of questions and remember no question is a silly one. It’s your wedding day, and you want it to be as you imagined, so you need to make sure that your venue understands what you want and that they can deliver it before booking.

Book your 2023 wedding for £2,023* or Enjoy £1,750 off* your honeymoon in 2023

*Terms & Conditions apply

When it comes to hosting your special day at Brooklands Hotel, the possibilities are endless. Call our Wedding Team on 01932 335720 to make your dreams a reality.

www.brooklandshotelsurrey.com

CHILDRENS ENTERTAINMENT

If you have children of your own or are planning on inviting your guests’ children to your wedding, you may find yourself in need of a weddingday nanny service. This not only allows parents to relax during the day, but also ensures your little guests have an extra fun day with undivided attention and excellent care.

Wedding creche providers will have a host of packages on offer, be that in the form of a full creche set up for a group of children, or hiring one nanny for just one family throughout the day. They will be able to assist with all elements of the day, including mealtimes, nap times, playtime and the bedtime routine.

Before booking, check what packages they offer and if it suits your requirements. Where will they base themselves at the venue? What will they be able to help with during the day?

The earlier you contact your wedding childcare supplier, the better. Ideally, you would get in touch with your supplier six months to one year before your day to increase the chances of availability on your date.

Look for important qualifications such as a DBS certificate and paediatric first aid training, and don’t be afraid to ask what experience your nanny has in childcare. If you would like to, you could also ask to be provided with references.

Choose the package which is right for you. Hiring one nanny for the day for your children, for example, could fit better into your budget than hiring an entire creche, with multiple nannies, for a whole group of children.

Cut costs by offering to provide some toys and crafts for little ones or suggesting guests book their own babysitters through your wedding childcare supplier for the evening section of the wedding.

Ella from Rose Event Nannies www.roseeventnannies.co.uk