4 minute read
Planning
Getting Started Getting Started Let’s make Plans…
Getting Started
8 PLANNING 12 HENS & STAGS 14 EXHIBITIONS
You’ve said: “Yes!” and here’s our congratulations gift to you… A list of ten things for before you say: “I do!”
1. Investigate wedding planners: Organisational guru or persistent procrastinator? If you’re the latter, a wedding planner should certainly be on your list but even for the former, these knowledgeable, well-connected experts are worth a look in for advice, contacts and even negotiating discounts! 2. Sort your budget: An absolute must before you do literally anything else – take stock of your financials. There’s nothing worse than setting your heart on a caterer/photographer/florist you can’t afford! Consider what you have already, who all might be chipping in and when it might be best to tie the knot – would a date further in the future give you a chance to save for that dream venue?
Handy Cut-out Planning Guide
12 months (or more):
Decide date, budget & guest list Decide & book ceremony/celebrant Choose & book venue Get wedding insurance
9-12 months
Send out Save the Date cards Choose bridesmaids, best man, ushers Book photographer & videographer Book caterers & decide menu Organise transport Book DJ/band Start looking at wedding dresses
6-9 months
Shop for & order wedding dress Buy shoes, underwear, accessories Book hair & make-up Choose & book florist/cake Book extra entertainment Order/make wedding favours
3-6 months:
Buy wedding rings Groomswear & bridesmaids dresses Book wedding night accommodation Book honeymoon Agree order of service, readings & hymns with vicar/registrar Write vows Set up gift list
0-3 months:
Send out invitations Have dress fittings & wear in shoes Buy gifts for bridal party Write speeches and thank yous Have a hair & make-up trial
Final week:
Confirm numbers with venue & caterers Confirm all timings with suppliers Brief bridesmaids, ushers & best man Pay final balances Collect groomswear & wedding dress Have a manicure & pedicure ✂ 3. Discover inspo: From perusing Pinterest to binging on bridal mags to getting the low-down at local wedding exhibitions (Your Wedding Exhibition is just around the corner!) soak it all up so you can start building an idea of what your special day might look like. 4. Take out insurance: It’s boring, it’s practical but it’s incredibly important – the pandemic has shown exactly that! Make sure you’re covered for all eventualities (your insurance supplier will keep you right), and we’ll cross our fingers that you never need to cash it in.
5. Order stationery: Picked a venue? Set the date?
Then tell your guests! With more weddings than ever scheduled for the year ahead (apparently 2.5 million, which is the most since 1984!) you’ll want to make sure your nuptials get into their diaries pronto. The northeast has an incredible selection of talented stationers who’ll kit you out with everything from Save The Dates to thank you notes, all on point with your couple style.
6. Decide on gifts: Part of Gen Z? Apparently, you and your millennial pals are coming out of the pandemic more financially stable than your parents and with an urge to rethink traditions – you’re all about honeymoon funds and charity registries. You can absolutely stick with tradition, though! If you’re setting up your first home together, a gift list is a smart way to furnish your space with things you love from people you love. Have your list at an independent boutique for extra ‘shop local’ points!
7. Consider favours: Favoured by some and not by others, tradition dictates that you give those attending your wedding a little something to remember the celebration by. Choose something that tells your love story, has meaning or makes a memorable experience. You’ll find loads of ideas on Pinterest or, if you’d like to chat it through, see what your stationer recommends.
www.byrhea.co.uk
www.aboynephotographics.com
8. Get your dancing shoes on: After a few years off the tiles, you could be forgiven for being a little rusty. Thankfully, local dance schools have choreographers on hand to give you a refresh or, if you’re feeling ambitious, pull together an extravagant routine for you to wow your guests with. Strictly 2022, here we come!
9. Be patient: Our wonderful local wedding suppliers are the best, but they’re also busy, especially at the moment. Be mindful that just because responses aren’t always instant, it doesn’t mean you’re not on their mind.
10.Relax and enjoy! The wedding planning process can be tough at times so part of your job here is to make sure it doesn’t get on top of you. Get your bride/groom squad on board to help tick some boxes, check-in with your partner regularly for non-weddingrelated quality time and absolutely schedule some TLC for yourself! ♥
www.deesidephoto.co.uk
Handmade, luxury fudge, Scottish tablet, macarons and other decadences. Providing bespoke delights for special occasions, corporate events, weddings and functions.
puredecadence@lochaurora.co.uk www.lochaurora.co.uk 07779 791 075
