Wedding Planning Guide
Congratulations! You're engaged! Let Wed set you on the road to wedding planning success with this must-read guidance from the experts
The statement sparkler is twinkling on your finger, the champagne has been devoured, and your Facebook feed is chock-full with congratulatory messages. Now the long - but oh-so exciting - journey to the altar lies before you. Before you make any rash decisions, blow the budget on the first dress you see or ask each and every female acquaintance to be your bridesmaid - stop, breathe...and heed these pearls of wisdom from the wedding experts.
Nova Wedding Photography
WHERE TO START
Planning your wedding should be one of life's most exciting chapters. However, it is only too easy to find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of the occasion and the dizzying number of options available to you. "It's a good idea to look at a 12-month plan to get a handle on things and think about budget which is key," advises wedding planner Tracy Edwards of Blue Fizz Events (bluefizzevents.co.uk).
As unexciting as it may sound, your budget should be at the top of your priority list. "No decisions can be made until you know how much money you have to work with," asserts wedding planner Jenny Phipps of Jenny Wren Weddings and Events (jennywrenweddingsandevents.co.uk). "Seriously think about what your limit is and speak to family members early on about what they may contribute." Wedding stylist Elle Winsor-Grime of Inspire Hire (inspire-hire.co.uk) agrees: "Set a budget and write it down," she says.
Once you have your grand total, it's time to talk priorities. "Discuss which elements are most important to you. Is it a luxury venue, a pair of designer shoes, fabulous food or a free bar?" comments Elle. "Choose the three most important things and find out how much they will cost. Once you have allocated your budget for these, you can start to look at what is leftover for the less important things."
Joshua Gooding
If you haven't got a clue about how much to allocate for each element, make enquiries concerning costs and draw up a list of prices. "If you have a wedding planner, they will be able to guide you on this; there are many tools online which can help too," says Jenny.
Be careful not to lose track of your spending - it will only lead to headaches down the line. "It's really important that you both agree and stick to the budget. Keep a close eye on expenditure and adjust accordingly if you have gone slightly over in one area by compensating in another," comments Tracy. As Jenny affirms, the humble spreadsheet may prove to be your best friend: "Create an Excel spreadsheet with two columns, predicted and actual, so you can keep track of everything that has been spent."
It is also advisable to allocate a just-in-case fund. "If you can, it's always good to have a slush fund, say 10-15% of the total budget, to allow for any over expenditure," advises Tracy.
Remember to keep focused and budget-savvy throughout the process. "Note down the things that are important to you at the beginning of the process, and keep referring to these throughout. This will help you prioritise and remind you why you are planning your wedding!" comments Elle.
James Simmons
BE OUR GUEST
Now for the fun bit - at least in theory. As many a bride and groom can testify, the joy of scribbling down the names of all the people you'd like to share your day with can quickly spiral out of control and into a hotly debated mess. So take a practical and structured approach from the start.
First of all, consider the scale of your wedding. "Discuss what is important to you: is it having a huge number of people at your wedding and making your budget stretch accordingly, or would you rather have fewer people and spend more for each guest?" says Elle.
Once you've settled this matter, start drawing up your list. "I suggest you separate the list into three categories: people who you couldn't bear not being there, people who you would really like to attend but it's not critical, and people whom you would enjoy having there but could eliminate if necessary," advises Jenny.
Tracy also endorses this approach. "As clinical as it may sound, creating a rating system for each person will help to formulate the list. You may have to defend your decisions, so you need to feel comfortable and justified with your calculations," she comments. If you're still struggling to decide, the issue of cold, hard cash might help. "Work out how much each guest will be costing you per head. This often helps make the decisions easier to make," says Elle.
On the matter of money, be aware that accepting a financial contribution from parents can have implications for the guest list. "They may feel they can invite certain people, for instance, old friends who your fiance may never have met, who then take the place of some of his friends," says Jenny. "You need to reach a compromise."
James Simmons
A QUESTION OF PLACE
Choosing your venue is arguably the most important decision you'll make during the planning process - and one you'll have to make promptly if you don't want a lengthy engagement. "Venues are booking up over a year in advance, so if there's a venue you have always dreamed of getting married in, contact them as soon as you can and have a look around. If not, start looking around the area of your choice," recommends wedding planner Claire Hooper of Weddings by Claire (weddingsbyclaire.com).
"Decide whether you would like two separate locations for the day, one for the ceremony and one for the reception, or if you would rather have it all in one place," adds Jenny.
Consider some key questions when determining the suitability of a venue, as Tracy advises: "Is it available for the dates you require and are there accommodation options available? Is the venue easily accessible and does it offer good parking? Is the venue fully licensed for a civil ceremony? Does the venue offer an external ceremony area should the weather be fine?
Can the venue be hired for private use? What are the maximum numbers for a ceremony and wedding breakfast? Are there any restrictions in place concerning issues such as sound, candles, confetti or fireworks?" The answers to these questions will help you decide whether you've found your dream venue.
Once your minds - and hearts - are set, pinpoint some available dates, and ascertain the availability of the registrar, celebrant or your chosen church. "After the venue and ceremony, the most important suppliers to tie down are the caterers and photographer. They often get booked up one or more years in advance," affirms Elle. "Always get at least three quotes and do some research into the suppliers you like the style of first, then request some prices to check that their services are within your budget and arrange to meet your shortlist."
Ben Selway
THE PARTY PACK
Yes, you're excited and yes, you may have consumed rather a lot of Prosecco - but don't rush into choosing your wedding party. "People often get over excited and ask lots of people straight away, then regret it later," warns Elle.
The wedding party is an important bunch of people; from lifelong friends to cherished family members, these key players are charged with the responsibility of being a source of support throughout the planning process and on the day itself - and the question of who should take these roles should not be taken lightly.
When deciding, it might be useful to ask yourself some revealing questions. "Will they have the time and energy to assist with dress shopping or decorating your venue? Can they be trusted to help your photographer or remember to check what time your speeches should be starting? Can they be there to help you wherever you need it?" asks Elle. Then, of course, there's the considerable feat of organising a hen or stag do.
As well as the responsibility, being a member of a wedding party can involve some expense. "Bear this in mind when asking; make sure all participants know what you are expecting of them," says Tracy. "Ask your attendants soon after you choose a date and venue to allow them ample time to prepare. Invite people to participate in a way that allows them to decline gracefully if they feel they're not up to the task."
If you're struggling to decide whether someone should be a member of your wedding party, think about how they would fit in with the other attendants. "If you don't think they'd blend and be 100 percent dependable, leave them off the list," asserts Tracy.
GRW Photography
Instinct goes a long way on this matter: "In your heart or hearts, you will both know who you want there by your sides, so be true to yourselves and pick who you want to, not who you feel you should," asserts Jenny. Of course, your budget will often limit how many people you can have in your entourage. Look at other ways you can involve those people you would have liked to have included, whether it's reading at the ceremony, lighting candles or assisting with setting up the venue.
And remember, it's fine to double up, whether it's two best men or maids of honour. Just make sure you delegate appropriately, as Tracy urges, "Choose your most reliable friend for the most important duties."
Nova Wedding Photography
TIME TO STYLE
Dip your toe in the heady realms of Pinterest, bridal blogs and wedding magazines and you'll discover a dizzying world of styling inspiration. Before you venture into these beautiful but bewildering waters, consider a few key questions, which will help guide your choices - and, importantly, keep them personal.
Forget for a moment about the way you want your wedding to look, and consider how you want it to feel. "What kind of atmosphere do you want to create? Is it relaxed, glamorous, outdoorsy, fun? This will inspire certain styles of decor," comments Elle. "Next, consider how much money you want to spend on decoration and styling. Then make a list of the things you love individually and as a couple - this will help you inject your personalities into the wedding."
"Think about key words that capture and define your day; this will help you come up with ideas," continues Jenny. "If you find it hard to determine what you want, then think about what you definitely don't want." Deciding on a clear vision early in the process will save confusion later. "It will help avoid those magpie moments that many people fall into - getting everything that catches their eye, with nothing pulling the look together."
GRW Photography
Colour scheme stress - and the angst of matching the exact shades of blush pink - has caused many a trickle of sweat to appear on a bride's brow. "Don't obsess over colour schemes and themes. Generally, if you pick what you like it will work," says Elle. "As a rule, I would suggest choosing at least four colours to work with. Ask for samples of colours you like from a fabric shop or use paint cards from a DIY store to find out what shades work together."
"Work with your venue, not against it," continues Jenny. "Pick out the tones in the room(s) and plan your colour scheme to fit with them, avoiding clashes with curtains or carpets." You might even use your flowers as a starting point. "Ask your florist what flowers will be in season at the time, as these can set the tone."
The modern bride is spoilt for choice where it comes to inspiration - and Pinterest is a favourite resource. "Pinterest is a fantastic tool for getting your ideas and inspiration together. We regularly use this with couples as they are able to find images of what they would like and easily show us, and vice-versa," advises Claire.
There's also some fantastic bespoke styling services available for couples who may be time-starved, lacking inspiration, bewildered by the sheer choice available or simply need help bringing the elements together. "Blue Fizz Events' Wedding by Design service is perfect for any couple who wish to plan their own wedding, but need a little bit of help creating a style and theme to wow their guests," says Tracy. Together with Inspire Hire, which also offers a bespoke styling service, these super stylists will draw on elements of your personalities, tastes and relationship - while taking into account your venue, budget and specific requirements - to create a brilliantly 'you' party scene.
There's also help available from both Blue Fizz Events and Inspire Hire if you wish to take the DIY route. "We make suggestions for DIY projects but also help couples decide what just isn't worth doing themselves, and those projects that simply won't save money or time," advises Elle. "We also offer a service where we guide couples through the DIY wedding process, helping reduce stress levels and often saving them lots of money!"
Nova Wedding Photography
PLAN TO PERFECTION
Your wedding planning is going to take time - rather a lot of it in fact. "On average between 250-300 hours is spent planning a wedding and, trust me, this is not all spent on the enjoyable tasks!" advises Jenny. If this sounds overwhelming, you may wish to consider hiring a wedding planner.
A wedding planner covers a huge variety of tasks - and many of the less appealing ones at that. "They can take care of everything from the hours of supplier research, managing your budget and reviewing contracts to providing a wealth of creative ideas and insights, managing logistical elements and using their skills and contacts to make your day come together seamlessly," advises Jenny. All of which allows you to relish the journey to the altar, minus the logistical headaches.
"We take all the stress away from the bride and groom in the months and weeks leading up to the big day. This is invaluable for couples who both have busy schedules," comments Tracy. Claire agrees: "A wedding planner is not only your personal assistant but your organiser, problem solver, mediator and, of course, helps makes your dreams come true whilst keeping you calm!"
Beyond saving you time and stress headaches, a good wedding planner can also save you money. "Planners are in a much better position to negotiate with suppliers as they can potentially get them repeat business," advises Jenny. Tracy agrees: "We are experts in advising our clients of the best suppliers to suit their particular needs and very skillful at negotiating the best prices." In the long run, hiring a planner or stylist might actually lead to a saving.
Nova Wedding Photography
That little black book of supplier contacts is another key advantage. The success of a wedding is largely dependent on the choice of suppliers - and you've got one chance to get it right. Then, of course, there's tapping into that all-important knowledge base. "We know what works and what doesn't and can foresee potential issues, remedying them before they have the chance to arise," says Jenny. "When it comes to the day itself, we will know the ins and outs of your wedding day to the same level of detail (if not more) as you, making us the best equipped to manage the day."
If you don't hire a planner, you might consider an on the day coordinator - particularly if you're opting for a marquee or DIY affair. In a nutshell, an on the day coordinator will ensure the wedding day runs like clockwork. "After a full handover of plans, contact is made with each supplier involved, managing them from that point forward and creating a detailed schedule of the day," says Jenny. "On the day itself, your planner will oversee the set-up of the venue, coordinate all the suppliers involved and provide that extra level of detail required to ensure the rooms look perfect." They will then manage the proceedings of the day, ensure your guests are comfortable and deal with any issues behind the scenes, leaving you to relax and savour every moment.
"On the day coordination is invaluable for DIY brides," comments Tracy. "Brides can often underestimate the enormity of work involved 'on the day' in pulling everything together. Our on the day coordination services allows brides the opportunity to pass over management and organisation four weeks prior to the wedding."
"No one ever realises how much work planning and styling a wedding will be," agrees Elle. "I would never suggest doing anything yourselves on the day of the wedding - it really isn't worth the stress." And, if you have access to decorate your venue the day before, be warned: "It will take far longer than you think!"
GRW Photography
RELISH THE RIDE
Of course you're going to enjoy the process - it's your wedding, right? But all too often, planning a wedding can be overwhelming, stressful and downright exhausting. Embark on the process with a clear sense of direction, perspective and balance - and this journey should turn out to be a much-cherished experience.
Organisation is essential to maintaining a sense of calm. "Set a budget, keep a record of what you have booked, what you have spent and when bills will be due so there are no hidden surprises or last minute panics," advises Elle. "Break your planning down and give yourself dates of when to have things done by," adds Jenny. "These milestones will give you a sense of achievement, you will have a clear vision of where you are at, what else is to be done and when you plan to do it." And start planning early - but not too early! "Starting early gives you the luxury of time to handpick your suppliers, negotiate and really do your research, rather than panic booking," says Jenny. "However, your ideas can change over time; if you start too early, you may regret some of the decisions you made later down the line."
Remember that asking for help is not a weakness. "Don't try and do everything yourself, and don't assume that hiring a professional will always cost more," says Elle.
Take a measured approach to involving family and friends in the key decisions. "Don't feel you need to run every single idea past everyone. Too many opinions are rarely useful," warns Elle. "Don't get caught up in what you think everyone else thinks or will want to see at the wedding. It is your day, don't lose sight of that," urges Jenny.
Emma Solley
However, delegating certain responsibilities will enhance the experience for everyone. "It's often nice to delegate certain small jobs to family members of friends to help them feel important and appreciated without causing you too much stress," says Elle.
And, if you start feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself a few key questions: "Why are we getting married? Who is our wedding day really about? What is important to us about our wedding day?" affirms Elle. This should help you regain focus on the marriage itself.
Importantly, don't forget to take some time out with your fiance. "Having days or nights away from the planning, with no talk of weddings allowed, is essential," asserts Claire. "Enjoy each other's company and remember why you chose to marry in the first place," advises Tracy. And, of course, ensure you find a window for some all-important me-time. "Regular exercise will help relieve tension and stress and make you will inwardly and outwardly better, more relaxed and healthier."
Then it's all about maintaining a calm approach and relishing the ride. "Take it slowly, seek advice when you need input and seek comfort when you need to share your emotions," says Tracy. "Most of all, simply enjoy it and feel blessed that you have found that special person you wish to share the rest of your life with."
Sam Gibson
PLANNING POINTERS
Breeze your way to the aisle with these must-heed tips...
File it. Pick up a wedding file to collate inspiration, quotes, invoices and, of course, pages of your favourite wedding magazine!
Wed on the web. Think about setting up a wedding website. Many couples are now taking this route to keep friends and family posted on wedding updates.
Dress stress. It can take up to six months for your wedding dress to arrive. If you leave it too late to start shopping, you may be able to buy off the peg, but you won't have the same degree of choice.
Legal love. Giving notice of your civil ceremony or civil partnership is an essential legal step. As of 2 March 2015, the notice period you must give will increase to 28 full days.
Seasonal celebrations. Struggling with your budget? Consider marrying during the winter or on a weekday when prices tend to be lower.
Insurance essentials. It's a good idea to take out wedding insurance. For a relatively small cost, it will insure you against any problems that may arise.
Nova Wedding Photography
words Rebecca Matthews
Copyright Wed magazine 2015
Nova Wedding Photography
WHERE TO START
Planning your wedding should be one of life's most exciting chapters. However, it is only too easy to find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of the occasion and the dizzying number of options available to you. "It's a good idea to look at a 12-month plan to get a handle on things and think about budget which is key," advises wedding planner Tracy Edwards of Blue Fizz Events (bluefizzevents.co.uk).
As unexciting as it may sound, your budget should be at the top of your priority list. "No decisions can be made until you know how much money you have to work with," asserts wedding planner Jenny Phipps of Jenny Wren Weddings and Events (jennywrenweddingsandevents.co.uk). "Seriously think about what your limit is and speak to family members early on about what they may contribute." Wedding stylist Elle Winsor-Grime of Inspire Hire (inspire-hire.co.uk) agrees: "Set a budget and write it down," she says.
Once you have your grand total, it's time to talk priorities. "Discuss which elements are most important to you. Is it a luxury venue, a pair of designer shoes, fabulous food or a free bar?" comments Elle. "Choose the three most important things and find out how much they will cost. Once you have allocated your budget for these, you can start to look at what is leftover for the less important things."
Joshua Gooding
If you haven't got a clue about how much to allocate for each element, make enquiries concerning costs and draw up a list of prices. "If you have a wedding planner, they will be able to guide you on this; there are many tools online which can help too," says Jenny.
Be careful not to lose track of your spending - it will only lead to headaches down the line. "It's really important that you both agree and stick to the budget. Keep a close eye on expenditure and adjust accordingly if you have gone slightly over in one area by compensating in another," comments Tracy. As Jenny affirms, the humble spreadsheet may prove to be your best friend: "Create an Excel spreadsheet with two columns, predicted and actual, so you can keep track of everything that has been spent."
It is also advisable to allocate a just-in-case fund. "If you can, it's always good to have a slush fund, say 10-15% of the total budget, to allow for any over expenditure," advises Tracy.
Remember to keep focused and budget-savvy throughout the process. "Note down the things that are important to you at the beginning of the process, and keep referring to these throughout. This will help you prioritise and remind you why you are planning your wedding!" comments Elle.
James Simmons
BE OUR GUEST
Now for the fun bit - at least in theory. As many a bride and groom can testify, the joy of scribbling down the names of all the people you'd like to share your day with can quickly spiral out of control and into a hotly debated mess. So take a practical and structured approach from the start.
First of all, consider the scale of your wedding. "Discuss what is important to you: is it having a huge number of people at your wedding and making your budget stretch accordingly, or would you rather have fewer people and spend more for each guest?" says Elle.
Once you've settled this matter, start drawing up your list. "I suggest you separate the list into three categories: people who you couldn't bear not being there, people who you would really like to attend but it's not critical, and people whom you would enjoy having there but could eliminate if necessary," advises Jenny.
Tracy also endorses this approach. "As clinical as it may sound, creating a rating system for each person will help to formulate the list. You may have to defend your decisions, so you need to feel comfortable and justified with your calculations," she comments. If you're still struggling to decide, the issue of cold, hard cash might help. "Work out how much each guest will be costing you per head. This often helps make the decisions easier to make," says Elle.
On the matter of money, be aware that accepting a financial contribution from parents can have implications for the guest list. "They may feel they can invite certain people, for instance, old friends who your fiance may never have met, who then take the place of some of his friends," says Jenny. "You need to reach a compromise."
James Simmons
A QUESTION OF PLACE
Choosing your venue is arguably the most important decision you'll make during the planning process - and one you'll have to make promptly if you don't want a lengthy engagement. "Venues are booking up over a year in advance, so if there's a venue you have always dreamed of getting married in, contact them as soon as you can and have a look around. If not, start looking around the area of your choice," recommends wedding planner Claire Hooper of Weddings by Claire (weddingsbyclaire.com).
"Decide whether you would like two separate locations for the day, one for the ceremony and one for the reception, or if you would rather have it all in one place," adds Jenny.
Consider some key questions when determining the suitability of a venue, as Tracy advises: "Is it available for the dates you require and are there accommodation options available? Is the venue easily accessible and does it offer good parking? Is the venue fully licensed for a civil ceremony? Does the venue offer an external ceremony area should the weather be fine?
Can the venue be hired for private use? What are the maximum numbers for a ceremony and wedding breakfast? Are there any restrictions in place concerning issues such as sound, candles, confetti or fireworks?" The answers to these questions will help you decide whether you've found your dream venue.
Once your minds - and hearts - are set, pinpoint some available dates, and ascertain the availability of the registrar, celebrant or your chosen church. "After the venue and ceremony, the most important suppliers to tie down are the caterers and photographer. They often get booked up one or more years in advance," affirms Elle. "Always get at least three quotes and do some research into the suppliers you like the style of first, then request some prices to check that their services are within your budget and arrange to meet your shortlist."
Ben Selway
THE PARTY PACK
Yes, you're excited and yes, you may have consumed rather a lot of Prosecco - but don't rush into choosing your wedding party. "People often get over excited and ask lots of people straight away, then regret it later," warns Elle.
The wedding party is an important bunch of people; from lifelong friends to cherished family members, these key players are charged with the responsibility of being a source of support throughout the planning process and on the day itself - and the question of who should take these roles should not be taken lightly.
When deciding, it might be useful to ask yourself some revealing questions. "Will they have the time and energy to assist with dress shopping or decorating your venue? Can they be trusted to help your photographer or remember to check what time your speeches should be starting? Can they be there to help you wherever you need it?" asks Elle. Then, of course, there's the considerable feat of organising a hen or stag do.
As well as the responsibility, being a member of a wedding party can involve some expense. "Bear this in mind when asking; make sure all participants know what you are expecting of them," says Tracy. "Ask your attendants soon after you choose a date and venue to allow them ample time to prepare. Invite people to participate in a way that allows them to decline gracefully if they feel they're not up to the task."
If you're struggling to decide whether someone should be a member of your wedding party, think about how they would fit in with the other attendants. "If you don't think they'd blend and be 100 percent dependable, leave them off the list," asserts Tracy.
GRW Photography
Instinct goes a long way on this matter: "In your heart or hearts, you will both know who you want there by your sides, so be true to yourselves and pick who you want to, not who you feel you should," asserts Jenny. Of course, your budget will often limit how many people you can have in your entourage. Look at other ways you can involve those people you would have liked to have included, whether it's reading at the ceremony, lighting candles or assisting with setting up the venue.
And remember, it's fine to double up, whether it's two best men or maids of honour. Just make sure you delegate appropriately, as Tracy urges, "Choose your most reliable friend for the most important duties."
Nova Wedding Photography
TIME TO STYLE
Dip your toe in the heady realms of Pinterest, bridal blogs and wedding magazines and you'll discover a dizzying world of styling inspiration. Before you venture into these beautiful but bewildering waters, consider a few key questions, which will help guide your choices - and, importantly, keep them personal.
Forget for a moment about the way you want your wedding to look, and consider how you want it to feel. "What kind of atmosphere do you want to create? Is it relaxed, glamorous, outdoorsy, fun? This will inspire certain styles of decor," comments Elle. "Next, consider how much money you want to spend on decoration and styling. Then make a list of the things you love individually and as a couple - this will help you inject your personalities into the wedding."
"Think about key words that capture and define your day; this will help you come up with ideas," continues Jenny. "If you find it hard to determine what you want, then think about what you definitely don't want." Deciding on a clear vision early in the process will save confusion later. "It will help avoid those magpie moments that many people fall into - getting everything that catches their eye, with nothing pulling the look together."
GRW Photography
Colour scheme stress - and the angst of matching the exact shades of blush pink - has caused many a trickle of sweat to appear on a bride's brow. "Don't obsess over colour schemes and themes. Generally, if you pick what you like it will work," says Elle. "As a rule, I would suggest choosing at least four colours to work with. Ask for samples of colours you like from a fabric shop or use paint cards from a DIY store to find out what shades work together."
"Work with your venue, not against it," continues Jenny. "Pick out the tones in the room(s) and plan your colour scheme to fit with them, avoiding clashes with curtains or carpets." You might even use your flowers as a starting point. "Ask your florist what flowers will be in season at the time, as these can set the tone."
The modern bride is spoilt for choice where it comes to inspiration - and Pinterest is a favourite resource. "Pinterest is a fantastic tool for getting your ideas and inspiration together. We regularly use this with couples as they are able to find images of what they would like and easily show us, and vice-versa," advises Claire.
There's also some fantastic bespoke styling services available for couples who may be time-starved, lacking inspiration, bewildered by the sheer choice available or simply need help bringing the elements together. "Blue Fizz Events' Wedding by Design service is perfect for any couple who wish to plan their own wedding, but need a little bit of help creating a style and theme to wow their guests," says Tracy. Together with Inspire Hire, which also offers a bespoke styling service, these super stylists will draw on elements of your personalities, tastes and relationship - while taking into account your venue, budget and specific requirements - to create a brilliantly 'you' party scene.
There's also help available from both Blue Fizz Events and Inspire Hire if you wish to take the DIY route. "We make suggestions for DIY projects but also help couples decide what just isn't worth doing themselves, and those projects that simply won't save money or time," advises Elle. "We also offer a service where we guide couples through the DIY wedding process, helping reduce stress levels and often saving them lots of money!"
Nova Wedding Photography
PLAN TO PERFECTION
Your wedding planning is going to take time - rather a lot of it in fact. "On average between 250-300 hours is spent planning a wedding and, trust me, this is not all spent on the enjoyable tasks!" advises Jenny. If this sounds overwhelming, you may wish to consider hiring a wedding planner.
A wedding planner covers a huge variety of tasks - and many of the less appealing ones at that. "They can take care of everything from the hours of supplier research, managing your budget and reviewing contracts to providing a wealth of creative ideas and insights, managing logistical elements and using their skills and contacts to make your day come together seamlessly," advises Jenny. All of which allows you to relish the journey to the altar, minus the logistical headaches.
"We take all the stress away from the bride and groom in the months and weeks leading up to the big day. This is invaluable for couples who both have busy schedules," comments Tracy. Claire agrees: "A wedding planner is not only your personal assistant but your organiser, problem solver, mediator and, of course, helps makes your dreams come true whilst keeping you calm!"
Beyond saving you time and stress headaches, a good wedding planner can also save you money. "Planners are in a much better position to negotiate with suppliers as they can potentially get them repeat business," advises Jenny. Tracy agrees: "We are experts in advising our clients of the best suppliers to suit their particular needs and very skillful at negotiating the best prices." In the long run, hiring a planner or stylist might actually lead to a saving.
Nova Wedding Photography
That little black book of supplier contacts is another key advantage. The success of a wedding is largely dependent on the choice of suppliers - and you've got one chance to get it right. Then, of course, there's tapping into that all-important knowledge base. "We know what works and what doesn't and can foresee potential issues, remedying them before they have the chance to arise," says Jenny. "When it comes to the day itself, we will know the ins and outs of your wedding day to the same level of detail (if not more) as you, making us the best equipped to manage the day."
If you don't hire a planner, you might consider an on the day coordinator - particularly if you're opting for a marquee or DIY affair. In a nutshell, an on the day coordinator will ensure the wedding day runs like clockwork. "After a full handover of plans, contact is made with each supplier involved, managing them from that point forward and creating a detailed schedule of the day," says Jenny. "On the day itself, your planner will oversee the set-up of the venue, coordinate all the suppliers involved and provide that extra level of detail required to ensure the rooms look perfect." They will then manage the proceedings of the day, ensure your guests are comfortable and deal with any issues behind the scenes, leaving you to relax and savour every moment.
"On the day coordination is invaluable for DIY brides," comments Tracy. "Brides can often underestimate the enormity of work involved 'on the day' in pulling everything together. Our on the day coordination services allows brides the opportunity to pass over management and organisation four weeks prior to the wedding."
"No one ever realises how much work planning and styling a wedding will be," agrees Elle. "I would never suggest doing anything yourselves on the day of the wedding - it really isn't worth the stress." And, if you have access to decorate your venue the day before, be warned: "It will take far longer than you think!"
GRW Photography
RELISH THE RIDE
Of course you're going to enjoy the process - it's your wedding, right? But all too often, planning a wedding can be overwhelming, stressful and downright exhausting. Embark on the process with a clear sense of direction, perspective and balance - and this journey should turn out to be a much-cherished experience.
Organisation is essential to maintaining a sense of calm. "Set a budget, keep a record of what you have booked, what you have spent and when bills will be due so there are no hidden surprises or last minute panics," advises Elle. "Break your planning down and give yourself dates of when to have things done by," adds Jenny. "These milestones will give you a sense of achievement, you will have a clear vision of where you are at, what else is to be done and when you plan to do it." And start planning early - but not too early! "Starting early gives you the luxury of time to handpick your suppliers, negotiate and really do your research, rather than panic booking," says Jenny. "However, your ideas can change over time; if you start too early, you may regret some of the decisions you made later down the line."
Remember that asking for help is not a weakness. "Don't try and do everything yourself, and don't assume that hiring a professional will always cost more," says Elle.
Take a measured approach to involving family and friends in the key decisions. "Don't feel you need to run every single idea past everyone. Too many opinions are rarely useful," warns Elle. "Don't get caught up in what you think everyone else thinks or will want to see at the wedding. It is your day, don't lose sight of that," urges Jenny.
Emma Solley
However, delegating certain responsibilities will enhance the experience for everyone. "It's often nice to delegate certain small jobs to family members of friends to help them feel important and appreciated without causing you too much stress," says Elle.
And, if you start feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself a few key questions: "Why are we getting married? Who is our wedding day really about? What is important to us about our wedding day?" affirms Elle. This should help you regain focus on the marriage itself.
Importantly, don't forget to take some time out with your fiance. "Having days or nights away from the planning, with no talk of weddings allowed, is essential," asserts Claire. "Enjoy each other's company and remember why you chose to marry in the first place," advises Tracy. And, of course, ensure you find a window for some all-important me-time. "Regular exercise will help relieve tension and stress and make you will inwardly and outwardly better, more relaxed and healthier."
Then it's all about maintaining a calm approach and relishing the ride. "Take it slowly, seek advice when you need input and seek comfort when you need to share your emotions," says Tracy. "Most of all, simply enjoy it and feel blessed that you have found that special person you wish to share the rest of your life with."
Sam Gibson
PLANNING POINTERS
Breeze your way to the aisle with these must-heed tips...
File it. Pick up a wedding file to collate inspiration, quotes, invoices and, of course, pages of your favourite wedding magazine!
Wed on the web. Think about setting up a wedding website. Many couples are now taking this route to keep friends and family posted on wedding updates.
Dress stress. It can take up to six months for your wedding dress to arrive. If you leave it too late to start shopping, you may be able to buy off the peg, but you won't have the same degree of choice.
Legal love. Giving notice of your civil ceremony or civil partnership is an essential legal step. As of 2 March 2015, the notice period you must give will increase to 28 full days.
Seasonal celebrations. Struggling with your budget? Consider marrying during the winter or on a weekday when prices tend to be lower.
Insurance essentials. It's a good idea to take out wedding insurance. For a relatively small cost, it will insure you against any problems that may arise.
Nova Wedding Photography
words Rebecca Matthews
Copyright Wed magazine 2015