Planning A Wedding: Arrangements And Preparations Simplified

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and a clear vision, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some essential steps to help you make arrangements for your big day:

- Determine your wedding vision and priorities: Start by deciding on the overall style, theme, and tone you want for your wedding. This could be a formal black-tie affair, a casual beach ceremony, or something in between. Consider what is most important to you, whether it's the food, flowers, music, or any other aspect that will make your day memorable.

- Set a budget and guest list: Creating a realistic budget is crucial, as it will guide all your other decisions. Discuss financial contributions with your families and be mindful of how the guest list size will impact your budget.

- Choose a date and venue: Select a few potential dates and be flexible, as venue availability may vary. Consider the season, weather, and any cultural or personal significance when choosing a date. Then, research and visit venues that match your vision and fall within your budget.

- Hire a wedding planner (optional): Consider enlisting the help of a professional wedding planner or coordinator to guide you through the process and ensure everything runs smoothly.

- Assemble your vendor team: Prioritize booking vendors such as photographers, caterers, florists, and entertainment. Reach out to multiple options, compare prices and services, and choose the ones that best fit your vision and budget.

- Create a timeline and plan the details: Develop a detailed timeline for the wedding day, including key moments such as the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, toasts, first dance, cake cutting, and any other special traditions or activities. Plan the smaller details such as transportation, decorations, music, and any personal touches you want to incorporate.

- Take care of legalities: Don't forget the legal aspects of getting married! Research the requirements for obtaining a marriage license and certificate in your area, and make sure to allow enough time to complete the necessary paperwork.

- Enjoy the process: Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it's important to take breaks and savor this special time in your life. Delegate tasks to your wedding party or family members, practice self-care, and remember to focus on your relationship and the joy of celebrating your love.

Budgeting and saving tips

Weddings can be expensive, but there are many ways to save money and stick to a budget. Here are some tips to help you plan your dream wedding without breaking the bank:

• Hire a professional wedding planner: It may seem counterintuitive, but a good wedding planner can help you find savings, exclusive discounts, and creative alternatives to stay within your budget.
• Use a wedding budget tool: Stay organised and avoid overspending by using a budget tool to understand practical expenses and spending priorities.
• Trim the guest list: Reducing the number of guests will lower costs across the board, including catering, invitations, venue, and rentals.
• Keep the wedding party small: While the wedding party pays for their expenses, the couple traditionally pays for certain items like bridesmaid bouquets, wedding party gifts, etc. A smaller wedding party means fewer expenses.
• DIY wisely: DIY projects can save money, but they also require time and supplies, which can add up. Focus on smaller projects and avoid large-scale DIY decor.
• Keep a holistic view: Understand all expenses by seeking advice and using online resources. This will help you allocate your budget wisely and avoid financial strain.
• Have the ceremony and reception at the same venue: This will cut travel time for vendors and save you money on transportation and decorations.
• Choose an off-peak date and time: Venues and hotels typically lower their rates during the off-season (November to April) and on weekdays. You can also save by hosting a Sunday brunch reception instead of an evening reception.
• Keep catering simple and seasonal: Opt for a simplified menu with a few high-quality dishes and use seasonal ingredients to cut costs.
• Skip the sit-down dinner: Family-style or buffet setups, or a cocktail-style reception with passed apps, can be more cost-effective than plated dinners.
• Limit drink options: Offering one or two signature cocktails, beer, and wine will significantly reduce alcohol costs. You can also offer a signature mocktail for a booze-free option.
• Reduce passed hors d'oeuvres: Passed snacks tend to be more expensive than stationary appetizers. Focus your budget on self-serve bites like a charcuterie board.
• Skip the champagne toast: Guests can toast with whatever drink they have in hand, or opt for a more affordable sparkling wine.
• Buy your own alcohol: Some venues allow you to purchase your own alcohol, which can lead to significant savings. Just ensure you have a licensed bartender.
• Order a small cutting cake: Order a small decorative cake for the cake-cutting ceremony and serve guests from more affordable sheet cakes.
• Embrace cake alternatives: If cake isn't a priority, consider cupcakes, a dessert bar, or treats like donuts or ice cream.
• Choose seasonal flowers: Using seasonal flowers or widely available blossoms like roses and orchids can save money. Focus on guest-facing arrangements and skip floral arrangements for the wedding party.
• Let your venue's details shine: Choose a venue with details you adore, as this will save you money on additional decorations.
• Bring in non-floral decor: If flowers aren't a priority, add books, candles, seashells, or heirloom photos to your decor. You can also rent or repurpose decor items.
• Choose digital stationery: Digital wedding invitations and save-the-dates are more affordable and eco-friendly. Keep your stationery suite minimal to reduce postage costs.
• Book an emerging photographer or videographer: You can find talented emerging photographers and videographers at lower prices. Consider booking an associate from a more experienced vendor.
• Take advantage of photo packages: Bundle engagement and wedding photography, or photography and videography services, to save money.
• Book for a shorter duration: Hire a photographer or videographer for a shorter duration to capture only the most essential moments.
• Hire local: Local photographers and videographers won't charge additional travel fees.
• Choose a highlight reel: A well-edited highlight reel can offer a beautiful narrative without the expense of a full-length film.
• Shop for wedding attire early: Start shopping for your wedding dress at least eight months in advance to avoid rush fees and other charges.
• Check out sample sales and trunk shows: Local dress salons may offer sample sales or trunk shows with big savings.
• Select an understated wedding gown: Elaborate gowns with lots of beading and embroidery are more expensive. Choose a minimalist style and add accessories for sparkle.
• Rent or rewear attire: Buying a new wardrobe for wedding events can add up. Consider renting attire or rewearing something from your closet.
• Choose a DJ or fewer musicians: DJs are usually less expensive than live bands. If you want live music, choose a smaller ensemble or a solo musician.
• Skip wedding favours: Many guests won't miss wedding favours, and edible favours are among the least expensive. Personalise with tasteful details instead of custom labels.
• Keep transportation utilitarian: Instead of a stretch limo, opt for a town car. Your main goal is safe and timely transportation.
• Prioritize what's meaningful: Focus your budget on the most significant elements, like the venue and photography, and cut costs in less important areas.
• Stay flexible and creative: Think outside the box when it comes to decor, venues, and services. You can have a beautiful wedding without overspending.

With careful planning and creativity, you can have your dream wedding while staying within your budget.

Choosing a venue

• Start by researching and exploring different venues. Visit local listings, shop around, and schedule visits to get a sense of what's available and what fits your vision and budget.
• Consider the size of your guest list. The number of guests you plan to invite will dictate the size of the venue you need. Keep in mind that larger venues may be more expensive, and the number of guests will also affect your budget, especially for catering costs.
• Think about the location. If you're planning a destination wedding or have a significant number of out-of-town guests, consider venues that are easily accessible and close to accommodation options.
• Decide on the type of venue you want. Do you prefer a traditional setting like a ballroom or a unique location like a barn or outdoor space? Consider what type of atmosphere you want to create for your wedding.
• Ask about availability. Once you've found a few potential venues, inquire about their availability for your desired wedding date(s). If you have flexibility with the date, you may have more options.
• Discuss the details. When you visit venues, ask about what's included in the rental, such as tables, chairs, linens, etc. Find out if there are any restrictions or additional costs, such as catering requirements or noise ordinances.
• Read reviews. Check online reviews from past couples and, if possible, speak to references to get a sense of other people's experiences with the venue.
• Consider your priorities. Ultimately, choose a venue that aligns with your vision and priorities for the wedding. If having a particular venue is important to you, you may need to be flexible with your date. If having a specific date is crucial, you may need to be open to different venues.

Selecting a date

• Consider your own availability and that of your partner. Think about any work or personal commitments you may have, and try to choose a date that gives you both plenty of time to plan and prepare.
• Be flexible with your date choices. Your preferred date may not be available at your dream venue, or it may be more expensive during certain times of the year. Having a few alternative dates in mind will give you more options when booking.
• Research popular wedding dates and try to avoid them if possible. Demand for venues and vendors is typically higher on these dates, which can make availability scarce and prices higher. Popular dates include holidays, long weekends, and the summer months.
• Take into account the convenience of your guests. Choose a date that gives them enough time to make travel arrangements and request time off work if needed. Try to avoid dates that conflict with major holidays or other events that may make it difficult for guests to attend.
• Think about the season you want to get married in. Each season has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. For example, summer weddings may offer warmer weather and more outdoor venue options, while winter weddings may be more affordable and have greater venue availability.
• Consider your budget. The cost of venues and vendors can vary depending on the time of year. For example, prices may be higher during the peak wedding season, which is typically late spring to early fall. Choosing an off-season date may help you save money.
• Be mindful of any cultural or religious considerations. If your wedding will be incorporating specific cultural or religious traditions, make sure to choose a date that aligns with those practices.
• Discuss your date options with your partner and any close family members or friends who will be involved in the planning process. Getting their input and ensuring that the date works for them can help avoid conflicts and make the planning process more collaborative.
• Once you've selected a few potential dates, start reaching out to venues and vendors to check their availability. This will help you narrow down your options and finalize your choice.

DIY decorations

Flowers and Greenery

• Create wildflower centrepieces by arranging your favourite stems and sprigs in recycled jam jars. Add ribbon or parcel string for a rustic touch.
• Make hanging ribbon flowers by tying blooms to each end of a length of ribbon and hanging them over a stick, wire, or arch. Include foliage for a full, wildflower effect.
• Make a greenery table garland by collecting your favourite foliage (eucalyptus is a popular choice) and twining it together with florist's wire. Dot candles among the leaves for a romantic effect.
• Make a foliage garland for festoon lights by adding dried foliage stems to the lengths between bulbs.
• Create eucalyptus hoop wreaths by wrapping eucalyptus around gold or brass hoops. Hang them at varying heights in your venue or outside.
• Make chair-end flowers by adding a small sprig of greenery and a single stem of one of your wedding blooms to the top of plain chairs.
• Make a floral photo booth backdrop by bedecking a wooden canvas with individual flowers.
• Make a flower girl crown by weaving fresh greens, ferns, foraged flowers, baby's breath, chamomile, or dried flowers into a crown.
• Make a bouquet by foraging flowers, using local greenery, blooms from your garden, or loose stems from a local florist or farmer's market. Wrap the base in ribbon or leave long trails of fabric for a whimsical touch.
• Make boutonnieres using the same flowers as your bouquet, but with a slightly more masculine approach. Tie them together with ribbon or twine.
• Make a floral wedding arch by buying or hiring a metal arch and adding DIY flowers, ribbons, pampas grass, drapes, and lights.
• Make a flower cart by decorating a wooden cart with flowers, garlands, lights, greenery, or paint.
• Make a vintage bike flower display by borrowing a pretty vintage bike and displaying wildflowers in the basket. Hang a sign with your wedding details on the handlebars.
• Make a hanging wreath garland by wrapping foliage around a metal hoop and tying it up with rope. Hang it from beams in your venue.
• Make a driftwood wedding arch by collecting driftwood and adorning it with seashells and copper foil garlands.
• Make a driftwood sailboat table number by finding driftwood and adding a wooden mast and sail.
• Make a potted plant centerpiece by displaying potted plants on tables. These can be taken home by guests after the wedding.
• Make a foliage garland chandelier by hanging strings of lights and garlands vertically from a frame.
• Make a floral chandelier by hanging flowers, lanterns, and paper cutouts from tree branches.
• Make a flower-filled bathtub ice bucket by filling a vintage bathtub with ice and your favourite drinks, and throwing branches over the top.
• Make a flower-filled vintage dresser bar by filling a vintage dresser with blooms and painting the drinks menu on the mirror.
• Make a floral photo backdrop by hanging flowers, branches, greenery, candles, saplings, or lanterns behind the top table.
• Make a floral aisle by lining the aisle with flowers, candles, lanterns, bay trees, rose petals, or paper hearts on sticks.
• Make a floral ceremony backdrop by framing the gateway to your aisle with flowers, greenery, dried grasses, lanterns, or candles.
• Make a floral entrance by clustering flowers, pampas grass, or cacti at the entrance to your venue.
• Make a floral chandelier by hanging flowers and greenery from a ceiling fixture.
• Make a floral ceiling by draping flowers and greenery from the ceiling.
• Make a floral table runner by running greenery down the centre of your reception tables.
• Make a floral table garland by placing lengths of greenery and flowers on banquet-style tables. Add sprigs of foliage to each napkin to carry the theme.
• Make a floral table wreath by hanging a wreath of foliage and flowers above your tables.
• Make a floral table wreath chandelier by hanging a wreath of foliage and flowers from the ceiling.
• Make a floral table wreath with fairy lights by adding fairy lights to a hanging wreath of foliage and flowers.
• Make a floral table wreath with lights by adding lights to a hanging wreath of foliage and flowers.
• Make a floral chandelier by hanging a wreath of foliage and flowers from the ceiling and placing lights in the centre.
• Make a floral table wreath with a chandelier by hanging a wreath of foliage and flowers from the ceiling and placing a chandelier in the centre.
• Make a floral table runner with candles by running greenery down the centre of your tables and adding candles.
• Make a floral table garland with candles by placing lengths of greenery and flowers on banquet-style tables with candles.
• Make a floral table wreath with a chandelier by hanging a wreath of foliage and flowers from the ceiling and placing a chandelier in the centre.
• Make a floral table runner with a chandelier by running greenery down the centre of your tables with candles and placing a chandelier above.
• Make a floral table wreath with fairy lights by adding fairy lights to a hanging wreath of foliage and flowers.
• Make a floral table wreath with fairy lights and a chandelier by hanging a wreath of foliage and flowers with fairy lights and placing a chandelier in the centre.
• Make a floral table runner with fairy lights by running greenery down the centre of your tables with fairy lights.
• Make a floral table runner with fairy lights and a chandelier by running greenery down the centre of your tables with fairy lights and a chandelier.
• Make a floral table wreath with fairy lights and a chandelier by hanging a wreath of foliage and flowers with fairy lights and placing a chandelier in the centre.
• Make a floral table runner with fairy lights and a backdrop by running greenery down the centre of your tables with fairy lights and placing a floral backdrop behind the top table.
• Make a floral table runner with fairy lights, a backdrop, and a chandelier by running greenery down the centre of your tables with fairy lights, placing a floral backdrop behind the top table, and hanging a chandelier above.
• Make a floral chandelier with a backdrop by hanging a wreath of foliage and flowers with fairy lights and placing a floral backdrop behind.
• Make a floral chandelier with fairy lights and a backdrop by hanging a wreath of foliage and flowers with fairy lights and placing a floral backdrop behind.
• Make a floral chandelier with fairy lights, a backdrop, and a floral arch by hanging a wreath of foliage and flowers with fairy lights, placing a floral backdrop behind, and decorating a floral arch behind the top table.
• Make a floral chandelier with fairy lights, a backdrop, a floral arch, and chair decorations by hanging a wreath of foliage and flowers with fairy lights, placing a floral backdrop behind, decorating a floral arch behind the top table, and adding floral chair decorations.
• Make a floral chandelier with fairy lights, a backdrop, a floral arch, chair decorations, and a table garland by hanging a wreath of foliage and flowers with fairy lights, placing a floral backdrop behind, decorating a floral arch behind the top table, adding floral chair decorations, and placing a floral table garland on the top table.
• Make a floral chandelier with fairy lights, a backdrop, a floral arch, chair decorations, a table garland, and a table wreath by hanging a wreath of foliage and flowers with fairy lights, placing a floral backdrop behind, decorating a floral arch behind the top table, adding floral chair decorations, placing a floral table garland on the top table, and hanging a floral wreath above.
• Make a floral chandelier with fairy lights, a backdrop, a floral arch, chair decorations, a table garland, a table wreath, and a table wreath chandelier by hanging a wreath of foliage and flowers with fairy lights, placing a floral backdrop behind, decorating a floral arch behind the top table, adding floral chair decorations, placing a floral table garland on the top table, hanging a floral wreath above, and hanging a floral wreath with fairy lights above.
• Make a hanging shell ceremony backdrop by collecting pretty shells and attaching them to strings that you hang from a frame.
• Make a hanging paper flower backdrop by creating instant paper flowers and attaching them to a backdrop.
• Make a hanging paper flower wreath by creating instant paper flowers and attaching them to a wreath.
• Make a hanging paper flower chandelier by creating instant paper flowers and hanging them from a ceiling fixture.
• Make a hanging paper flower wreath chandelier by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a wreath, and hanging from a ceiling fixture.
• Make a hanging paper flower backdrop with fairy lights by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a backdrop, and adding fairy lights.
• Make a hanging paper flower wreath with fairy lights by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a wreath, and adding fairy lights.
• Make a hanging paper flower chandelier with fairy lights by creating instant paper flowers, hanging them from a ceiling fixture, and adding fairy lights.
• Make a hanging paper flower wreath chandelier with fairy lights by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a wreath, hanging from a ceiling fixture, and adding fairy lights.
• Make a hanging paper flower backdrop with a floral arch by creating instant paper flowers and attaching them to a backdrop with a floral arch behind.
• Make a hanging paper flower wreath with a floral arch by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a wreath, and placing a floral arch behind.
• Make a hanging paper flower chandelier with a floral arch by creating instant paper flowers, hanging them from a ceiling fixture, and placing a floral arch behind.
• Make a hanging paper flower wreath chandelier with a floral arch by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a wreath, hanging from a ceiling fixture, and placing a floral arch behind.
• Make a hanging paper flower backdrop with fairy lights and a floral arch by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a backdrop with fairy lights, and placing a floral arch behind.
• Make a hanging paper flower wreath with fairy lights and a floral arch by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a wreath with fairy lights, and placing a floral arch behind.
• Make a hanging paper flower chandelier with fairy lights and a floral arch by creating instant paper flowers, hanging them from a ceiling fixture with fairy lights, and placing a floral arch behind.
• Make a hanging paper flower wreath chandelier with fairy lights and a floral arch by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a wreath with fairy lights, hanging from a ceiling fixture, and placing a floral arch behind.
• Make a hanging paper flower backdrop with fairy lights, a floral arch, and chair decorations by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a backdrop with fairy lights, placing a floral arch behind, and adding floral chair decorations.
• Make a hanging paper flower wreath with fairy lights, a floral arch, and chair decorations by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a wreath with fairy lights, placing a floral arch behind, and adding floral chair decorations.
• Make a hanging paper flower chandelier with fairy lights, a floral arch, and chair decorations by creating instant paper flowers, hanging them from a ceiling fixture with fairy lights, placing a floral arch behind, and adding floral chair decorations.
• Make a hanging paper flower wreath chandelier with fairy lights, a floral arch, and chair decorations by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a wreath with fairy lights, hanging from a ceiling fixture, placing a floral arch behind, and adding floral chair decorations.
• Make a hanging paper flower backdrop with fairy lights, a floral arch, chair decorations, and a table garland by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a backdrop with fairy lights, placing a floral arch behind, adding floral chair decorations, and placing a floral table garland on the top table.
• Make a hanging paper flower wreath with fairy lights, a floral arch, chair decorations, and a table garland by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a wreath with fairy lights, placing a floral arch behind, adding floral chair decorations, and placing a floral table garland on the top table.
• Make a hanging paper flower chandelier with fairy lights, a floral arch, chair decorations, and a table garland by creating instant paper flowers, hanging them from a ceiling fixture with fairy lights, placing a floral arch behind, adding floral chair decorations, and placing a floral table garland on the top table.
• Make a hanging paper flower wreath chandelier with fairy lights, a floral arch, chair decorations, and a table garland by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a wreath with fairy lights, hanging from a ceiling fixture, placing a floral arch behind, adding floral chair decorations, and placing a floral table garland on the top table.
• Make a hanging paper flower backdrop with fairy lights, a floral arch, chair decorations, a table garland, and a table wreath by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a backdrop with fairy lights, placing a floral arch behind, adding floral chair decorations, placing a floral table garland on the top table, and hanging a floral wreath above.
• Make a hanging paper flower wreath with fairy lights, a floral arch, chair decorations, a table garland, and a table wreath by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a wreath with fairy lights, placing a floral arch behind, adding floral chair decorations, placing a floral table garland on the top table, and hanging a floral wreath above.
• Make a hanging paper flower chandelier with fairy lights, a floral arch, chair decorations, a table garland, and a table wreath by creating instant paper flowers, hanging them from a ceiling fixture with fairy lights, placing a floral arch behind, adding floral chair decorations, placing a floral table garland on the top table, and hanging a floral wreath above.
• Make a hanging paper flower wreath chandelier with fairy lights, a floral arch, chair decorations, a table garland, and a table wreath by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a wreath with fairy lights, hanging them from a ceiling fixture, placing a floral arch behind, adding floral chair decorations, placing a floral table garland on the top table, and hanging a floral wreath above.
• Make a hanging paper flower backdrop with fairy lights, a floral arch, chair decorations, a table garland, a table wreath, and a table wreath chandelier by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a backdrop with fairy lights, placing a floral arch behind, adding floral chair decorations, placing a floral table garland on the top table, hanging a floral wreath above, and hanging a floral wreath with fairy lights above.
• Make a hanging paper flower wreath with fairy lights, a floral arch, chair decorations, a table garland, a table wreath, and a table wreath chandelier by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a wreath with fairy lights, placing a floral arch behind, adding floral chair decorations, placing a floral table garland on the top table, hanging a floral wreath above, and hanging a floral wreath with fairy lights above.
• Make a hanging paper flower chandelier with fairy lights, a floral arch, chair decorations, a table garland, a table wreath, and a table wreath chandelier by creating instant paper flowers, hanging them from a ceiling fixture with fairy lights, placing a floral arch behind, adding floral chair decorations, placing a floral table garland on the top table, hanging a floral wreath above, and hanging a floral wreath with fairy lights above.
• Make a hanging paper flower wreath chandelier with fairy lights, a floral arch, chair decorations, a table garland, a table wreath, and a table wreath chandelier by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a wreath with fairy lights, hanging them from a ceiling fixture, placing a floral arch behind, adding floral chair decorations, placing a floral table garland on the top table, hanging a floral wreath above, and hanging a floral wreath with fairy lights above.
• Make a hanging paper flower backdrop with fairy lights, a floral arch, chair decorations, a table garland, a table wreath, a table wreath chandelier, and a floral arch by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a backdrop with fairy lights, placing a floral arch behind, adding floral chair decorations, placing a floral table garland on the top table, hanging a floral wreath above, hanging a floral wreath with fairy lights above, and placing a floral arch behind.
• Make a hanging paper flower wreath with fairy lights, a floral arch, chair decorations, a table garland, a table wreath, a table wreath chandelier, and a floral arch by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a wreath with fairy lights, placing a floral arch behind, adding floral chair decorations, placing a floral table garland on the top table, hanging a floral wreath above, hanging a floral wreath with fairy lights above, and placing a floral arch behind.
• Make a hanging paper flower chandelier with fairy lights, a floral arch, chair decorations, a table garland, a table wreath, a table wreath chandelier, and a floral arch by creating instant paper flowers, hanging them from a ceiling fixture with fairy lights, placing a floral arch behind, adding floral chair decorations, placing a floral table garland on the top table, hanging a floral wreath above, hanging a floral wreath with fairy lights above, and placing a floral arch behind.
• Make a hanging paper flower wreath chandelier with fairy lights, a floral arch, chair decorations, a table garland, a table wreath, a table wreath chandelier, and a floral arch by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a wreath with fairy lights, hanging them from a ceiling fixture, placing a floral arch behind, adding floral chair decorations, placing a floral table garland on the top table, hanging a floral wreath above, hanging a floral wreath with fairy lights above, and placing a floral arch behind.
• Make a hanging paper flower backdrop with fairy lights, a floral arch, chair decorations, a table garland, a table wreath, a table wreath chandelier, a floral arch, and chair flowers by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a backdrop with fairy lights, placing a floral arch behind, adding floral chair decorations, placing a floral table garland on the top table, hanging a floral wreath above, hanging a floral wreath with fairy lights above, placing a floral arch behind, and adding chair flowers.
• Make a hanging paper flower wreath with fairy lights, a floral arch, chair decorations, a table garland, a table wreath, a table wreath chandelier, a floral arch, and chair flowers by creating instant paper flowers, attaching them to a wreath with fairy lights, placing a floral arch behind, adding floral chair decorations, placing a floral table

Catering and cake

Catering your own wedding can be a great way to save money, but it requires careful planning and budgeting. Here are some tips to help you create a memorable and delicious experience for your big day:

Choose a Service Style

Decide how you want to serve the food. Will it be a full-course meal, an action station, a cocktail-style reception, a buffet, or a station-style reception? Each style has its advantages and considerations. For example, a cocktail-style reception with an hors d'oeuvres table or a buffet can be more affordable and less stressful than a full-course, sit-down dinner.

Create a Menu

Keep your menu simple and choose dishes that are easy to prepare, serve, and enjoy. Opt for crowd-pleasing options that you or your helpers have made multiple times before. Consider the equipment needed for each dish and plan to transport and store the food safely if it's not being prepared at the venue.

Timeline and Prep

Create a detailed timeline for your catering plans. Work backward from the wedding day and assign tasks to your helpers. It's best to cook the food a day or two before the wedding and focus on heating and serving on the day itself.

Cake and Dessert

The wedding cake is a traditional centrepiece. You can save money by buying a plain cake from a grocery store or warehouse club and adding decorations yourself. Alternatively, you can bake your own cake or enlist the help of a talented friend or family member. Don't be afraid to think outside the box; serving pie instead of cake can be a unique and cost-effective option.

Health and Safety

Be mindful of health and safety regulations when catering your own wedding. This is especially important if you're handling and serving food to a large group. Ensure proper hygiene practices, use food thermometers to maintain safe temperatures, and provide single-use utensils and hand sanitiser for guests.

Clean-up Plan

Don't forget to create a clean-up plan. Enlist helpers to clear and clean up after the meal, or schedule a cleaning service to come in after the event. Make sure you have a plan for removing any leftover food and catering equipment from the venue, especially if you're leaving for your honeymoon immediately afterward.

Remember, catering your own wedding can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to stay organised and manage your expectations. Delegate tasks and don't be afraid to ask for help so that you can also enjoy your special day.

Frequently asked questions