Planning A Wedding: A Guide To Your Special Day

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and mindset, it can be a fun and exciting process. There is no right way to plan a wedding, as your special day should be as unique as your relationship. However, there are some key steps that can help you get started, such as setting a budget, determining your priorities, and starting your planning process well in advance to ensure you have your pick of venues, vendors, and dates.

Budgeting

First, decide who will be paying for the wedding. Traditionally, the bride's parents would cover the bill, but this is no longer the case for many couples. Next, work out how much money you can set aside each month without affecting your necessities or lifestyle more than you are willing to accommodate. Multiply this number by the length of your engagement, and that is your wedding budget. You may need to DIY, reduce your expectations, and pick cheaper options to make your wedding fit within your budget.

Before you start planning, it's a good idea to have a sense of the type of wedding style you want. This will help you when it comes to meeting with vendors and choosing a venue. The venue will likely be your biggest expense, so it's important to have a clear idea of your guest list before you start looking at venues. The price will be higher if you need space for 300 guests versus 150, for example.

It's a good idea to start planning your wedding well in advance, as this will give you more options when it comes to venues, vendors, and dates. It will also give you time to save up and ensure you can afford the wedding you want.

Choosing a venue

The first thing to do is make a rough guest list. This will help you to narrow down your venue options, as you'll need to choose somewhere that can accommodate all your guests. It's important to choose a venue that allows for a few extra people, as you may get more RSVPs than expected. You should also consider whether the venue has enough space for guests to mingle and dance. If you're planning on having a large number of guests, you might want to consider hiring private transport for everyone, which will give you more venue options as you won't need to worry about accessibility and parking.

When you're deciding between a few different venues, it's a good idea to view them when they're set up for a wedding. This will give you a better idea of how the space will work for your event. If you can't visit the venue in person, ask to see photographs or a seating plan of the room at capacity. You should also read reviews from other couples who have got married at the venues you're considering.

Some venues offer additional services, such as an in-house wedding planner or floral arrangements, which could save you time and money. It's worth assessing each venue's customer service and considering whether it's a good fit for you and your partner.

Selecting a date

When it comes to selecting a date for your wedding, it's important to start planning in advance. This will ensure you have your pick of venues, vendors and dates. It's a good idea to sit down with your partner and decide what the three most important aspects of your wedding are. This could be the venue, a specific date, a photographer or a live band. Prioritising these details will help you stay within your budget. For example, if you have a specific date in mind, you may need to be flexible on the venue or the type of entertainment you have.

It's also important to have a good sense of the type of wedding style you want before you meet with vendors. This will help you choose a date that fits with your vision. For example, if you're planning a winter wedding, you'll want to select a date in the colder months. Or, if you're dreaming of a summer celebration, you'll want to choose a date when the weather is likely to be warm.

When selecting a date, it's also worth considering any important events or holidays that may clash with your wedding. You don't want your guests to have to choose between your special day and another important event. It's also a good idea to avoid peak holiday times, as travel and accommodation may be more expensive and harder to come by.

Finally, don't forget to give yourself enough time to plan. Wedding planning can be a lengthy process, so make sure you select a date that gives you ample time to organise all the details. This will help ensure your big day is everything you've ever dreamed of.

Picking a photographer

First, you should decide on a budget and what you want to be included in your wedding photography package. Next, you should think about the style of photography you want. Styles include natural and timeless, or warm and trendy. If you're not sure, look at some wedding and engagement photos on Instagram or Google to get an idea of what you like. Once you've decided on a style, you can start looking at photographers' portfolios. Remember that a portfolio is a compilation of a photographer's best work, so if you're not impressed, move on to the next one, even if they fit your budget.

You can also ask married friends and family members for referrals and about their experience with their photographer.

Researching vendors

When it comes to researching vendors, it's important to start early so you have your pick of the best venues, dates and suppliers. You should also have a good sense of the type of wedding style you want before you begin meeting with potential vendors.

You can research wedding suppliers both online and offline. Spend time browsing wedding directories, wedding blogs, social media and search engines to learn more about local suppliers in your area. Be sure to check out their galleries and testimonials from past couples to get an overall indication of their quality of work. You can also take your research offline through referrals and word-of-mouth. Reach out to any recently married friends or family members, or ask your venue and other suppliers for their recommendations.

Knowing your priorities for each supplier will help you streamline your research and make the process much quicker and easier. For example, maybe you want a photographer that specialises in candid, documentary-style images, or a wedding planner that has previous experience at your venue.

It's also important to build relationships with your vendors. These are the people you are going to be working closely with over the coming months so it’s super important that you find vendors who fit in with your personality, gel with your values, and that you can trust implicitly.

Frequently asked questions