Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a wedding can be a stressful and expensive process. To make it more manageable, it's a good idea to break down the planning into steps. First, decide on a date and season, and research venues and vendors. Next, consider the theme and colour scheme, and whether you want to incorporate any personal touches. You'll also need to think about the guest list, seating arrangements, and whether you'll require parking. It's important to keep track of your budget and what you need to purchase, as it can be easy to get carried away and spend more than you need to. You'll also need to consider the legal requirements, such as signing the marriage license with witnesses. Finally, don't forget to pack for your honeymoon if you're leaving straight after the wedding!
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Wedding attire
White-Tie Attire:
White-tie is the most formal wedding attire. It is often reserved for very formal weddings, as well as state dinners and royal events. For men, white-tie entails a tuxedo with tails, a formal white shirt, a vest, a bow tie, and formal footwear. Fabric extensions known as "tails" should reach the back of the knee, and trousers typically include a satin or grosgrain stripe. Women are expected to wear a formal, floor-length evening gown with jewellery, heels, and an elegant clutch.
Black-Tie Attire:
Black-tie weddings are formal and usually take place in the evening. Men are expected to wear tuxedos, with black bow ties, long black ties, or long string ties. Formal gowns for women should be floor-length or reach the top of the shoes. It is important to note that black-tie requires a tuxedo, not a black suit, and there is little room for interpretation.
Black-Tie-Optional Attire:
This dress code is slightly less formal than black-tie. While a tuxedo is not required, it can still be worn. Men can opt for a formal dark suit, a white shirt, and a conservative tie. Women can choose from a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.
Semi-Formal Attire:
Semi-formal attire, also known as dressy casual, offers flexibility and comfort. For evening events, darker and more formal colours are preferred. Women can wear below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, dressy skirts and tops, or elegant pantsuits. Men should opt for a dress shirt and slacks, with the option to wear a tie.
Casual Attire:
Casual attire provides the most flexibility in terms of dress codes. For men, a suit is not required, and a dress shirt with slacks or chinos is appropriate. Women can choose from a variety of dress styles, including knee-length or tea-length dresses, or even a dressy jumpsuit.
Other Considerations:
The wedding theme, venue, and time of year can also influence attire choices. For example, a "whimsical garden party" or "tropical formal" theme may dictate lighter and more flowy outfits. The venue and season will impact the temperature and required layers. It is also important to consider the comfort of your wedding party and guests, especially if there will be outdoor activities or dancing.
Remember, these are guidelines, and you can adapt and personalise them to fit your vision for your special day.
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Food and drink
Planning Your Wedding Menu:
Start by considering the type of food you want to serve. This could be based on your favourite foods, cultural heritage, or a specific theme, such as a rustic country-style barbeque. Don't be afraid to get creative and incorporate personal touches, like a dish from your first date or signature cocktails. Keep in mind any dietary restrictions and food allergies, ensuring that common allergens are clearly labelled and that the serving staff are well-informed.
Portion Sizes and Timing:
The portion sizes and amount of food served can vary depending on the time of day. Daytime receptions typically require less food per person, with lighter options being more appropriate. If you're serving appetizers, consider three to five servings per person per hour, and if you're only offering appetizers, aim for six to eight pieces per person per hour.
Interactive Food Stations:
Interactive food stations are a great way to engage your guests and create a memorable experience. Charcuterie tables are popular, but to avoid crowding, consider providing pre-made charcuterie cups with a selection of cheeses, meats, crackers, and fruits. A build-your-own bowl station, a make-your-own donut station, or a gelato bar will also add a unique and interactive element to your reception.
Refreshing Beverages:
It's important to ensure your guests stay hydrated, especially during summer weddings. In addition to plain water, offer infused water with slices of cucumber, lemon, lime, or mint. If you're serving alcohol, be mindful that it can cause dehydration, so always encourage guests to alternate between alcoholic drinks and water. When planning wine quantities, a good rule of thumb is to plan for two people per bottle of wine, depending on your crowd.
Personal Eating and Drinking on Your Wedding Day:
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of your wedding day and forget to eat. Registered dietitians recommend starting your day with a light breakfast, such as peanut butter toast with fruit or a small whole-grain bagel with light cream cheese. Throughout the day, snack on light, nutritious foods like dried fruit and nuts, string cheese, whole wheat crackers, or fresh fruits. Stay hydrated by drinking water and eating water-filled foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and citrus fruits. Remember to pace yourself with alcohol and always drink responsibly.
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Music and entertainment
Ceremony
Popular choices for the ceremony include classical singers, solo guitarists or vocalists, and string quartets. You may want music to walk down the aisle to and during the signing of the register.
Drinks Reception
A sophisticated addition to your drinks reception could be a jazz trio or an acoustic folk band.
Wedding Breakfast
Many people opt for a playlist during the wedding breakfast. However, you could book a piano/vocal duo to perform ambient background music throughout dinner.
Evening Reception
The evening reception is the main event for your entertainment choices. You could choose a band, a DJ, or a musician. Consider the atmosphere you want to create: a vintage jazz band for a subtle vibe, or a pop and rock party band to get your guests dancing.
Other Entertainment Ideas
Other entertainment ideas include a photo booth, lawn games, or a magician. You could also provide a disposable camera on each table for your guests to take photos.
Planning and Preparation
When planning your music and entertainment, it's important to consider your wedding's theme and budget. If you're working with a wedding planner, they can help you organise the details and provide creative ideas. It's also a good idea to confirm that your chosen venue can accommodate your entertainment choices. For example, if you're having a band, they'll need space to set up their equipment.
Don't forget to include music and entertainment in your wedding timeline or schedule, so your guests know what to expect. Finally, remember to enjoy the planning process and choose entertainment that reflects your personality and style!
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Photography
Wedding Photographer
Firstly, decide if you want to hire a professional wedding photographer or have a friend or family member take the photos. Professional photographers often include an engagement photo session in their package, which can help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. They will also have the necessary equipment and expertise to capture high-quality photos. If you decide to hire a professional, research and compare different photographers' portfolios and pricing to find one that suits your style and budget.
Consider the style of photography you prefer. Do you want traditional posed photos, photojournalistic candids, or a mix of both? Discuss your preferences with your photographer so they can tailor their approach to your liking.
Lighting and Venue
Lighting plays a crucial role in photography. Natural lighting is often preferred for its soft and flattering effect, so consider the time of day and the direction of sunlight when planning outdoor photos. If your wedding is indoors, ensure the venue has adequate lighting, and consider adding candles or additional lighting to create a romantic ambiance and enhance your photos.
Photo Locations
Scout and select picturesque locations within your venue for couple portraits and group photos. Look for locations with interesting backdrops, beautiful lighting, and ample space. If your venue has limited photo spots, consider travelling to nearby locations for photos.
Create a timeline or shot list for your photographer, outlining key moments you want to be captured, from the getting-ready photos to the ceremony, couple portraits, reception, and any special traditions or events. This ensures your photographer doesn't miss any important shots and helps the day flow smoothly.
Backup Plan
Finally, prepare for any contingencies. Discuss backup plans with your photographer in case of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances. They should be able to adapt and capture beautiful photos regardless of the conditions, and having a clear plan will help ensure your day goes smoothly.
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Venue and decor
When it comes to wedding venues, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, if you're having your wedding indoors, you may want to look for a venue with ornate features, such as an ornate wedding altar. If you're having an outdoor wedding, you might want to consider a venue with a great lawn for guests to play games on.
You can also decorate your venue to suit your style and personality. Wedding decor can be expensive, but there are ways to save money and create your dream atmosphere on a budget. For example, you can use faux flowers and candles instead of fresh flowers, which can be costly. Dried flowers and leaves are another affordable option that can add a rustic feel to your wedding. You can also repurpose flowers from the ceremony for the reception.
If you're having a cocktail hour, you can save money by keeping the decor simple. A few high-top tables for guests to rest their drinks on are all you need. You can add a small centerpiece, trivia cards, or other interactive items to encourage mingling. If your cocktail hour is in the evening, you can pair your light decor with a sequin tablecloth to create a "party" vibe.
For the reception, you'll want to focus on tabletop decor, such as centerpieces, tablecloths, chargers, place settings, napkins, and glassware. If you have a large number of guests, spend on nice linens and lighting to make the event feel more special and intimate. Candles are a great way to create a romantic atmosphere, but they can be expensive. Draping is a versatile and affordable way to decorate a venue, and it can be used to cover plain walls, hide things, or separate spaces.
To make a statement, consider hanging decor such as fairy lights, Edison bulbs, string lights, or unique flower garlands. You can also add a photo backdrop, such as a flower wall or balloon display, for Instagram-worthy pictures. A welcome sign at the entrance will also create a great first impression and set the tone for the event.
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Frequently asked questions
First, decide on a theme and a budget. Then, choose a venue that fits your guest count, style, and budget. Next, decide on the date and time of your wedding, and choose who will perform the marriage rites.
Some important things to organise for your wedding day include:
- Wedding rings
- A photographer
- A caterer
- A cake
- Music
- Readings for the ceremony
- A guest list
- Hair and makeup artists
- A wedding dress
- An officiant
- A marriage license
In the week before your wedding, you should:
- Get beauty treatments, such as a facial or massage
- Make sure all wedding-day items are packed and ready to go
- Finalise tips and payments for vendors
- Assign someone to pack up your gifts/belongings after the reception
- Write thank-you notes for your future spouse, family, or wedding party
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