10 tips to plan the perfect wedding
Planning a wedding is a lot to take on and the process can certainly be overwhelming at times. Some couples choose to hire a professional to help them get it right, but there are plenty who take it on alone and successfully plan the day of their dreams. So, how do they do it? Here’s where to start.
- Set a budget
There’s likely a whole list of things you have in mind for your perfect wedding, but before you get carried away with the details, you need to have a serious think about your budget. Conversations about money are hard, but it’s vital that you know what you have to spend before you dive into planning, as your budget will have a bearing on most wedding-related decisions. As well as big things like the venue and dress, you’ll also need to consider smaller details such as alterations, wedding favours and hair and makeup for the budget to work.
Start by talking to your partner about how much the two of you can afford, and if any family members will be contributing, you should also have a chat with them about the figure they have in mind. It can be difficult not to get carried away, but try to set a budget that is realistic – and stick to it!
- Prioritise your wish-list
When researching wedding ideas, it’s all too easy to suffer from inspiration overload. Having a long list to work from is great, but do you really need that doughnut wall and six-tier cake? The key to planning the perfect wedding is to prioritise, so be sure to discuss with your partner what the most important aspects of your wedding will be. Perhaps it’s the venue, a specific wedding date or a certain photographer, or maybe the food and drinks are what’s most important to you. Once you have your priorities sorted it’ll be easier to stay in budget, as you can compromise on other details.
- Think about the theme
Once you’ve set a budget, deciding on the theme or overall style of your wedding is the next thing you’ll need to do. Whether you’re going for something rustic, super glam or ultra-modern, settling on a style you’re happy with will make the rest of the planning easier going forward. If you don’t want to be limited by a theme, you’ll still need to think about a colour palette, as this will inform other decisions such as the flowers you choose, the wedding décor and the bridesmaid and mother of the bride dresses. A certain style or set of colours simply works to tie all the elements of your wedding together.
- Think about dates
Alongside the theme, the date of your big day is also an important factor. Is your dream wedding an outdoor summer event, or would you rather something cosy and festive? Think about what you really want and jot down a few potential dates to work with, so you can be flexible when it comes to booking a venue and your wedding vendors.
- Get organised
There are so many elements involved in wedding planning that it really does pay to be organised. First, you’ll need to give yourselves plenty of time to get everything sorted, which means a timeline of around a year, if possible.
You’ll also need to stay organised throughout the process, even if you’re not usually the methodical type. Invest in a wedding planning book to help you stay on track, or create your own spreadsheets and checklists to keep all of your numbers, thoughts and progress in one place. You wouldn’t believe what a difference it can make to write everything down and keep it neatly filed for when you need it!
- Choose your wedding party wisely
A great wedding party will be made up of supportive and responsible friends and family who only want the best for you and your partner. You’ll be relying on them throughout the wedding planning process and on your special day, so take your time to select those you most want by your side on such a special occasion.
- Work on your guest list
Deciding on a guest list can be difficult, especially when your numbers are limited by your venue and budget. Consult with your partner and immediate family to come up with a preliminary guest list, then go about making cuts if needed. You’ll also need to think about whether you’ll be inviting children and who will be given a “plus one” on their invitation.
- Research venues
If you don’t want a long engagement, you’ll need to start looking at potential venues pretty quickly. Many locations are booked out a year or more in advance, so if there’s a certain place that you have your heart set on, act fast! Otherwise, do your research and think about the kind of venue that best suits your vision.
The size of your guest list should help you choose a location, as will your budget and any additional requirements such as an outdoor area for photographs. Consider whether you’re looking for a venue that offers everything as a package or want more freedom to be creative and choose you own vendors. A hotel, for example, will be able to provide catering, seating and additional facilities, whereas an industrial style warehouse space will cost more money to kit out with everything you need.
Think also about where the majority of your guest list is based and be aware that if you stray too far afield, it may be that fewer people are able to attend. This is especially important if you’re planning a destination wedding abroad. Remember, too, that if you host your wedding abroad there may be more pressure on you to cover the cost of transfers to and from the venue, and perhaps even a free bar.
- Pick your wedding vendors
Getting the right wedding vendors is really important to ensure your day runs smoothly and is exactly as you imagined it. Caterers should understand the vision you have in mind and get the menu just right to fit your brief, while your photographer should be professional, trustworthy and someone you feel comfortable around. Before booking any vendors, make sure you get along well with them and trust that they can deliver on their promises.
- Talk to friends and family
When you get stuck along the way, who better to ask for advice than friends and family who’ve been through all of this themselves? Your parents, relatives and close friends will likely have valuable insights to share with you, whether it’s an expert tip or handy resource that could make all the difference. It may be that they’re even willing to give up their time to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask those close to you if you need a little DIY doing or would benefit from a second opinion on your décor. Similarly, if you’ve recently attended a wedding that you really liked, be sure to ask that couple for tips or recommendations to help you along the way.
Many thanks to Charlene Boyd for this article.
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