How to plan the perfect wedding
Congratulations! You’ve said ‘I do’ to saying I do, and are understandably full of excitement at the prospect of your wedding day. Once the initial euphoria subsides, though, it’s time to start planning your wedding in earnest.
Clearly, there’s no right or wrong way to go about this. But there are some elements that all couples need to consider. Equally, staying organised from the outset means you’re more likely to enjoy the run-up to the occasion.
Set your wedding budget
From the outset, it’s important that you fix a budget and stick to it. Consider what you can afford, what savings you’re prepared to part with, how much you may be able to put by between now and the wedding, plus any potential sources of additional funds.
Without sensible financial planning, things can get quite stressful pretty quickly.
What matters most to you?
Sit down with your partner and weigh up your priorities. What is the most important thing to you on your wedding day? Is it having an intimate wedding ceremony and reception with just close friends and family, for example, or a large party and extensive guest list? What are your priorities for your wedding venue and location? Do you absolutely have to have live music?
Getting organised
The first step is to name your day and choose a timeframe that works for you. While 13 months is the average time between deciding to marry and actually tying the knot, take the time you need.
Whether you want to print out checklists and spreadsheets, buy a wedding planner book or use an app to complete the various tasks, have a think about which tools would make you feel most organised.
However you do it, have a checklist to manage time and money efficiently, and work as a team with your partner so that one of you isn’t doing everything.
Deciding on the date means so many other things will fall into place. Clearly, you’ll need to take into account day of the week, time of year, bank holidays, event clashes and any dates when people who absolutely must be there will be away.
Doing your research
Look through magazines and websites such as Pinterest for inspiration before deciding on what could work for you, whether that’s a few key shades for a colour scheme, or a full-on wedding theme. Once you’ve decided this, it could be easier match everything, while supplier decisions could also become more straightforward.
Making your guest list
While some people will obviously need to be on your guest list, it may take time to finalise the evening reception invitees, or to decide which work colleagues you want present. Your per-head budget may play a role here, and other things will fall into place once you have firm numbers for the day.
Once you’ve confirmed the guest list, venue and date, send out save-the-date cards, and then formal invitations three to six months ahead of the occasion.
As well as a guest list, you’ll need your ushers, best man, bridesmaids plus any page boys or flower girls. Who do you want to see in these key roles?
Booking wedding suppliers
These decisions will shape much of your wedding, including the style, cost and theme. Make a list of who you’ll need. It’s likely to include at least some of the following:
Photographer
Florist
Cake maker
Caterer
Bar and drinks
Stationer
Hair and make-up
Music/DJ
Additional suppliers could include a photo booth, entertainment, wedding favours, transport or additional help with décor and styling.
As when booking any service, it pays to shop around. Take your time, talk things through and be sure you have suppliers who understand your vision for your celebrations.
Don’t forget the boring wedding stuff …
Some elements of wedding planning are hardly exciting or romantic – but they still need doing. These include reviewing suppliers’ contracts and checking the small print, sorting out your marriage licence and considering wedding insurance. Make sure you get every agreement from everyone in writing.
Once you’ve done the above, there will still be other aspects to organise – such as creating a wedding website, arranging transport and accommodation, the gift list if you’re having one, collating RSVPs and choosing the bride and bridesmaids’ dresses plus suits for the groom and his party.
Oh, and then there are the wedding rings, hen and stag celebrations, honeymoon, vows, speeches and table plans …
But these things can follow once you’ve got your key pillars in place. Stay organised, assess your budget regularly, check in with your suppliers frequently and fit in some relaxing non-wedding time, and you can’t go far wrong.
Stress free weddings at Berkeley Castle
Berkeley Castle is an exclusive-use luxury wedding venue at the edge of the Cotswolds. We can take a lot of the stress out of planning, and create the occasion that’s perfect for your marriage. Get in touch today.
