Just got engaged? A big congratulations to you… but now I bet your wondering where to even begin with the planing of your big day? I asked Rebecca Hurley from BMA house wedding venue to give us 5 tips on where to begin with your wedding planning. If you follow these in order, there is no doubt you will be well on your way to achieving the wedding of your dreams!
5 Tips on where to begin with your wedding planning By Rebecca Hurley from BMA House wedding venues.
Thoughts of romantic red roses, luxury chocolates, and sharing bubbles with your loved one comes to mind. If you were one of the lucky ladies who were fortunate enough to receive a sparkling ring then you’ll be wondering what the next steps are in planning your special wedding day.
Well, wedding planner Rebecca Hurley, who helps to run weddings at one of London’s premier venues has compiled a list that will help every potential bride and groom through the first pre-planning stages of their wedding. So get a pen and paper out and start making notes… Here goes!
1. Picking your wedding venue
Choosing a wedding venue will be one of the first things you decide to do after you say ‘yes’ and it will probably be one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your wedding planning.
When you first go hunting for a wedding venue, things you should take into consideration are; is the location close enough for all guests to travel to? If outdoor space is essential, is the venue set in a picturesque setting and most importantly is the indoor space suitable if it rains?
Food will be the talking point for all guests so ensure your venue offers a menu tasting where you can sample the caterers cuisine. Don’t feel afraid to ask if they have an in-house wedding planner, which will make your life so much easier if you have a helping hand to co-ordinate everything on the day
2. Choosing your perfect photographer
Long after your wedding day has taken place, all that will be left will be your happy memories. Finding a reliable and trustworthy wedding photographer is essential bearing in mind you and your fiancé will be with this person from the moment you begin your morning bridal preparations to the moment you do your first dance. You want to feel comfortable with this person and still be able to enjoy your day.
A professional photographer will not be intrusive and will blend in with your guests so a lot of the time you will not notice they are there. Ask your photographer to show you some examples of his style and what he or she can do to add some ‘sparkle’ to your images to make them as unique as possible.
Try to pick someone who offers an Engagement shoot as this will help you feel relaxed if you’re not used to being in front of a camera. And remember, good photographers will be booked up well in advance so ensure you put this to the top of your list!
My top tips to find your wedding photographer
Pick someone who you like and who’s style speaks to you. Make a list and get in touch with them, maybe invite them out for a coffee.
Ask the important questions – find out how long they have been a professional photographer. It’s very common these days for someone to be given a digital camera for Christmas and by June claiming to be a wedding photographer.
Don’t be fooled into thinking you can get quality wedding photography for £500. If it’s cheap, it’s for a reason. My advice is to stay away. You will only regret it. As a rough guide, you will want to budget between £1400 and £2000 for a decent wedding photographer.
Ask to see previous wedding albums, full wedding galleries (not just a portfolio) and find out what experience they have as a photographer. (Have they only just started, or been shooting for years. Have they had other experiences in photography or just weddings?)
With questions like these, you will find the best photographer for you.
3. Save the Date Cards verses Invitations
Continuing with my 5 tips on where to begin with your wedding planning, sending out Save the Date Cards could make or break whether or not your nearest and dearest can attend your wedding. Getting friends to ‘pencil’ in your wedding date into their diary nice and early will mean your wedding should (hopefully) take preference over other invitations they receive at a later date.
If you’re planning on using a similar theme or colour for all of your wedding stationery, get your thinking caps on quick and decide on your perfect colour scheme!
If your wedding is taking place in the next six months then Invitations are a must! Forget the Save the Date Cards and focus instead on gathering together everything needed to go in your invitation pack.
Items you should include are; date and location of your ceremony and reception venue (if different); arrival times for both daytime and evening guests and an estimated end time so guests can arrange taxi’s; details of parking; local hotels should guests wish to stay over if accommodation is not available at your venue; ask for any special dietary requirements so you cater for everyone; gift list information; and details of how you’d like guests to R.S.V.P. And finally, get them sent out!
4. Finding your ultimate wedding dress
It can be tempting to go for the first dress you try on, but do shop around as you never know what stunning gown lies around the corner!
Check out a number of local bridal shops and do book an appointment as some may not see you if you turn up on the day – remember Saturdays are their business day of the week. Wedding Fairs are a great place to start as many offer reductions if you buy at the show, plus you can visit many stands all under one roof.
You may also wish to look online, but do be wary of some dresses that claim they are ‘made in China’ etc…as these have been known to be of a poor quality.
Your dress will be the first thing guests will see when you walk down the aisle and will also appear in every photograph taken of you, so don’t rush this decision, your perfect dress will be found one way or another!
5. Take it one step at a time and stay FOCUSED!
To finish my 5 tips on where to begin with your wedding planning, the one downside to a wedding is that it only happens once.
Thank goodness I hear you say! This can put immense pressure on you and with all the emotion and excitement in the build-up, it is likely you will be brainwashed by the sheer volume of wedding websites, Pinterest pages, etc…that encourage you to ‘DIY’ every intricate detail, right down to the way you should get your nails done for that perfect ring shot!
Sometimes information overload can make us lose focus on the real meaning of your day and that is marrying the one you love.
Instead, pick the three things that really matter to you both and make them extra special.
Thank you to Rebecca Hurley for these 5 TIPS ON WHERE TO BEGIN WITH YOUR WEDDING PLANNING. Hopefully they have helped you get started planning your wedding day. If you follow these important first steps and in order, I guarantee you will have your dream wedding.
Are you looking for a wedding photographer?
Would you like someone who photographs it in an alternative, fun and natural way? Fancy seeing your wedding pictures on my Instagram and on other cool wedding blogs? Get in touch and let me know all about your day! I need to know the date, ceremony and reception details and most importantly all the ideas you have!