Weddings 41

Our Weddings

else on the list. You can prioritize the more expensive and essential items on your budget, knowing that those have to be paid for, as opposed to “wish list” items that can get cut at any time so as to keep budget figure intact.

The aim is to produce a well thought-out and accurate cost plan so that you never exceed the set amount you have budgeted for from the off.

2) Create a Timeline

Besides the budget, a timeline is the most important part of planning a wedding or indeed any large event. Create a reasonable timeline that fits your planning. Highlight all important dates such as payments or confirmation to suppliers. Insert dates and reminders for yourself so that won’t forget important items for order or delivery. You can find checklists with timelines on-line or simply set up an excel spreadsheet so that you can log all the details. Try to stick to these dates and your planning will continue to run smoothly without any nasty surprises.

3) Choose the Important

Details

Once the budget is in place and you are happy with the timeline it’s important to decide who will be attending. This is key as the size of the wedding will determine what venue you hire as the numbers and hire of the venue will need to fall in line with the budget. Create a realistic guest list and try to stay as close to the numbers as possible.

When you know how many people you need to cater for, you can start designing your wedding. Start researching suitable venues that suit the theme of your wedding and can accommodate your numbers. It is advisable to visit the venue to ascertain what they do and do not provide and to meet the team you will be working with. Take time to read the contract in full before signing and once you have booked, talk them through the timeline so that both parties are comfortable with the planning,

deadlines and deliveries. A good working relationship with the venue employees is essential to the wedding day being a success. Ask if you can visit the venue when a wedding is on so you can see what the venue will look like decorated and full of guests!

Set up meetings with the venue, assess your timeline and budget and include catch-up meetings to make sure that everything is going to plan.

4 The Finer Details

Once your budget is in place, the guest list is set and the venue has been booked, you can start researching and booking wedding experts to add the decorations and details to the day. Find suppliers that fit with your style and make sure you are comfortable with their contracts and payment requirements. Always ask for references and create a list with contact information that you can share with the venue staff.

5. Manage Your Expectations

This is probably the most important thing to come to terms with from the start. No wedding, however well planned by the best Wedding Planner, will ever come off perfectly. Accept that something will not quite go to plan so that if and when it does you are more than able to turn a blind eye and carry on with the day regardless.

Hopefully by using the tips above to start your planning just like a professional, you will have great foundations in place to build your perfect day.

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by mike Whitehurst