A 10 part check list to get the best out of your wedding planning.
I know what you are thinking... You have just got engaged and you are wondering,
where do I start?
With almost 10 years experience in Wedding Photography, I have pretty much seen everything. So to help you out, I have created a small little wedding guide to help set your mind at ease. In this guide, I will let you know the best order to get everything booked in and also provide some incredible suppliers I have worked with to help give you some great inspiration and a head start!
So, what are we waiting for!
#1: Pick a date for your wedding
A very simple and obvious one, but picking a date is pretty much your entire foundation when planning your wedding. Without an idea of a date, you can not get the ball rolling when it comes to booking suppliers.
#2: Find your ideal venue
Once you have your date picked, it is now time to find your dream venue and see which one is available. When picking a venue, it is important that you find something that would match your personalities. This could be a huge luxury manor house, rustic barns, farmlands and so on... The better the match, the better the celebration!
Venues:
#3: Book your Photographer/videographer
You have now got your date and venue secured, next on the list is how you would like to have your day captured. Photographers/videographers, on average, can be booked up 1-3 years in advance so it is important to get in there early. There are a lot of different styles out there so when you are looking, find one you like and also meet up with that supplier. It is very important that you find one that you will get along with and that is on the same wave length as you, making you feel at ease. This will really help to make you feel very comfortable in front of the camera, even for you camera shy people!
Photographers/Videographers
#4: Finding an Officiant
This can be a slightly tricky one, depending on your preferred ceremony. If opting for a civil ceremony, registrars can only be booked within 12 months of the wedding date. So if you have booked your venue over a year in advance do make a reminder to book your registrar as soon as you can within the 12 month window! However if you opt for an independent Celebrant or a humanist ceremony (highly popular amongst those looking for “non-traditional” and outdoor venues where legal ceremonies aren’t possible), you can begin researching for a celebrant as early as you wish. If possible it is worth contacting and meeting 2-3 celebrants to get a feel for the connection you have with them and to convey your ideas for your ceremony, so do factor this time in.
Celebrants
#5: Hair & Make Up
It’s a good idea to start looking at hair and make up options early on, even if you
have only a vague idea as to the look and style you are after! Some of the most highly
sought-after hair and MUA’s are booked up well over a year in advance, so it’s
preferable to get your date booked in their diary early on and discuss specific styles
when you book your trial.
Hair & Make Up Artists
#6: Florist
Often a consideration some way in to the planning process, but non-musical
entertainment (photo booths, magicians, lawn games), should be given some thought.
If you have spotted a particularly good magician or a well-run photo booth at a
previously attended wedding for example, don’t hesitate to get in touch early on. If
you’re only looking to hire a few entertainment props for the cocktail hour however,
this can be thought out later on in the process after the remaining budget has been
allocated.
Florists
#7: Caterer/Bar
If your catering isn’t provided in-house by the venue, you will need to look at options
for external catering. Your venue are likely to be able to recommend caterers who have
worked there previously, however if you have your heart set on a particular catering
style (or have a certain caterer in mind), you will need to get in contact with them
to arrange tastings and confirm they are available on your date, and able to cater at
your venue.
Caterer/Bars
#8: The mouth watering Cake
UK cake designers are largely self-employed (many operating from their home kitchens),
so the most popular can get booked up many months in advance! If you have been eyeing
up a particular designer’s Insta feed for some time, do drop them a call or email to
ensure they have availability to create your dream cake!
Cake designers
#9: DJ/Band
In the UK we are fortunate to have a wealth of incredible musical talent, so you are
pretty sure to find a DJ or band to meet your preferred style and expectations! That
said, if you do have your heart set on a specific DJ/band, get in contact with them
next to ensure they are available on your date and able to travel to your location.
DJ's/Band's
#10: Entertainment
Often a consideration some way in to the planning process, but non-musical
entertainment (photo booths, magicians, lawn games), should be given some thought.
If you have spotted a particularly good magician or a well-run photo booth at a
previously attended wedding for example, don’t hesitate to get in touch early on. If
you’re only looking to hire a few entertainment props for the cocktail hour however,
this can be thought out later on in the process after the remaining budget has been
allocated.
Entertainment
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