Wedding planning shouldn’t be stressful. It doesn’t have to be expensive either with more low key weddings that mean something to the couple currently being in fashion.
I have photographed so many weddings over the last few years and being married myself I think I have a fair bit of knowledge on where to put your money. Here are a few tips that I would like to share with you when planning your special day:
1. Set a budget! - It’s a pretty obvious but it catches many couples out when they first start planning. Set a realistic budget and stick to it.
2. Suppliers - decide on which suppliers suit you, will listen to you, fit your budget and most importantly you get on well with. I would strongly advise on meeting in person all your suppliers and ask to see evidence of previous real weddings and recent reviews. Also, remember to book early - top suppliers book months or even years in advance.
3. The perfect venue - Book a venue that means something to you, not just on price and fits your personality. The best weddings I have been to over the last few years all had one thing in common; the venue reflected the couples personality.
4. Forget the small things!! - I often see couples stressing about the smallest of things (table favours enter top of this list) The small stuff is where you can save a huge amount of money either by cutting back or doing it yourself. Some of the best centre pieces I have seen were all homemade.
5. Get family and friends involved -. Don’t think you have to do everything yourself, spread the workload. You will probably find people want to help and join in. At my wedding, I entrusted my Mum with making my wedding dress and my mum-in-law with sorting the flowers. They both loved that I involved them with these important wedding tasks.
6. Enjoy the day (it goes so fast!) - Remember, on the day you have people to do the running around for you. Do not do any running around yourself. This is your day to relax and have fun. Delegate to your most trusted friends and family (usually the bossiest!) and let them do the work for you.
7. Book a professional photographer and videographer - I know its very predictable that I’m going to say this but should invest in a photographer and a videographer. Why? Well once your big day has finished, the cake has been eaten, the wedding dress is back in the box, and you’re back from your honeymoon, all you will have left is memories which will unfortunately fade in time. For me photography and videography is one of the most important investments you can make when planning your wedding. A good photographer will be able to capture all the emotions from your big day. Make sure they are there for as long as possible. You will not regret it.
8. Lastly, but probably one of the most important - Entertainment. It is often overlooked by most couples or added as an afterthought. Having good entertainment for the night and also day in my opinion is so important. The best weddings I have photographed have been ones where there is a huge emphasis on entertainment. Consider a good band, a magician, bouncy castle/lawn games for the kids (and big kids) and photo booths. I’ve even seen weddings with casino tables and bucking broncos! All great fun for your guests and excellent photo opportunities for myself !
