Wedding plans have been on ice for many couples but finally, it’s time to start planning again and looking forward to celebrating with family and friends. If you’re ready to start organising the event of the year, or you’ve recently got engaged, here are some top tips for stress-free planning.
Set a budget
One of the most important tasks to cross off the list at the outset is setting a budget. The cost of a wedding can range from less than £10,000 to hundreds of thousands of pounds depending on the type of celebration, the size of the party and the location. When you first start planning, sit down and analyse your finances. Figure out how much you want to spend in total and decide where you want to channel your funds. If there isn’t much room for manoeuvre and you’re worried about getting the perfect wedding on a budget, make sure you tackle priority jobs first. There will be some items on your wishlist that you’re desperate to have and others that you don’t mind missing out on if you run out of money. There are also ways to save. From renting a dress and asking friends to help with catering or doing your hair to choosing a venue that is free to hire and limiting numbers during the day, it is possible to make savings if you need to.
Create a vision of your dream wedding
Many of us automatically think of churches or country houses, vintage cars and big, white dresses when the word wedding pops up in conversation but weddings come in all guises these days. More and more couples are putting their own spin on traditional ceremonies and receptions to design a unique event. Think about the kind of wedding you want, explore different ideas and themes and consider the vibe you want to channel. Some people love the formality and grandeur of traditional weddings while others are eager to enjoy a much more laid-back gathering. From festivals and fairgrounds to secluded spots in the woods and impressive castles, from huge white ballgowns to hiring your own prom dress finder, think carefully about venues, themes and the atmosphere you want to create.
If you are not asking for gifts to save on costs for others too you could start a collection of ornate wedding cards. There are some amazing designs and to have a scrapbook to look on for years ahead is worth so much more than a set of salt and pepper shakers! Even an online photo sharing platform to save on a photographer, have everyone take pictures on your big day and share from all aspects and angles with Wedding Photo Swap.
Plan ahead
There are few things that are more stressful than making endless calls at the last minute when you’re trying to plan a wedding. You don’t want to find that you can’t get the venue you want, or that every photographer that has been recommended to you is already booked. Try to be organised and plan ahead. Give yourself plenty of time to look around venues and locations, find a dress, meet with photographers and explore entertainment ideas. If you’re planning to get married during the peak season, it’s always best to book in advance. There is likely to be a backlog due to the pandemic so you may need to make decisions earlier than usual in the planning process.
Have fun!
Wedding planning has a reputation for being stressful but if you’re organised, you have a vision of what you want and you’re focused on planning a day that reflects your relationship and your style and taste, it should be a fun, memorable experience. Time flies when you’re building up to the big day so try to enjoy every moment.
Picture from https://pixabay.com/photos/couple-wedding-marriage-bridal-4615557/
Weddings are back! If you’re tying the knot in the next year or two, or you’ve recently got engaged, take these tips on board to plan the perfect wedding and keep stress at bay.
