7 Simple Steps Towards Planning Your Dream Wedding​

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Among other things like your baptism, the birth of your children and the day you met your significant other, your wedding is one of the best and most important days of your life. The tears, smiles and laughs, all the emotions of the day make all of the planning worth it and provide comfort after the months of stress. Although planning your wedding day may be a trying and at times exasperating experience, you should keep this fantastic end point in mind. You will remember this day for the rest of your life and so take care to make the most of your planning time! Coordinating all of the necessary components for your day can be quite difficult and so we’ve put together a 7 step plan to make sure your expectations are met and surpassed.​

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Step 1: Fixing the Date​

It seems obvious, but the importance of setting the right date for your wedding can’t be stressed enough. The date is especially important as several other factors revolve around it. These include: the venue, the attire (if you plan on hiring Wedding suits/dresses), and hiring a professional photographer. Furthermore, as your wedding is a day of celebration to be shared with friends and family, it’s essential that you take into account the availability of those loved ones who just can’t miss it.​

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Step 2: Working out Your Budget​

Even before you’ve even started planning, you should have a rough figure in mind which is within your financial scope. Traditionally and indeed for some families today, financing the wedding is the responsibility of the bride’s parents. If this is the case, then the finances will need to be managed by various parties to ensure that your budget isn’t exceeded. Dealing with the financial factors involved can cause unwelcome tension between the parties involved in the organisation of the wedding, especially with the average wedding costing over $25, 000. Nevertheless, by monitoring and careful control of your budget, you can ensure that your expenditure doesn’t breach the price ceiling which you have set; thereby reducing the economic related stress which unfortunately surrounds most weddings.​

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Step 3: Choosing your Wedding and Reception Venue​

One of the first things which you should recognise when deciding on a wedding location is that there will most likely be two parts of your wedding to organise – the ceremony and the reception. Factors such as ease of transportation should be taken into account when planning to host your reception and ceremony at different locations (as is the case with most church weddings – the favourite of British Bride and Grooms to be). Some people plan their whole day around their dream wedding location, while others start with a blank page, nevertheless, you must not forget that the venue is thoroughly budget controlled and should not be a decision made lightly.​

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Step 4: Hiring a Professional Photographer​

It’s one of those days that you’ll remember, but having a physical memento of the occasion which lasts is something all newlyweds yearn for.  Of course friends and family will have cameras themselves, but it’s great to know that you’ll have a lovely, professional photo of yourselves to look back on in the years to come.  Three things to bear in mind: #1 – Don’t make the mistake of overlooking the photographers personality; take the time to find out about his work and personal life. #2 – Prioritise quantity over quality; that is to say that hiring a professional photographer for a few snaps is far better than having an amateur take shoddy pictures - you’ve only got one shot, literally! #3 – Avoid asking a friend; expecting a friend to produce professional results is an error which should be avoided, ask yourself: am I willing to look back at my wedding photographs with disappointment?​

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Step 5: Cake Time​

Planning in advance is key when it comes to your cake. It has to fit with your wedding theme and colour scheme, whether that is the traditional tiered white cake, or a more alternative cupcake tree wedding cake. This element of planning can be a bit of fun and so make sure to invite friends, family and even the groom if he’s willing along to try the different options available – you want your guests to actually eat the cake after all!​

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Step 6: Wedding Invitations​

This can be a tricky process as not only do you need to decide on font, colour scheme and bordering but also the invitees! Your service and reception venues will quote maximum numbers and so you may have to make unwanted sacrifices from the invitations list. Creating your own can be a difficult task which can be extremely time consuming. Using a professional company will let you remain at ease that your invitations will arrive on time, tailored to your specifications and appearing sleek and sophisticated.​

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Step 7: Getting Your Kit On​

The wedding gown is the focal point of the day. It’s the fairy-tale dress that she’s been dreaming of ever since Cinderella went to the ball and so make sure to start looking months in advance – therefore you can get all of the fittings sorted! Colour scheme is again important here, ensure that all matches, especially the bridesmaid dresses. The Groom’s suit is also important but traditionally the neck tie provides the only flourish of colour.​​