Jackie Haley is a wedding planner who runs her own wedding business, A Perfect Celebration, and has compiled a list of her top tips to help plan your perfect wedding.
1) Work out a budget
First things first, decide what you can afford to spend, who will be contributing and what your priorities are. For example if you want an expensive photographer or a blow-the-budget dress you may need to cut back in areas such as transport or flowers.
2) Early planning
Venues can be booked years in advance and if you want to secure your first choice of suppliers then early bookings are a must. The season may dictate style and have an effect on what is available so think about the time of year you want to get married.
3) Choose your bridal party wisely
You will need a reliable and understanding chief bridesmaid and best man as these jobs carry with them a lot of responsibility. The right people by your side can really help ease the stress in the run up to and during the Big Day if you are able to delegate duties.
4) Choose a style you are comfortable with
If you don’t normally go in for big hair, lots of make up or fuscia pink then don’t start on your wedding day. Choose a style that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.
5) Personal touches
Personal touches such as hand made stationery, table plans, favours, button holes, decorations, readings etc will make your day all the more special for you and your guests.
6) Ideas to keep guests happy
The day will pass in a whirl for the bride and groom but guests will be waiting around during the photographs etc so consider some entertainment; maybe outdoor games in the summer, and plenty of drink to keep them happy.
7) Consider using a wedding planner
With so much to think about when planning a wedding it can be stressful trying to fit the entire organisation around hectic lifestyles and growing workloads. A professional wedding planner will help ease the strain and save money by taking on some or all of the tasks leaving you free to enjoy your engagement and wedding day.
8) Get an early night!
Most importantly get plenty of rest the night before so you wake ready for your Big Day.
9) The honeymoon
Remember to set aside a portion of your budget for the all important honeymoon so you can get away and relax. Try to take 2 weeks if possible to spend some quality time together.
10) Lastly, remember to enjoy your Big Day
It will pass in a flash so try to let little things pass and concentrate on celebrating with your friends and family.