10 Crucial Elements to Consider
1. Budget
The most important thing is to set the budget straight away, it will determine the level of flexibility that you have throughout every single other element. Get this nailed down immediately and it’ll help you work out exactly what you can afford to allocate to where, and help you to work out where your priorities lie.
2. Venue
Always next on the list. With some venues booked years in advance, it’s essential to get the venue booked as soon as possible. Remember, you may need to be flexible on the date in order to secure the venue you’re after. This means you may not be able to have a weekend date, if this is important to you. You could always opt for a marquee, which often gives you extra flexibility, so long as you have somewhere to put it.
3. Guests
Give your guests as much notice as possible! It’s a good idea to send a simple save the date immediately, followed by the full invitations once you’ve got further details including accommodation options and dietary requirements. Modern fashions now very much allow for an emailed save the date’s or RSVP’s – especially useful when time is very short!
4. Dress
Many bridal shops will require eight to nine months to order and fit your dress. Whilst it can be possible to rush orders through, for a charge, it’s always a good idea to get this sorted sooner rather than later. One alternative is to buy straight from the shelf and then have it altered to fit, this avoids any bespoke design time frames.
Don’t forget the bridesmaids too! Choosing the perfect bridesmaid dress can be deceptively time consuming and can require multiple designs and alterations to get them right.
5. Catering and Cake
You may find this is included within your venue’s wedding offering, but if not it’s a good idea to contact your dream supplier as soon as you’ve confirmed your venue. The same applies for the cake provider, who will often get booked up for dates over a year in advance – worth jumping on, especially if there’s a particular style of cake you have in mind.
6. Hire in the extras
Dependent on your venue and the look you’re hoping to achieve, it is possible that you need to hire in key equipment and extras. Toilets, furniture, linen, crockery, glassware, a dancefloor, sound and lighting equipment etc. are all extra considerations that can easily get forgotten. Getting this booked as early as possible will avoid disappointment and ensure availability of the perfect charger plates, chairs and other décor that you’re hoping for.
7. Florist and Décor
Find the style or theme that you’re looking for and create a really specific mood board – as detailed as possible will help with making any quick decisions. Peak season weddings can mean limited availability for many florists and stylists. Raise the date and venue with your preferred suppliers as soon as possible to maximize the chances of them being available. Alternatively, speak with your venue for any recommendations that they may have.
8. Rings
If you’d like a ring that matches the engagement band, or you have a bespoke idea in mind then we’d recommend actioning this as soon as possible, many individual rings will be on a minimum turnaround of several months.
9. Hair and Make Up
Give yourself plenty of time to find the right artists, it may be likely that the first you try will not be quite right for you. It’s important to have several trials in the months leading up to the wedding to know you’re entirely happy on the big day.
10. Honeymoon
Unless you’re planning on a last-minute vacation then booking flights as early as possible is always advised to avoid disappointment and missing out on your dream destination. Make sure you advise the hotel that it will be your honeymoon and many will provide a welcome treat for the new couple.
