10 Tips on How to Successfully Prepare for your Wedding Day

When you are planning your wedding, there are things that you should know and then there are things that you absolutely NEED to know. Keep reading for our wedding planning secrets!

Tip 1: Start planning as early as possible

The key to pulling off a successful wedding is to start planning a minimum of sixteen months prior to the big day. Of course, the planning period will differ depending on how long you and your fiancée want to be engaged for. Some couples will have more time, some couples will have less time. Regardless, you should make sure that you plan comprehensively.

Think the earlier you start planning, the easier and less stressful it will be when the big day approaches. Having a clear and concise plan with a series of checklists and spreadsheets will help you keep on top of everything, making sure you do not forget anything important.

Remember – budget, guest numbers and insurance should always be at the forefront of your mind.

Tip 2: Don’t stray from the budget

Don’t start spending until you have got a finalised, realistic and affordable budget that won’t stretch you and your fiancée too far. It is a common mistake to forget all of the little extras that a wedding comes with and for the budget to work, you will need to factor in every minor detail.

For example, paper goods! You may only account for your wedding invitations in your paper goods budget but you must not forget the save-the-dates, seating charts, programs, menus, welcome letters, favour tags and the list goes on!

Other unexpected expenses can include dress alterations, bridal party gifts, beauty expenses. These can all add up!

Tip 3: Get as many helping hands as possible

Your friends and family will want your special day to be as perfect as possible, so they will be more than willing to pitch in and help where you need them to. Remember to nominate the people you love and trust, so you will happily be honest if things are not exactly as you want them. When it comes to the big day, you will be able to start it knowing your friends and family will be there to ensure everything runs smoothly. Leaving you to get married, get drunk and have fun!

Tip 4: Be decisive with your guest list

Finalising your guest list from an early stage is important because you can then focus on finding your dream wedding venue that will cater for your chosen number of guests. The largest expense is most likely going to be the cost per head, so do not be guilt-tripped into inviting people to your wedding that you do simply not want to come. It is going to be the biggest and hardest decision in the whole planning process but it must be yours and your fiancée’s decision only.

Tip 5: Create a Master Checklist

You can find thousands of free wedding resources and checklists online, in magazines and wedding planning books. However, it is essential to make sure you devise a finalised master checklist of to-dos that are broken down into months, weeks and even the days leading up to the wedding. By creating your own list, you can adapt it to suit your needs as necessary.

Tip 6: Don’t Panic Book

Meeting your first florist or pianist may feel exciting and you may want to snap them up immediately, making you feel one step closer to your special day. However, when it comes to booking wedding suppliers and venues it is important not to rush into any decisions. Make sure you consider a variety of options and compare the price making sure you are still within your budget.

Tip 7: Talk to other Married Couples

If you have recently attended a wedding then definitely make use of the newlyweds for some advice and insight. They will absolutely have some expert tips and tricks that they would have learnt along the way that would also be useful to you on your wedding journey. Sometimes, your friends and family are the best resources out there.

Tip 8: Read every Contract Closely and Carefully

This tip is extremely important! Before you and your fiancée sign on the dotted line, we always advise for you to closely review every single detail of any contracts that you arrange with any of your wedding suppliers. Ensure each detail is correct: the date, location, time, deposits, cancellation and refund policies etc.

We also recommend that you purchase wedding insurance if the worst happens and something goes wrong.

Tip 9: Think about the Weather

Whether you have opted for a beautiful summer wedding with little shade or a fantastic festive wedding with the need for heat, the last thing you want is for you and your guests to feel uncomfortable. When you are planning, think about how you can add or remove a little temperature to control your venue and keep your guests satisfied.

Tip 10: Focus on the big picture and don’t forget to spend quality time together

The wedding planning process will at times, feel stressful and overwhelming. So, for your own sanity, make sure you schedule in time just for the two of you to be together and do anything but plan your wedding. You could book in for a relaxing Spa weekend or a mini-getaway out of town.

If possible, try and take the week off from work before your wedding to help ensure that all last-minute details are completed and it makes the days leading up to the wedding that much less stressful.

When the day comes, just have fun!