Top 10 Wedding Planning Tips
Rowton Hall's Wedding Manager's Top Wedding Planning Tips
1. Get planning….
Maybe you have Summer 2022 in your mind for your perfect wedding date, but this doesn’t mean that you need to wait two years before you can start planning. The more things you can do earlier the less stressful (and more enjoyable) the run up to your day will be. Having a clear plan before you start will help you keep on top of everything and be sure that you don’t forget something important. There are many online planners available free of charge, start with wedding insurance, a suggested guest list and, of course, set a budget!
2. Set before you spend…
Start by setting yourselves a realistic budget, it is better to try and not stretch yourself too far. Don’t forget to all the little extras too, for additional costs like dress alterations, gifts and beauty expenses. These can all add up! Using the online planner to help with budgeting is a no brainer! The best advice I can give is to not spend on anything until you know you have the budget to do it.
3. Be selective with the guest list…
Putting together your guest list as early as possible is the best way to help you budget but also to start looking for the perfect venue! You don’t want to set your heart on a venue that can’t accommodate all of guests; or even worse, it is too large forcing you to spend more than you wanted on extra guests to fill it. It’s the biggest and hardest decision in the whole planning process, but it has to be yours and your other half’s decision, especially if you are paying for your day yourself.
4. Finding the perfect venue….
Now the fun starts, finding your perfect venue can be fun or it can be difficult. List the characteristics that are essential to make your dream wedding. Do you want a rustic feel or something grander? Is getting married outdoors a must have or do you want the feel of a country house with sumptuous fixtures and fittings? Do you want to marry where you live now or are you returning to where you grew up and having exclusive use of the venue is exactly what you need? Make sure your venue is happy to cater for the type of wedding you want, here at Rowton Hall Hotel we believe that you should have the wedding day feel you want, we do all we can to make your vision come into fruition. We also offer exclusive use packages. Don’t be afraid to ask…
5. Be Bridesmaid savvy…
Pull together your best girls for this job. Your bridesmaids should be your biggest allies throughout the planning process, so choose wisely. Choose family and friends that know you well and whose opinions you trust. Friends you’ve only recently made or cousins you rarely see may not the best choice. You may need to call upon them on the day as well as during your planning so involving them in the planning can help you on the day if something isn’t quite as you wanted.
6. Picture perfect…
Book the best photographer or videographer you can within your budget. Your wedding photos or video is how you’ll relive the cherished memories of your day, so don’t underestimate the importance of a good photographer or videographer. There are plenty to choose from so do your research carefully and find someone who understands exactly what you want. Ask your wedding coordinator at your venue for recommendations. I have worked with many photographers over the years and am always happy to make suggestions. Try an engagement shoot at your venue, you might feel a bit uncomfortable but you will get to know your photographer and get a head start on the photo list and poses!
7. Get tasty….
I always say that the two most important elements that guests comment on at weddings is the menu and the music. We just love our food and drink and we want all of your guests to feel the same. From Canapes to Wedding Breakfasts, from hog roasts, wood fired pizza or buffets to delicious snacks and mini fish ‘n’ chips, the quirkier the better! At Rowton Hall we are always happy to discuss menus and make suggestions for something different that fits your style or theme. Avoid skimping in this area – hungry guests are never a good thing!
8. Let’s hear it for the boy…
It is unlikely that your fiancé may not have been planning his wedding since he was five, but he is very important in the planning process and may well have his own ideas and opinions. Listen to what he says and remember it’s his day, too. Most guys like to get involved with the menu (as I said, we all love food and drink), music and budget spreadsheets. Try an incorporate elements that reflect you as a couple and are personal to you to give a feeling of “that’s so them!”
9. Rope in the troops…
You may well have the perfect image of your special day and you can do it all yourself. It’s your big day, but your friends and family will be more than willing to help and will more than likely loved to be involved. By asking for help from people you love most, you can avoid the potential for interference but more importantly you’re more likely to feel that you can be honest if things aren’t quite how you want them!
10. Get that ‘fabulous’ feeling…
Of course every bride wants to look amazing on their wedding day. To have beautiful photos you will want to look at forever. To feel confident and the best you’ve ever felt. If you want a confidence boost you might feel that now’s the time to adopt a healthier eating plan or practise a few simple exercises to tone your body. On the other hand, going on an extreme diet or putting too much pressure on yourself is definitely not a good idea. Your friends and family are not judging you, they are there to celebrate with you. Just remember, your groom wants to marry you because he loves you exactly the way you are!
Lastly…. Ok I know I said 10 but this is important
Don’t sweat the small stuff, we all do everything we can to make sure that everything runs perfectly, if little hiccups happen, don’t worry. You have the right team around you to help (if you made great choices in points 4 and 5!). Wedding planning can feel overwhelming but if you find yourself getting stressed, take a breath, take 5 minutes, ask for help if you need it, maybe just take a break and go to the spa, but most importantly remind yourself what your wedding is really about – you marrying the love of your life!