THE BIG THINGS
What do you need?
- Budget
- What’s Important?
- Who’s Important?
- The 5 Senses
- Getting it Altogether
LET’S TALK CASH…
The graph shows the average percentage spend on wedding budgets for 2017-2020.
MAKING IT GO AS FAR AS YOU CAN
What can you afford?
Set your budget before you start looking at any details. Knowing what you can afford will help you nail your date if you need to save up for it.
Be clear on your must haves
Discuss what is so important that you cannot get married with it! Research these first and see what that means to your budget, you’ll see what you have available for everything else.
BIG SPENDS
VENUE
Are there minimum guest numbers during peak season?
Check if there are any charges for bringing in your own suppliers?
Are packages on offer including extras such as floral displays?
CATERING
Decide on guest numbers early to help with quotes.
Are you limited to set menus or can you go bespoke?
Think about the timings of your day, what do you need to give your guests to keep them and you going?
OUTFITS
Are you looking for a certain style or “the one”?
You could pick a stunning high street dress and exceptional accessories.
Put all dress and suit fittings into your planning so you can remind your bridesmaids and attendants.
HONEYMOON
If you want to make the most of your day budget, you could consider a honeymoon gift list.
Pick your date, but book it after your big day to keep the excitement going for longer!
THE FINER DETAILS
DIET
Check what requirements your venue or caterers can meet. When do they need this from you and how will you collect it?
DRINKS
Will you stick with the drinks package or include cocktails/ mocktails?
Do you have a favourite flavour you could use in something bespoke?
TIMINGS
If your ceremony is around lunchtime, will you add canapes to keep you and your guests going before the main meal or buffet?
SNACKS
Will you provide any late snacks as the reception goes on?
Sweet trolley or doughnuts for fun?
Dancing fuel for your guests!
THE 5 SENSES
MAKE YOUR DAY A UNIQUE SENSORY SENSATION
SIGHT
When you visit your venues try to visualise what your wedding will look like – what colours do you see for your theme and where are the perfect spots for your photos.
SOUND
Ceremony and background music and your choice of evening entertainment all give you opportunities to share and make memories. Songs that you love will bring back the day every time you hear them.
TOUCH
Your tables can be so tactile for your guests, as an example use different fabrics for runners and napkins. Beautiful place settings will make your wedding breakfast that much more memorable.
TASTE
Your choice of food will take you through the day, pick things that make your mouth water! It could be a favourite cuisine or the best dessert you had somewhere special recreated for you.
SCENT
As well as your florals, which provide a triple threat of scent, touch and sight, you could add to the perfume using candles or diffusers. A favourite smell will remind you of this special day.