Weddings, What's Really Important? and Don't get ripped-off

I have been to quite a few weddings (including my own a year ago) and it's a trial of time, patience and organisation for any couple. I have some tips and advice for anyone who is getting married:


Budgets

There are a lot of companies, venues, florists and other service providers out there that push their prices through the roof whenever the "W" word is mentioned. They will then up-sell you with other services, goods and so-on and it's easy to get carried away, then suddenly it hits you, your budget has had the cap blown off and you can't afford things that are important.

Budget tips:

Set your budget, everyone has different circumstances so it's up to you how you set it but don't use it all in the planning stages. Something unexpected always pops up last minute.

For your reception venue, you will pay a premium for a "Summer" wedding. You can save thousands of pounds by booking between October and April. Make sure you check with your venue, and don't forget that summer doesn't guarantee good weather, even in Barbados.

Don't commit to anything on the spot, get quotes for everything and don't be afraid to barter, it can save you a lot of money!

Flowers are very expensive, it's tempting to get arches for the doors, floral table centrepieces, standing bouquets, table ends, cake displays and so on. If it's important to you fine but this little list of extras is worth thousands of pounds with some florists, before your bouquet(s) and buttonholes! Be shrewd and remember, people forget how the table/door/cake was decorated & there are hundreds of other ideas for which are much cheaper, get creative!

Stretch your budget to things which will help you enjoy your big day, the DJ/Band and entertainment is very important. People do remember how much fun the evening was.

It's important you remember your big day long after it's over, pay for a good photographer but I would also recommend a good videographer. Both will capture things you missed and things you will want to remember.

Finally - don't forget that it is just one day, it will go by in a flash and you will be utterly exhausted after it. Book a good honeymoon for as soon after the wedding as you can, it will make it feel longer and help you wind down from the stress.


Planning

Planning and executing your big day can be incredibly stressful, there are things you can do to minimise the strain on you and your relationship!

Planning tips:

Both of you are getting married so share the planning burden. Grooms, don't use the old weathered attitude of 'it's more her thing' & make sure you let your future bride have the final say, she's been planning it since she was 6!

Make lots of lists, and a list of lists!

Get a ring binder and keep all the paperwork together, make notes and keep them in a relevant order.

Make sure you allocate jobs to willing friends & family. What little help they can offer will alleviate your stress levels tenfold.

If you're paying a premium for your reception venue, make sure they will set up your tables. The last thing you need is the stress of setting up the tables the night before/on the morning of your wedding.

Allocate someone to make sure you're watered for the whole day, usually someone from the venue will do this, but you'll be too busy to think about getting your own drinks.


Speeches:

Traditionally speeches and toasts are made by the father of the bride, the groom and the best man, in that order, but who toasts who?

Father of the bride - toasts the newlyweds health and happiness, usually after some reflection on his daughter growing up.

Groom - Toasts the Bridesmaids, after complimenting his bride (profusely) and thanking everyone who has helped make the day what it is and thank everyone for their gifts. They may also mention absent friends and family.

The Best Man - toasts the couple again, the speech should be humorous and interesting but don't make it crass, it's a family event after all.


I hope this helps, good luck and happy planning!

Tom

If haven't made it here via my website, please go to http://www.thomas-day.co.uk
I am a great value wedding photographer from Essex, England and open for bookings - if you haven't got that bit sorted out yet!