Top tips for Choosing a Venue

Article written by Julie Toobby
Published by Wedding Ideas Magazine

10 tips for planning your wedding

1. Don’t Panic! I know the thought of planning one of the most important days of your life is daunting, but simplify it. Make a list of what you think you want and tackle each item at a time.

2. Read the expert wedding advice articles on The Wedding Community. You will find all sorts of ideas and advice from specialists in different fields of the wedding industry. The Wedding Community forum is an excellent way to chat to other real brides to get ideas and discuss your plans.

3. Remember you are the client. Do not be pushed into things you don’t want by suppliers. Listen to their advice but put your own stamp on what you want. It is your day and they want your business.

4. Check out the internet. There are lots of sites to help you and this is a quick and productive way to get ideas, compare costs, find items and get reviews on suppliers.

5. Choose your wedding venue wisely. There are hundreds out there and they all want you to pick them, so negotiate what you want within the budget you have set, but remain realistic.

6. Stay focused on what you as a couple want for the day. Everyone will have an opinion and they will voice it, but this is your wedding so make sure it is about you and your dreams.

7. Do not let budgets take a nose dive and get out of control. Set your limits at the start, be realistic but stick to them, it is easy to get excited and overspend.

8. Choose a theme for your day and work around that. If you do this before you begin buying things such as table décor, you will save money in the long run and not end up with a box full of stuff you don’t use.

9. Do not set your heart on good weather. This is the only thing you cannot plan so don’t let a spot of rain or overcast day ruin the whole thing.

10. Hire a wedding planner. They do not always cost the earth and will be able to offer invaluable advice, as well as negotiating with suppliers and helping to ensure your wedding runs smoothly on the day.

Article by Julie Tooby for the www.theweddingcommunity.com
Image by LLewellyn Robbins www.lrphotography.co.uk

Website

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A huge thank you to Paul Rigby @ Ingensys, for working around the clock to make us look fantastic and just being a star and all round patient good egg!

With thanks to www.ingensys.net

The Wedding Community

Have a look at the latest newsletter from the Wedding Community. Lots of info and a fantastic competition from the fantastic Sandals Resorts.

http://www.theweddingcommunitynewsletter.co.uk/

Top tips to keep guest entertained

1. To keep young minds active you may wish to hire or purchase some lawn games such as snakes and ladders, giant jenga and connect four, these can be an inexpensive way or creating fun; great bargains can be found on the internet. Plus the adults may enjoy it too!

2. Table trivia can provide a great icebreaker for during the wedding breakfast.

3. To add something totally different that will have your guests talking for months, look into “singing waiters”. These fellows mingle in with the waiting staff and when you least expect it burst into song! Great fun!

4. Video diary rooms are an interactive way of including your guests, they leave a private message, which can be downloaded to disc and viewed whenever you wish. Adding a lasting memory from your guests.

5. You could think about a magician for the drinks reception, these talented soles will keep young and old mesmerised for hours!

6. Fireworks in the evening at around 10 can add an extra dimension to the evening entertainment adding a late night WOW factor.

7. For younger guests think about favours on the table such as kinder eggs, not only a chocolate but also a treat inside; or you could look at kiddie bags to keep them entertained throughout dinner.

8. Live music in the evening is always a winner; choose carefully as this can be expensive so go off recommendation.

9. Caricaturists are also becoming more popular, not only a bit of fun but your guests get to take away a lasting memory of the day.

10. If you are inviting a few children, think about a children’s entertainer, this will keep the kids entertained and also free their parents to fully enjoy the your special day with you!!

Article by Award Winning Wedding Planner Julie Tooby

Roles of the wedding Party - an Overview

Well now, the lovely bride and groom have decided that you are lucky enough to be a main player at their special day. An honour indeed, but it’s not all pretty dresses, chic suits and new shoes. You have an important part to play, so here is some help on what’s expected.

The Chief Bridesmaid / Maid of Honour

This role usually goes to the bride’s closest friend or family member.

Prior to the day you will be required to go dress shopping, organise the hen party and look after the bride during it. Attend fittings and take on any jobs you are asked to, and you should also attend any rehearsals and meetings as required.

On the day, make sure the bride drinks plenty of water, has eaten and is as relaxed as she can be. Make sure hair and make-up are on schedule and help her and the other members of the party dress. Make sure you keep to time, a few minutes late may be accepted but half an hour could be a disaster.

Generally look after the bride for the whole day, help with make-up and hair touch -ups and going to the bathroom, wedding dresses can be hard to negotiate in a toilet cubicle.

Assist the best man with any gifts and cards and gathering together family for photographs.

Your job is to look after the whims of the bride on the day, as she may be nervous and need a re-assuring smile at any time.

The Best Man

As with the above, your job is to take the pressure off the groom. It’s not all about the stag do!

Beforehand, you should help to arrange the purchasing/hire of the suits and attend any pre-wedding meetings you’re asked too. Be sure to confirm all arrangements by liaising with the bride, groom and immediate families.

On the day you should ensure the groom is punctual, sober and relaxed (a hangover for you both is really not a good look).

Organise the ushers, make sure the rings are safe and assist the photographer with finding groomsmen and guests for photos (before and after the wedding).

You should have a speech that is acceptable to be heard by all. Remember that grandparents, parents and celebrants do not want to listen to an hour of the groom's past misdemeanours. Keep it brief, clean, heartfelt and all will be fine.

You should ensure that gifts are put in a safe place, all the suppliers have been paid and all are happy with any requirements.

Your job is NOT to hold up the bar for the whole day and forget why you are there.

Article by Award Winning Wedding Planner Julie Tooby
Images Courtesy of Surrey Wedding Photographer Matt Pereira Photography

First published The Wedding Community

Part 2 - Tips on Handling Suppliers

If you handle your suppliers with care and attention you'll get the best out of them in return. Here's 5 more tips for you to bear in mind.

Push for more

Be realistic. Venues may not be able to give huge discounts in the current financial climate, so instead try to stretch them to throw things in - such as free accommodation for the newly weds!

Don't be scared!

The flip side of a recession is that your business should be even more important to each supplier, so don't be scared of being labelled demanding or mean. They will have seen much worse, honestly!

Look for hidden costs

Find out if the prices you've been quoted include VAT, delivery charges etc. If they don't then you need to re-negotiate.

Enlist some expert help

If the thought of negotiating with suppliers fills you with dread hire a wedding planner. They can liaise with all your suppliers and get you the best deals, leaving you completely stress free.

Get to know each other

Remember that you should feel comfortable with all your suppliers, but especially with your photographer. They will be with you most of the day so it's important to meet them all beforehand so that they know exactly what you expect.