Everyone knows planning your wedding can be stressful. As a wedding planner, I have some insight into how I think you can eliminate some of the most common causes of stress during the planning process.

The last thing you want is a bridesmaid or groomsman who is prone to drama; making things all about them, or an overly-opinionated maid of honour forgetting whose day it is. (Happens a lot)

As a specialist wedding planner, I have observed many grooms in the the build to their Wedding Day. Here are my 7 top do’s & don’t to help you have the best day ever!

This is your wedding too, so get in on the planning. Pick a few things that interest you (food? the music?). Give your opinion on the major planning points; it will let your fiance know that she is not in this alone.

If she is doing the majority of the planning for your wedding, she is probably bordering on wedding overload. You need to make sure that she does not have an ulcer (or a grudge!) by the time she walks down the aisle.

If your mum is calling your fiance every hour to talk about the wedding, your mission is to keep the peace. Call your mum and let her know that while you appreciate her interest and excitement, it is your wedding and she needs to give you two some planning space.

Has your fiance really hit the wall? Suggest hiring a planner to help with the planning. Your consultant will handle all the little details that neither you nor your bride will want to deal with, and it will be a relief to have a professional on hand.

Your fiance may complain about her mum who is being a control freak, or about her uncle who wants to bring his new girlfriend. Do not join in on the family bashing. Hear her out, agree with her, but do not take this opportunity to tell her the things about her family that annoy you. Her bad mood will pass, but your comments may stick.

Do not forget to give the rings to the best man, make sure he knows his role on the day. Guiding guests as they arrive, and being your back up.

On the day of your wedding, send your bride a gift, flowers, or a sweet note to read while she is getting ready. Gifts for the bridal party always go down well; gifts for the Mums and Dads can be presented during your speech.

For more help or advice get in touch

It is always worth checking what limits there are on guest numbers. Also some wedding venues will have a minimum number clause, which could vary depending on the the time of year you are getting married.

Most venues will include the bridal suite as part of their wedding package with compliments, but its always worth confirming this at an early stage. You will then know whether or not you need to include it in your budget.

If you would like your ceremony and reception all under one roof make sure your venue is licensed to provide this. Some venues may only be able to offer a blessing and you will need to make it legal elsewhere.

Wedding packages can significantly vary from venue to venue. Some packages may include some extras such as table clothes, basic table décor and even a drinks package. So make sure you compare ‘like for like’.

This can be important for couples having a small wedding with a larger evening reception, especially if many are traveling a good distance and in the mood to party! Depending on the location some venues are able to offer entertainment as late as you are willing to pay for, whilst other may have noise restrictions.

If there are specific things you want on your wedding day such as fireworks, confetti, karaoke or even fairground rides out on the lawn, remember to ask if these will be allowed before you book! Depending on the venues insurance cover and requirements, some may have restrictions.

Check with the venue when all payments are due by and discuss a payment plan if required. You will be handing over a significant amount of money, so the longer you can keep it in your bank the better!

I hope this has given you a little help for when you start looking at venues for your perfect day.  One of the benefits of working with a Wedding Planner is they will know the answers to all of these questions for all of the venues they frequently work with in their area.

If you have any further questions I am happy to answer them – just get in touch.

Happy Planning!

According to a survey of 20,000 couples who got married in 2016, the average wedding cost a whopping £27,000, rising to £38,666 for those based in London!  That’s a lot of money, so looking at old fashioned ‘Wedding Etiquette’ who pays for what?

If you are lucky enough to be able to follow the more traditional path (i.e have parents who can afford it!), then the Bride’s family will cover the majority of the Wedding expenses. There are certain items however, which will still fall under the responsibility of the Groom, or the Groom’s family including: