HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING
How to plan a wedding ~ For all newly engaged couples out there this may be the post that will help you the most in your quest to find the perfect wedding vendors when planning your wedding day. It can be a daunting task for some searching for the vendors that are the right fit for you, have the same vision you have and that can understand your needs and wishes to make your wedding day the dream you want it to be.
So what better than to see a dream team list laid out in front of you! I have been in the wedding industry for 14 years so I know my craft as a wedding photographer very well and this experience has let me mix with, work along side and become great friends with many wedding vendors. Those that I love to work with and would always highly recommend in the wedding industry.
For me, these vendors are the creme de la creme the best of the best, I see these people weekend after weekend all doing their wonders and are 100% consistent in their works of excellence, and believe me consistency is important to you.
There are lots of incredibly talented vendors out there so sometimes it can be overwhelming in choosing the right one for you. By no means is my list the right one, or the complete one, this is just what I have experienced over the years and all I want for you both is to have the best possible team surround you on your wedding day.
If you have a great rapport with the vendor, the volume of works backs up their brand, they are quick to respond to your messages and emails and if the venue recommends them, then these are always the big plus signs that you will be in safe hands for the biggest day and celebration of your lives.
Keep reading to see what to plan first, what to expect and how to plan the wedding of dreams.
VENUES
Sant Ffread House, Fairyhill, Oldwalls, King Arthur Hotel, St Tewdrics House, Ston Easton Park, Parc Le Breos, Gileston Manor, Villa Cipressi, Santorini Gem, Cavos Ventus, Plas Dinam.
STATIONERY
WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUES
Stephanie Allin, Laura May, Willow in White, Wax Flower Bridal
ENTERTAINMENT
Adam Reeves magician, Fire show Performer, Ashton Show girls, Ultrabooth
GROOM ATTIRE
Dyfed menswear, Nathan Palmer bespoke tailor, Cad & the Dandy
CAKE MAKERS
The Gingerbear bakery, Bella Cakes, Scrum diddly, The Vale Cake Boutique….or Champagne Tower!
VIDEOGRAPHERS
So you’ve got the list now where to start…
First things first is venue this will be the starting point for you, choose your venue set the date and you’re out of the blocks.
You then need to consider your vendors - if they are a single individual or a team. Single individuals are likely to be available for that full day only but if they are booked they are booked and unlikely to offer anything else. A team would have people who can accommodate your needs. Basically for example if you wanted to book me for photography and the date is available fantastic it’s a done deal, but if I am already booked then it’s just me so I can’t do two weddings on the same day. So prioritise your contact with supplies to the ones who are individuals and book these first.
Once this is in your thoughts then start working through the vendors who you may have already been following or heard about, reach out to them and make contact, if you get the right feelings and are happy book them straight away, don’t delay as there is always another couple right behind you chasing dates and suppliers.
So now the venue is booked its time look at dresses, photographers, videographers, florist, band. These are big ones and it’s likely that they are individuals so just them and you need to book them up fast. Dresses can be handmade and specifically ordered so can take up to 12 months or longer to be ready to wear so it’s a time thing. Once dresses including brides maids colour are sorted you can then start to look at grooms suits and grooms colours to compliment the maids if this is the look you’re going for.
Once these big ticks are done then you can relax a bit and look at the other details and next should be selecting stationers and cake maker, make up and hair, followed by other entertainment. As this all comes together you will then see other things you want to add fundamentally your in good shape at this point.
One thing I would always recommend is use Insta and Pinterest for initial inspiration but once you have decided on vendors refer to it less as the last thing you want is to have a wobble and start changing your plans as you see different ideas.
Don’t forget most supplies are happy for you to engage and ask questions, connect with us on social media, stay active we are all happy to guide you up to and on the wedding day.
Hope this helps you on the journey to make the most incredible wedding day and your dreams come true.