Thinking of having a Vintage Theme Wedding, Afternoon Tea Party or Event?
There is something that is so romantic and nostalgic about having a vintage themed wedding or event. I don't know if it's because it is a reminder of our grandparents era. Everything is so far back and separate that it's easy to see it through a haze of positivity and disregard for the harsher realities. After all, our grandparents are often so much fun and our best supporters, choosing to ignore our faults and love us as perfect specimens of their seed.
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The first thing to do if you want to go vintage is to decide on which era. Will it be The Art Deco twenties, the Hollywood Glamour thirties or the Swinging sixties? Each era has it's distinctive style and you and your guests can enter the fun with gusto.
 
Here's a few tips if you're thinking of afternoon tea, garden roses and relaxed elegance.
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1 BOUQUETS
Hand tied, cascading or a simple posy are ideal choices for your vintage wedding bouquet. Decorate with pearls and brooches for a nostalgic finishing touch.
Compliment your bouquet with matching bridesmaids bouquets and pretty pomanders or flower baskets for little flower girls to hold.


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You really can have fun with a vintage themed event and a create the prettiest table scapes.

​One of the biggest challenges when planning your wedding is how to decorate your venue. It helps if you know whether you're looking for the "wow" factor or you want your guests to feel relaxed and chilled in an informal setting. Whatever your image of your wedding reception there will be certain elements to keep in mind, to ensure you and your guests will have a great time, whatever the setting. Here are 7 things to consider:

1 KNOW YOUR VENUE

• ​Does your venue have non-negotiable rules regarding what you can move, change or use?
• ​You may not be allowed to attach things to the walls, change the layout of the furniture or use candles.
• ​Will the temperature in the room get uncomfortable because it lacks adequate ventilation or heating? Does the venue have solutions for this, such as built in air-conditioning or central heating?
• ​Are you able to see how previous couples have decorated the venue to get an idea of what works and what elements you like and don't?

2 KNOW YOUR BUDGET

• ​If your booking is not all-inclusive then you need to decide on the portion of your overall budget that is allocated to decorations for your venue.
• ​Be creative and stick to your budget. If using a florist or wedding planner they will have great ideas to help you get what you want without blowing your budget.
• Plan ahead and be flexible. Think of the overall effect and don't get bogged down in specific things.

3 KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

• Know the number of guests that will be attending your reception.
• This will affect the number of tables and seating.
• Remember there needs to be enough room between tables for your guests to move freely.
• Also how many wedding favours you need to provide and where will they be placed.

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4 KNOW YOUR CATERING METHOD

• ​You may want to have an informal buffet style wedding breakfast but once you have the tables set up will there be room for a long line of serving tables?
• Similarly, will catering staff be able to move in between tables to provide table service?

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5 KNOW YOUR TEAM

• ​Be clear about who will be decorating your venue.
• If using professionals, still ensure everyone is on the same page as to what you expect.
• Check for any last minute changes and have a plan B, just in case of weather changes, suppliers fail to deliver or people don't turn up.
• It's helpful to have  persons handy with a screwdriver, a creative eye, an organiser and physical strength to lift and move heavy things among your team members.
• Ensure you have all you need including ladders, scissors, different types of tapes and adhesives, rubbish bags, extra of everything you need and petty cash to get the little things that you forgot to buy. Appoint someone to be in charge of them.

6 KNOW YOUR THEME/COLOURS

• ​Having a theme or colour scheme makes your decoration planning so much easier and more fun to do.
• It helps you to stay in budget and focus on what is the essentials and the frivolous.
• ​You are able to create a cohesiveness to your whole wedding whether you DIY or employ vendors.
• You can easily combine a few elements in you colour scheme or theme to make it look professional and well put together.

​7 KNOW SOME FAIL SAFE IDEAS

• ​Elements that always look good especially in large numbers and fits most colour schemes and themes includes:
• BALLOONS/PAPER LANTERNS/BUNTING/CANDLES/TEALIGHTS/GREENERY
• CHAIR COVERS/TABLECLOTHS/WREATHS/FISH BOWLS/DECORATED GLASS JARS/CHANDELIERS/VASES/POM POMS.
• ​All the above are easy to incorporate, cost effective and also make great emergency go to elements.
• ​It you have round tables then focus on a central arrangement. This can be tall or low so that guests can see and talk without the decorations getting in the way.
• ​Long tables look great with a central runner which can be made of material or foliage.
• ​Placing the identical arrangements at intervals along the table looks instantly spectacular eg same colour vases.
• ​Tealights in pretty holders grouped around your main table décor and venue will look magical and pretty when the sun goes down, especially used inconjunction with lanterns or candles.

Choosing your wedding dress should be a lovely part of planning your wedding but can  be fraught with all kinds of worry and fear.  You may not understand why you have become so emotional, but it could be related to some aspects, listed below.

Before going wedding dress shopping or employing a seamstress for your bespoke dress,  think about the following:

1. WHAT DO YOU LIKE?

• Begin the process of choosing your wedding dress by doing a lot of window shopping, especially if you have no idea what looks good on you.
• Whether literally looking in the widow of bridal shops, searching Pinterest and creating boards or reading wedding blogs, gather as much photos of the wedding gowns as you can.
• Next examine them to see if you're attracted to a certain style, shape, length or shade.

2. WHAT IS YOUR BODY SHAPE?

• Knowing your body shape will enable you to know what styles complements and suits your specific bone structure and which ones will not.
• Looking at photos where brides unfortunately got it wrong will help you to realise that common themes will be evident.
• They often got the wrong style for their bust size, hip shape or height.
  

3. WHAT ACCESSORIES?

• You do not have to wear all the accessories that the traditional bride used to wear.
• If you're uncomfortable with the thought of a veil then have flowers in your hair.
• If the groom looking up your dress for your garter as part of the reception fun, fills you with horror, then agree with him that it  won't be happening at your wedding.
• You don't even have to carry a traditional bouquet but opt for something that is in line with the theme of your wedding.

4.WHAT IS COMFORTABLE?

• Your wedding dress will be worn by you for most of the day unless  you need to change into different outfits, as part of your cultural wedding celebration.
• Whatever the length of time you're in your dress you want it to be comfortable to sit, stand, walk dance and eat.
• Don't have bodices with "bones" that dig into your ribs, squeeze your breast or butt and are so tight around your middle that you can't breathe.
• You should be able to move naturally and comfortably and be the princess of your wedding.

5. WHAT UNDERWEAR IS BEST?

• Wearing the wrong type of undergarment for your dress style, shape and material will ruin the effect and beauty of your wedding dress.
• If you're unsure what to wear under your dress get advice from the wedding dress shop or wedding lingerie store.
• Buy and try on your underwear with your dress in the shop before purchasing.
• Even the colour can make a vast difference against your skin tone and the colour of your dress and may be visible under your dress..

6. WHAT FOOTWEAR?

• Brides when sharing about wedding planning mistakes often regret the expensive of their wedding shoes.
• On reflection they realised no one sees your shoes if you have a floor length gown.
• Unless the shoes are part of your video and photo prop, a glimpse of your shoes is all some guests may see.
• Another mistake some brides make is to wear very high heels just to look taller next to their groom, but which they find difficult to walk in up the aisle and throughout the day.
• Shoes with cut out toes or tied straps could be excruciating, if your feet swell from the heat and being on your feet for hours.

7. WHAT DRESS STYLE?

• The choice of wedding dresses is so vast but when you read the description they fall into certain style categories, such as Mermaid, A-line, Empire line, Sheath and Ballgown.
• Choose the style bodice that compliments your bust size. 
• If there are parts of your body that you don't want on show then look for designs that conceal them. Adding straps, a bolero or extra material to a dress you already like can transform it into your perfect dress.
• The bridal shop will be able to give you ideas and help, if you share your concerns about a dress you would buy if a few amendments could be made.
• A seamstress or someone who has sewing skills could make adjustments on your dress or create a bespoke design just for you.

8. WHAT LOCATION?

• Where you will get married should not be ignored when selecting your dress.
• Strong winds on the beach will easily lift up your ballroom gown above your head and a cathedral veil will trail through the grass and twigs for your ceremony in the woods.
• Closely related to location is the weather and season.
• Get a dress you can wear thermals under and a stole over, if you want a winter wedding.
• Choose natural material that allows your skin to breathe, such as silk, for a cool and airy fit if you plan to marry in the sun.

9.WHAT BUDGET?

• When you begin to plan your wedding together as a couple it is important to decide where you will splurge, scrimp and compromise on the budget.
• You can find the perfect dress at any budget even if it's custom made. It really is down to mindset. So be open-minded, try styles that you hadn't considered, get advice but go with your gut instincts and knowledge of what suits you.
• Remember your wedding is about the love and commitment that both of you are making to each other. Everything else is secondary.
• You can look gorgeous in a sack. It's all about the confidence and how you make the best of what you got.  

I discovered this article that covers every aspect of choosing your wedding dress. See link below:

https://www.buzzfeed.com/alisoncaporimo/wedding-dress-101?utm_term=.fypZgvagO#.mc2EaAzaB

My goodness! There seems to be so much discrepancies around the cost of wedding flowers. How many times have you heard and read  comments such as:
"as soon as you mention wedding the price doubles"
"negotiate with the florist on the price of your wedding flowers",
"this is how to d.i.y your wedding bouquet and cut the cost of your arrangements"

The impression we are left with is that wedding florist tend to rip you off and you can really get what you want for so much less or even do it yourself for a fraction of the cost.

So as you consider ordering  flowers for your wedding, I suggest you ask yourself the following:

1 WHY DO I WANT THAT BOUQUET?

• People are going to notice two things, your wedding dress and your bridal bouquet. You want them to make you look fantastic. You have seen a bouquet or have imagined just what it looks like.
• Does the shape compliment the style of your dress or your stature?
• Do you know how much a fifty rose bouquet actually weighs?
• Do you realise that those orchids will need to be imported from Japan and they are not in season?

2 WHY DO I WANT THOSE ARRANGEMENTS?

• Your venue holds twenty tables and you want two tall arrangements and chandeliers covered in flowers with candles per table. They looked spectacular when you attended a wedding at the same venue.
• Did you realise that you could cut the cost by reducing the number of tall arrangements to one per table and alternating tall and low arrangements?
• Similarly, tea lights along the tables could give a beautiful, magical effect, creating the ambience that you think only a central chandelier can achieve.

3 WHY DO I WANT THOSE FLOWERS?

• The bouquets and arrangements in the photos use specific flowers and those are the same ones you have set you mind on using.
• Do you know that some flowers look very similar but don't cost the same?
• If a particular flower is out of season, it may be unavailable or have to be imported.
• Some foliage, such as Dusty Miller, which appear in a lot of bouquets on Pinterest, are far more expensive than flowers.

4 WHY DO I WANT THAT PROP?

• A temporary wooden archway covered in flowers has become associated with many outdoor wedding ceremonies. Large urns flanking the entrance to the church overflowing with large hydrangea heads and garden roses is another popular floral display for many weddings.
• Does the floral props you want to use fit your theme?
• Can the same props be transported and use to decorate the entrance to your reception venue?
• Will those props be able to withstand adverse weather such as strong wind or snow?

5 WHY DO I WANT TO D.I.Y?

• The bridal magazine and blogs have some great tips and easy to follow photos for creating a wedding bouquet, boutonniere and jam jar table arrangements.
• Do you have the time and access to a flower market to get the best price?
• When will you prepare them?
• Do you have a team to help or do you plan to do the job with your mum the day before the wedding?

6 WHY DO I WANT THOSE PLACE SETTINGS?

• The wedding table scape looks gorgeous with an orchid on each plate and the menu completed in calligraphy.
• How will you keep the flowers looking fresh till the reception?
• Are there flowers that last longer out of water than others?
• Would it be better to use foliage rather than fresh flowers?

7 WHY DO I WANT FRESH FLOWERS?

• For some brides the attitude to flowers is similar to Marmite. Some would never use silk flowers and others view fresh flowers as unnecessary drain on their wedding budget.
• Flowers are a wonderful accessory to your wedding. They create ambience, add beauty and compliments the regalia of the wedding party.
• No one can take away the beauty of fresh flowers.
• Neither can the advantage of faux flowers be dismissed, especially where the weather plays an important role.

8 WHY DO I THINK MY WEDDING FLOWERS ARE TOO EXPENSIVE?

• Your wedding flowers like all the other elements of your wedding are negotiable.
• You both decide on the necessity and budget.
• If you have followed your commitment to a wedding theme or overall vision, then you will know whether you want flowers, if you prefer fresh, faux or a mix of both and if employing a professional florist is among your choice of vendors.
• Let your florist offer advice and guidance in regards to flower choice, seasonal variations, getting the best from different types of arrangements and displays.
• Aim to come up with a cohesive vision and clear plan to achieve a wedding decorated beautifully with flowers.
• Staying open-minded and flexible will enable you to find  the best solution and alternatives where you have budget and other constraints.
  
• Remember the choice between fresh and faux is not primarily cost but preference and the pros and cons of each type.
  

As with most things, there are no hard and fast rules and by keeping the end result in mind, you can achieve your vision.

Deciding who to invite to your wedding is almost of United Nations proportions in the mind of some people, regarding  the need for diplomacy.

Have some perimeters and hopefully make the culling of your guest list a non-brainer instead of sleepless nights and traumatised nerves.

WHO?

• Your wedding is an official announcement of your lifelong commitment to each other.
• Your guests are those people in your lives that you want to share in this momentous decision.
• People who love you, are part of your lives now and your future as a couple.
• People who celebrate you as a couple.
• These should be at the top of your guest list.

WHAT?

• The theme and style of your wedding will influence your attitude to inviting guests.
• Relaxed, family and informal reception in your parents garden or a three course formal table settings at a stately home, gives you a different mind set and factors as to how guests will be catered for and welcomed.

WHERE?

• Location is very inter-related to the theme of your wedding.
• If your wedding is in your local village/home town, it's likely more people will know about it and expect an invitation.
• Getting married in another city or international location immediately reduces the number of people who will be able to afford the time and money to attend.
• Some may only hear about it after the event.

WHEN?

• Getting married on a weekday will exclude some people who cannot get the time off work or a suitable babysitter for their pre-school and school age children.
• Winter weddings could affect travel to your wedding venue if there's heavy snow storms. 
• Also not everyone find tropical heat enjoyable for a wedding in the Caribbean.

WALLET?

• Remember guests cost money.
• In fact there is a price per head formula used by caterers, whatever style of catering and menu you plan to have for your wedding reception.
• An extra person a friend, boyfriend or cousin translate to extra money out of your budget.
• If your cost per head is a modest £50, then just eight extra guests will add £400 to your catering costs. Multiply that by twenty and the point is made.
• This could also extend to providing transportation and hotel accommodation for out of town guests.

WARRING?

• There's no perfect family and if you have family members that are in any type of dispute with each other, don't let your wedding become a battlefield.
• This also applies to "ex's". Ex-spouses of your parents, ex-girlfriends or boyfriends, ex-school friends.
• There's a reason that these individuals are no longer central to your lives.
• Unless you're both confident that past hurts and grievances will not re-surface at your wedding, be careful about inviting such individuals.

WEARY?

• Don't let your guest list stress you out.
• If you have taken on board the above considerations, then you would have cut your list drastically, depending on what factors apply to your situation.
• Make your list and prioritise.
• Beyond those in your inner circle, everyone else has to earn their right to an invite.
• Whoever you think "should be invited because... "(fill in the gap. eg distant cousins, your mum's hairdresser friend, you work in the same department...)... probably don't need to be there.

WISHLIST?
There will be those you wish you could invite or wish they could make it, but can't.

• You could still make them feel included in a number of ways.
• The former could be sent an evening invitation so they're involved in the post ceremony celebrations.
• Have a post wedding party at a later date for those who couldn't travel to your location wedding.
• Sending a special gift commemorating your wedding day, a wedding favour, a table arrangement or slice of wedding cake can be enough to make others feel part of your day.
• You could have a special viewing of your wedding video and invite those who were unable to be with you on the day. Provide drinks, snacks and some wedding cake to make it even more special.

Below is a link to an article regarding Pippa Middleton's wedding list. Even though this is a high profile and wealthy couple, the guest list cull has to be applied and not everyone will be happy about it.

http://www.msn.com/en-gb/lifestyle/wedding/pippa-middletons-relatives-reveal-disappointment-over-not-receiving-an-invitation-to-her-wedding/ar-BBB9ao0?li=BBoPOOm&ocid=HPCDHP

It's been said that guests won't remember your vows but they will remember the food at your wedding. Think about it, it's one part of most weddings that someone is left feeling upset. While you can't please everyone, you can try and do your best to make your wedding catering a good experience.

1  GET A CATERER THAT YOU KNOW CAN DO THE JOB

• Do not waste time on trying to get someone to cook out of their comfort zone and experience.
• This is particularly important if you want an ethnic food menu.
• Find a caterer with a track record for catering for the type of food, number of guests and the location you have in mind.

2 GET A VENUE THAT CAN ACCOMMODATE THE TYPE OF CATERING THAT YOU WANT

• All inclusive venue booking takes a lot of the guesswork out of what the chef will provide from their tried and tested menus.
• If however you want a different type of wedding or menu, then you need to find out if the venue has the facilities to serve your kind of food.
• You need to find out if you can bring in your own caterers, is their access to an adequate size kitchen, water supply, electricity?
• Can you have hot plated food or only a cold buffet?

3 GET A CLEAR MENU SELECTION

• Can the caterer provide the types of food you want to give the majority of your guests?
• Can they present the menu in the way you want, such as a hot buffet or three course meal?
• Is there a  choice of dietary alternatives for a few guests and children?
• Does the chef have a current speciality that has gone down well and your guests might like?
• Do they offer a package that includes other elements you would like, such as serving  champagne and the wedding cake, providing a bar and staff to run it?
• Are you charged per course/dish/menu/person?

4 GET A BREAKDOWN OF WHAT YOU CATERER IS PROVIDING
Particularly if the venue is not catering, you need to know if the caterer will also be responsible for:

• setting up and clearing up at the venue,
• decorating the table and venue,
• providing drinks and a  bar,
• table service or serving the food,
  
• providing a co-ordinator and staff at the reception?

If not, you will need to organise and pay extra for these yourselves.

5 GET A TASTE OF THE FOOD ON YOUR MENU

• Whilst it's important to taste food prepared by your caterer, recognise that arranging a special a food tasting  has some limitations.
• The caterer is not under pressure to produce food for 200 hungry guests that is served hot, tasty and on time at a food tasting.
• Similarly you may want your favourite restaurant to cater for your wedding, but have you eaten food the chef has prepared when catering for the size of your guest list?
• If you've been to a wedding of similar size as you're planning and the caterer did an excellent job, then you have a better idea of what they can produce.

6 GET A COPY OF THE CATERER'S LICENCE/INSURANCE

• Ensure that your caterer is currently registered with the local authority
• Check that they  have insurance cover in case of any catering related mishaps during and immediately after your wedding.
• Otherwise be aware that you could find yourselves legally liable.

7 GET A VIDEO OR PHOTOS OF PREVIOUS EVENTS
Ask to see any photos or videos the caterer has of previous work. These will hopefully give you an idea of:

• the presentation of the food
• the appearance of the catering staff
• service offered
• numbers catered for
• types of food served
• length of time the caterer has been in business.

8 GET A CONTACT LIST OF PREVIOUS CUSTOMERS

• Ask the potential caterer if there are any previous customers you can contact.
  
• Read reviews and feedback on the caterer's website and social media pages.
  
• Better still find out from friends and family which caterers they've used and get their feedback.
• Things can go wrong but how did the caterer cope is very telling.

9 GET A LIST OF WHO WILL BE IN CHARGE ON THE DAY AND THEIR TEAM

• Check how many other events your caterer will be cooking for on the day of your wedding.
• If not exclusively for you, get the name of the person who will be in charge at your venue and meet them beforehand to ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Have your representative, such as your day co-ordinator, the best-man and/or maid of honour,  to be the liaison person on the day with the caterer.

10 GET A TIMETABLE FOR YOUR DAY AND HOW THE CATERERS WILL FIT IN

• Your wedding day will involve a team of people who need to be in the right place at the right time doing what they were hired to do.
• This involves co-ordination and commitment to timing and co-operation especially where roles overlap.
•  Agree with your caterer all the timings from set up, serving of the courses and drinks, and clearing up.
• If possible have a meeting with the venue, caterer, and florist and anyone who will be involved in setting up at the venue.

Brides magazine created this helpful checklist of questions to ask any potential caterer. Remember to check out at least three caterers before making a decision, after you have had time to look over their answers.

http://www.brides.com/story/questions-to-ask-your-caterer-before-booking

 
Choosing the right photographer and videographer for your wedding is  a number one priority when selecting vendors.

Here are a few tips before you embark on your search.

1 SAY YES TO BUDGETING FOR A PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER

• Most people concentrate on booking a photographer and consider a videographer as a luxury expense.
• Many of these same couples say in retrospect, this was one of their biggest regrets.
• Your wedding flashes by in a happy blur. Your photographer and videographer will not only enable you to re-live the event but capture the moments that you miss. 

2 SAY YES TO RESEARCHING FIRST

• Word of mouth is the best research tool when choosing your photographer/videographer.
• Friends, family, work colleagues, acquaintances will willingly share their experiences and make recommendations.
• You may find the same photographer/videographer keeps coming up as "good" or "bad".
• Go to wedding blogs and look at the photos. Watch the videos and note the name of the professionals.
• Also make note of which style of photos/videos you liked or disliked and why.
• List ideas that you thought would be great to capture on your wedding day.

3 SAY YES TO GETTING IN TOUCH

• Contact any photographer you're interested in and have a chat.
• Find out as much key information  as you can before booking an appointment. Have your checklist at hand and make notes of their responses.
• Ask questions such as, are they a professional or hobbyist, do they have previous clients you can contact, do they have a niche, can they send a brochure or link to their website, how soon do you have to book?
• Contact at least three photographers/videographers which could include non-professional, such as photography students or friends who you think would do a good job.

4 SAY YES TO RECOMMENDATIONS FROM OTHER VENDORS

• When you're speaking with other vendors and wedding professionals or checking out their website, find out who took the photos if you like what you see.
• Often they will be able to give you some background information about which photographers/videographers they've worked with or seen in action.
• Ceremony Officiant, reception venues, florists and event planners could prove extremely helpful in his regard. However be aware they may have been paid to make recommendations.

5 SAY YES TO A PRE-WEDDING  PHOTO SHOOT

• Once you've selected a photographer/videographer arrange a pre-wedding photo shoot.
• It could be engagement photos or a pre-wedding shoot.
• Your aim is to get a feel of how they work. It will be time and money well spent.
• Did they help you to feel relaxed and pose in ways that felt comfortable? Did they have ideas that were  workable? Did you as a couple have a good rapport and connection with them?
• Did they have the right equipment and came well prepared for the weather and it's effect on the lighting that day?
• Were they able to show you how the shots look as soon as they were taken? Did they encourage your interaction as a couple?
• Did the experience and final photos meet, and even exceed, you expectations?

6 SAY YES TO TALKING PRICE

• Whether you use professionals, students, friends or family, there will be some costs unless it is being offered as a gift.
• Will you be paying extra for assistants used by the photographer?
• Do they have a photo and video package?
• Ensure you have a written agreement as to what services will be provided. Preferably this should be itemised with clear costing per item or details of what is included in your "package".
• Do they require a deposit? Will it be deducted from the total bill? Is this refundable if you change your mind and cancel the booking?

7 SAY YES TO HAVING AN AGREED TIMETABLE

• It is so important that you and your photographer/videographer discuss the location, timing and process of what will be happening on the day of your wedding.
• Take into account the time you need to arrive at the ceremony venue and travelling time to the reception venue, if different. Give yourselves plenty of time so you're not rushing your photos.
• Agree on the photos you want taken, such as bride/groom getting ready, the venues, guests arriving, the vendors setting up, and any specific aspects that you'd like to capture.
• Decide on the essentials in case you run out of time due to unforeseen events?
• Consider whether you want to take important photos together as a couple  before the ceremony or go somewhere alone after the ceremony, whilst guests are settling in at the reception?

8 SAY YES TO PLAN B

• All best plans can go to pot so have a back up photographer/videographer among your family friends or guests.
• You could create a "#our wedding day" and get guests to upload their photos and videos of your wedding to your social media sites.

9 SAY YES TO RELAXING AND TRUSTING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER

• You did your homework and are confident with your selection.
• Now trust them to do their job and capture you and guests enjoying your wedding day.

There's a wedding photographs checklist created by  Paul Johansen Photography.com as a pdf file which is very comprehensive.

Finding the venue for your wedding is fraught with potential problems from the onset. The secret to getting what you want is flexibility and remembering becoming a married couple is the main focus.

So where to start?

1 KNOW WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR

• Don't leave home without a clear idea of what type of surroundings you both want to get married in. The theme of your wedding is a good place to start. Is it classic, modern, rustic, informal, intimate?
• Do you mind separate venues for your wedding ceremony and reception?
• Create a checklist of what you want and take it with you. Make a note of how each venue responds to each of your requests.

2 KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

• Having no idea of the numbers and looking for a venue is a total time waster for you and venues. Numbers matter absolutely.
• An intimate wedding of fifty guests will be lost in an enormous banqueting hall, four hundred guests will not fit into a venue that seats one hundred comfortably.
• Don't make a decision until you've seen at least three venues.

3 KNOW YOUR BUDGET

• Venues can be your budget breaker. You'll pay a fortune for all those Pinterest romantic setting glitzy wedding venues. Remember unless it says "real" then it's staging to advertise vendors.
• Let your budget be the boundary to your decision. Stick to it.
• You can get what you want and more, with patience and being flexible.
• Just don't go and fall in love with a venue far beyond your budget, book it and have little left to pay for the rest of your wedding.
• Write down everything and add up the figures first. Then make choices.

4 KNOW WHEN & WHERE TO COMPROMISE

• You found the perfect location for internal décor with outside grounds for beautiful photographs but they only offer cold buffet style catering and  you want a three course meal.
• What's more important to you? Is there room for negotiation, such as the chef preparing some hot items on the buffet menu?

5 KNOW WHAT YOU'RE GETTING

• As you are given a guided tour around the venue and features are highlighted, make notes.
• At the end of the tour find out exactly what you will get for your money.
• Are there different wedding packages? Is there a one-off fee and you pay per feature that you add or is everything included in the price?

Here is a link to a good checklist of relevant questions to ask at each venue:

https://www.thespruce.com/choosing-your-wedding-venue-3489581

6 KNOW WHAT'S IN THE FINE PRINT

• Don't be caught out with "hidden" charges and "fines" because you didn't realise you needed to pay deposits, have the premises cleared and hired goods returned at a specific time.
• Check that any staff the venue provides is not at extra cost to you?
• Don't agree to a service because it sounds nice but you don't actually need. It could add £200 more on your fee when you receive the bill.
• Failing to read the fine print could cost you dearly.

7 KNOW IT'S NOT "WHERE" BUT "WHO"
Don't get too bogged down in finding the perfect venue so that you both become stressed out.
The most important thing is on an agreed date the two of you will legally seal your love and commitment to each other. The location is secondary.

Here is a video a couple speaking candidly about planning their wedding, including the stress of finding the right venue. I hope you find it helpful and underlines some of my tips above.
Marlene

Planning your wedding is really putting together your team of vendors or helpers who will work to make your wedding day dream a reality.

BE FOCUSED
Aim to get as much information, in the least amount of time to enable you to make clear decisions and book vendors you like, with confidence.

BE PREPARED
Have these essential basic information about your wedding at hand to share with potential vendors.

• Vision
• Location
• Guest list
• Wedding party size
• Budget
• Date

The more information you can provide, the easier it will be to get the right responses to your queries, and the less time wasted.

BE VOCAL

• Don't assume that vendors can know what is in your head (imagination).
• You need to spell out clearly and succinctly what you're hoping to get.
• Be prepared to answer questions, provided photos, mood boards, videos.
• Anything that will help to show just what you both have in mind for your wedding day.

BE PROACTIVE

• Visit/meet in person or send someone you trust will clearly represent you, knows and understand your vision and personality.
• Get samples of vendors work.
• Read reviews and speak to previous clients.
• Get recommendations from vendors of other vendors. eg The photographer may know a great florist, the church pastor a reliable wedding car hire company and the venue a fantastic band that plays your type of music.

BE FLEXIBLE

• It is good to know what you do and don't want. But it's just as important to be flexible.
• Listen to your vendors suggestions and recommendations. They are experienced in their field.
• Negotiate and get to a place of agreement if other boxes are ticked.

BE CLEAR

• Agree timescales.
• Read contracts, especially the small print.
• Know cut off dates for booking, cancellations and order amendments.
• Be aware of  penalties for late payments, additional guests, broken hired goods and so on.

BE RE-ASSURED

• Vendors should be clear about their responsibilities and your timescale on the day of your wedding.
• Who will be responsible for delivery or do you need to collect?
• Who will set up/ pull down at the venue?
• Who will be the contact person, will they be available for specific hours. and what is their contact number?

BE CONSCIOUS

• Before signing contracts and paying deposits, ensure you know what vendors' quotes include and what services will incur additional costs.
• Ask about packages, discretionary discounts for out of season or early bookings.
• They might include something you wanted, if you're already paying quite a large sum for booking them, at no extra charge.

BE DECISIVE

• Having done your homework, researched, asked a lot of questions and made clear notes, narrow down each type of service/vendor to a maximum of three.
• Look again at your wish-list and how each vendor aligns. Where are you prepared to be flexible or compromise?
• Discuss together as a couple and come to a consensus. Book your chosen vendors immediately, paying deposits and signing contracts promptly.
• Start on the right foot, keep communication open without being a pest. Trust them to do their job but go with your gut feeling. Don't be afraid to heed warning signs and cancel if necessary.

These tips should hopefully help you put together the right team of vendors to work with you to create your dream wedding.

Don't forget to join me again next Wednesday for tips on Wedding venues.
All the best with your wedding planning.
Marlene x

The key to having a successful wedding day is PLANNING! Get yourself a plan and then execute it.
Below are 10 easy steps to getting organised like a  wedding planning pro'.

1 START IT
Start organising yourselves NOW!!! There are so many things that are out of your control, people to involve, decisions to make and things to pay for, that you need a system to keep tabs of everything,

2 WRITE IT
Using a spreadsheet or large sheet of paper, divide into columns with the following headings

• WANTS
  Make a list of key things you want in order to make your big day a success.
  
  
• NEEDS
  Decide who will be needed to get the things you want.
  
  
• TIMING
  Decide how much time you have to do everything and how much time your vendors/helpers need to get things done.
  
  
• PRIORITY
  Decide the order of priority that things need to be done. This will vary according to your wedding location, number of guests and budget.
   
  Separate your list of jobs into two halves with you both taking a share of the responsibility in the  execution of your plan.
  

3 TIME IT
Set yourselves timescale targets to get jobs done and stick to it. Be accountable to each other to stay focused and motivated. See this sample timeline from 'Real Simple'

https://www.realsimple.com/weddings/weddings-planning/wedding-planning-checklist:

4 FILE IT
Set up a simple filing system to make life easy. Get yourself a FILE/FOLDER with dividers to which you will allocate different headings eg Venue, Food, Photos & Videos, Flowers, Music. Colour code each section. Eg Green for flowers, pink for makeup artist, grey for venue.
KEEP FILE UPDATED and ACCESSIBLE

6 KEEP IT
Add wallets or envelopes to your file for vendor contracts, receipts, important documents, colour swashes and everything relevant in each sub-sections.
 
 
7 DISPLAY IT
Create a spreadsheet so you can see everything you’re doing at a glance. This is especially useful to keep tabs on time and spending.

8 MARK IT
Put all appointments and deadline dates on your calendar so you can easily see when things need to done.

9 SIMPLIFY IT
If you’re internet savvy use free apps to save time and share things with each other, family, your wedding party and vendors. Eg WhatsApp to share Pinterest board or pins, Emailing “Save the Date” to reduce postage costs and creating a private Facebook Group to keep those abroad in the loop with your planning.

10 SHARE IT
Whichever way you divide the jobs, ensure that everyone knows what has been done at any given time. Schedule regular update meetings at an agreed time. It could simply be updating your spreadsheet together or over dinner sharing what you have done on your individual lists and the next steps. Let the other person know if you had time to do something on their list and avoid duplication.

 'Brides Magazine' have created this one year wedding planning timeline, which you may find particularly useful if you plan to marry in the UK..
http://www.bridesmagazine.co.uk/planning/general/miscellaneous/2015/wedding-planner-advice-guide-12-month-organiser

Don't forget to join me next Wednesday for more wedding planning tips.
Marlene x

(P.S. If you missed the previous post, see below.)