The Ultimate Guide To Planning Your Dream Wedding

Embarking on the journey of planning your wedding is an exciting yet daunting task. From setting a budget to choosing the perfect venue and coordinating every detail, there's a lot to consider. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create the wedding of your dreams. One crucial aspect that can elevate your celebration to new heights is live music. We ourselves specialise in providing the perfect soundtrack to your day and will come to that later in the blog but to begin with we want to share some key information and ideas with you to help make your planning journey a more straightforward and enjoyable endeavour.

Through our experience of working in the wedding industry (as well as being a happily married couple ourselves!), we have gathered expertise and knowledge in all the key areas of planning, delivering and having the perfect wedding! Join us as we delve into the essential elements of wedding planning, and before we offer our take on booking live music and how it can be almost the main factor in creating absolutely unforgettable memories.

Setting a Budget

Before diving into the details of your wedding day, it's essential to establish a realistic budget. Consider factors such as venue rental, catering, attire, and entertainment, and allocate funds accordingly. Additionally, explore the option of wedding insurance to protect your investment against unforeseen circumstances and provide peace of mind throughout the planning process. Btw, we know you might not want to think about worst case scenarios but having been victims of the lockdowns in 2019, we were very glad to have had insurance! Anything can happen, but let's all stay positive just hope it doesn't...

Photography & Videography

Capture the magic of your wedding day with professional photography and videography services. Research and select talented professionals who can immortalise every moment, ensuring that you have timeless memories to cherish for years to come. The perfect album of photos which capture the atmosphere in a special and unique way and your very own movie documenting the memories in motion picture, these are two incredible ways to make the moment last forever.

It's worth looking at what extras are on offer, such as engagement shoots etc. Both photography and videography are very time consuming jobs so it's not unusual to find a high price tag attached to some of the more well-established suppliers.

We work with so many incredible photographers and videographers every month and you can find some links in other articles on our blog about specific venues or even recommended suppliers.

Choosing The Right Attire

Finding the perfect wedding attire is a crucial aspect of planning your wedding. Whether you're dreaming of a traditional or modern look, take your time exploring different styles and designers to find the ensemble that reflects your personality and style.

For the Brides to be: Your wedding dress is often seen as the most important outfit you'll ever wear, so finding the perfect one is essential. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right wedding dress:

Know Your Body Type: Understand your body shape and what styles flatter your figure best. Whether you're petite, curvy, or tall, there's a dress that will accentuate your features beautifully.

Set a Budget: Before you start shopping, determine how much you're willing to spend on your wedding dress. This will help narrow down your options and prevent you from falling in love with a dress that's out of your price range.

Research Styles: Browse bridal magazines, websites, and Pinterest for inspiration. Take note of styles, fabrics, and details that appeal to you, and bring these ideas with you when you go dress shopping.

Shop Early: Start shopping for your wedding dress at least six to nine months before your wedding date. This will give you plenty of time to find the perfect dress and have any alterations done.

Consider the Venue and Theme: Take into account the style of your wedding venue and the overall theme of your wedding when choosing your dress. You want your dress to complement the setting and vibe of your big day.

Trust Your Instincts: When trying on dresses, trust your instincts and go with what makes you feel beautiful and confident. Don't be afraid to speak up if you're not loving a dress, and don't settle for anything less than perfect.

Choosing the right wedding dress may seem daunting, but with these tips in mind, you're sure to find the dress of your dreams.

And now for the prospective grooms: Choosing the right wedding suit is an essential part of looking and feeling your best on your big day. Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect suit:

Know Your Style: Consider the overall style of your wedding and your personal taste when selecting your suit. Whether you prefer a classic tuxedo, a modern slim-fit suit, or something more casual, choose a style that reflects who you are.

Consider the Venue: Take into account the location and theme of your wedding when choosing your suit. A formal black-tie affair may call for a traditional tuxedo, while a rustic outdoor wedding may be better suited to a more relaxed suit in lighter fabrics.

Get the Right Fit: Fit is key when it comes to looking sharp in a suit. Make sure your suit is tailored to fit you perfectly, or invest in alterations to achieve the ideal fit. A well-fitted suit will not only look better but also make you feel more confident on your wedding day.

Coordinate with Your Partner: Coordinate your suit with your partner's outfit to ensure a cohesive look. Consider factors such as color, style, and formality to create a harmonious ensemble that complements each other's attire.

Pay Attention to Details: Don't overlook the details when selecting your suit. Consider accessories such as ties, pocket squares, cufflinks, and shoes to complete your look. Paying attention to these small details will elevate your outfit and add personality to your wedding attire.

Choosing the right wedding suit is an important decision, but with this checklist, you'll be well on your way to looking dashing on your special day.

If you're environmentally minded, why not explore the idea of preloved? This sustainable way to dress up is a great way to save money too. Suits, dresses, ties and shoes... you can literally get it all and alter/upcycle to your hearts desire. This way you might even end up with a complete one off that will make the day even more special whilst ensuring a greener future which just has to be a bonus. Just a thought!

Hair & Make-Up

Your wedding day is the ultimate occasion to shine, and your bridal hair and makeup can play a significant role in completing your dream look. Here are some expert tips to ensure you're glowing from head to toe on your special day:

Start with a Trial Run: Schedule a trial session with your chosen hair and makeup artist several weeks before your wedding day. This allows you to experiment with different styles and find the perfect look that complements your features and bridal vision.

Consider Your Dress and Theme: Take cues from your wedding dress and overall theme when deciding on your hair and makeup. For example, if you're wearing a bohemian gown for a beach wedding, consider loose waves and natural makeup to match the laid-back vibe.

Focus on Enhancing Your Natural Beauty: Your wedding day isn't the time for drastic transformations. Instead, aim to enhance your natural features with subtle makeup and hairstyles that highlight your best assets and make you feel like the best version of yourself.

Opt for Long-lasting Products: Invest in high-quality, long-lasting makeup products and hair styling tools to ensure your look stays flawless throughout the day. Waterproof mascara, setting spray, and smudge-proof lipstick are essential for withstanding tears, kisses, and hours of celebration. There are plenty of environmental, sustainable options for this too!

Plan for Touch-Ups: Pack a bridal touch-up kit with essentials like lipstick, blotting papers, and hairpins to refresh your look as needed throughout the day. Assign a bridesmaid or trusted friend to carry the kit and assist you with touch-ups whenever necessary.

Communicate Clearly with Your Stylists: Communication is key when working with your hair and makeup artists. Be sure to articulate your preferences, share inspiration photos, and provide feedback during your trial session to ensure everyone is on the same page for your wedding day.

Relax and Enjoy the Process: Your wedding day preparations should be a time of joy and excitement, so take a moment to relax and savor the pampering experience of getting your hair and makeup done. Trust in the expertise of your beauty team, and focus on soaking in every precious moment leading up to your walk down the aisle.

By following these tips and prioritizing self-care and relaxation, you'll be sure to radiate confidence and beauty as you say "I do" on your wedding day!

Flowers Decoration & Colour Palette

Transform your wedding venue into a timeless scene with carefully curated floral arrangements, decor, and a cohesive colour palette. Collaborate with florists and venue dressers to create a cohesive aesthetic that sets the tone for your celebration and reflects your unique vision. At our own wedding, we actually went with an incredible artist who made flowers out of paper, most notably roses out of manuscript music paper which was a really special touch. This can be a brilliant way to preserve keepsakes for years to come - paper flowers won't biodegrade and they can be designed to be unique and personal.

If you're sucker for the natural vibe, there are plenty of incredible flower arrangers all over the country who will advise you on whats in season and what will work for your colour palette. Speaking of which...

Choosing a colour palette for a wedding can be an exciting but also daunting task. Here are some steps to help you select the perfect colour scheme:

Consider the Season: Think about the time of year your wedding will take place. Pastels and soft hues work well for spring weddings, while vibrant colours or deep, rich tones are great for fall or winter weddings.

Draw Inspiration: Look for inspiration from various sources such as nature, fashion, art, or even your favourite Pinterest boards. You might find a colour combination that resonates with you.

Venue and Setting: Take into account the colours and decor of your venue. You want your colour palette to complement the surroundings rather than clash with them.

Personal Preferences: Consider your own preferences and personalities as a couple. Do you have favorite colors or hues that you both love? Incorporating personal touches can make the palette feel more meaningful.

Mood and Theme: Think about the mood or theme you want to evoke on your wedding day. Soft pastels might create a romantic and whimsical atmosphere, while bold, vibrant colours can add energy and excitement.

Colour Wheel: Familiarise yourself with the colour wheel and understand colour theory basics. You can choose complementary colors (opposite on the colour wheel), analogous colours (next to each other on the wheel), or triadic colours (equally spaced around the wheel) for a harmonious palette.

Experiment: Play around with different colour combinations and see how they look together. You can create mood boards or use online tools to visualise your ideas.

Balance: Aim for a balanced colour palette with a mix of primary, secondary, and accent colours. Avoid overwhelming the senses with too many competing colours.

Consult Professionals: If you're unsure or overwhelmed, don't hesitate to consult with a wedding planner, designer, or even a colour expert who can offer guidance and suggestions based on your preferences and vision.

Test it Out: Once you've narrowed down your choices, try incorporating the colours into various aspects of your wedding, such as invitations, flowers, bridesmaid dresses, and decor, to see how they work together in real life.

Remember, there are no strict rules when it comes to choosing a wedding colour palette. Ultimately, go with what feels right for you as a couple and what will create the ambiance you envision for your special day.

When thinking about other decor, you can either go with a wedding venue dresser, do it yourself using lots of bits and pieces you've bought online or in shops over a period of time or you can even DIY it up and make stuff yourself. We actually used some old music paper and punched out our own music note confetti. Ironically, we weren't allowed to throw this at the venue so we used it as table decoration instead.

We are lucky enough to have an incredible artist in the family so our table decorations were these gorgeous watercolour paintings of flowers in glass jars wrapped with music notation paper which really gave us that personal touch perfectly fitting with our personalities. It is so worth having a chat with an artist or craft maker to see if there are any personal touches that you might not have thought of to make your day stand out from the crowd. Etsy is an obvious choice for finding artists but you may have a market or gallery locally which will give you an opportunity to meet someone in person and talk about yourselves in more detail to get an even more personal, even bespoke result.

Selecting the perfect wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Consider factors such as location, capacity, and ambiance, and choose a venue that aligns with your vision and accommodates your needs.

When it comes to choosing a wedding venue, there are countless options to suit every couple's style, budget, and preferences. Here are some of the most popular types of wedding venues you can consider booking:

Hotel Ballrooms: Hotels often offer elegant ballrooms with ample space for large weddings. These venues typically provide catering services and have onsite accommodations for guests.

Country Clubs: Country clubs offer picturesque settings with manicured lawns, golf courses, and elegant clubhouse facilities. They often provide exclusive use of the venue and may offer customizable wedding packages.

Historic Mansions or Estates: For couples seeking a romantic and timeless ambiance, historic mansions or estates offer grandeur and charm. These venues often feature lush gardens, ornate architecture, and intimate indoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions.

Vineyards or Wineries: Wineries and vineyards provide rustic yet sophisticated settings for weddings, with scenic views of rolling vineyards and wine barrel-lined cellars. Many vineyards offer wine tastings and tours as part of their wedding packages.

Beach or Waterfront Venues: For couples dreaming of a destination wedding or a beachfront ceremony, beach or waterfront venues provide a stunning backdrop for exchanging vows. Whether it's a tropical beach resort or a seaside venue overlooking the ocean, these locations offer a relaxed and romantic atmosphere.

Barns or Farmhouses: Rustic barns or farmhouses are perfect for couples seeking a laid-back and charming wedding venue. These venues often feature exposed beams, wooden interiors, and expansive outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions.

Gardens or Botanical Gardens: Gardens and botanical gardens offer natural beauty and serene surroundings for outdoor weddings. With blooming flowers, lush greenery, and scenic pathways, these venues create a magical setting for exchanging vows amidst nature.

Urban Lofts or Warehouses: This option is gaining a lot more traction of late becoming an increasingly popular choice for alternative weddings. Urban lofts and warehouses provide a trendy and industrial-chic backdrop for a modern design. With exposed brick walls, high ceilings, beams, pillars, exposed lighting and other unique features, these versatile spaces offer endless possibilities for one-off customisations and creativity.

Museums or Art Galleries: For couples with a love for art and culture, museums or art galleries offer unique and memorable wedding venues. These venues often feature stunning architecture, iconic artwork, and sophisticated ambiance for an unforgettable celebration.

Private Residences or Backyards: Hosting your wedding at a private residence or backyard allows for a more intimate and personalized celebration. Whether it's your own home, a family estate, or a rented property, these venues offer flexibility and a cozy atmosphere for celebrating with loved ones.

No matter your style or preferences, there's a wedding venue out there to suit your vision and create the perfect backdrop for your special day.

We introduce you to several classic wedding venues in our blog - be sure to check them out!

The Perfect Wedding Venue

Your Wedding Menu

The wedding menu, or just the food in general can often be a compromise when planning. Thinking more about what everybody will enjoy rather than going in on something that represents you. Lots of venues will push traditional food as the best option but it could be that your tastes lend themselves to more of an international fusion.

You can approach things in one of two ways - creating a memorable dining experience for you and your guests with thoughtfully curated menus for both daytime wedding breakfast and evening receptions... or you can fill the day with soulful food that creates the perfect moments of culinary comfort throughout your schedule.

Whether you search for food vendors or collaborate with caterers to design menus that showcase your favourite flavours, there are plenty of incredible options out there to satisfy every appetite.

Personally, we managed to work with a low-key venue who were happy to book in a chef that matched our ideas of what good food should be for the wedding breakfast and then we made the decision to check out food festivals and markets to find a great vendor/food truck for the evening. We ended up going with an incredible Gyoza supplier in the end (see them in our blog here) but pretty much any food vendor in a market will be able to do external catering if you ask.

We were lucky enough to have a family member make our wedding cake but this can be one of the trickiest things to figure out. There are lots of incredible cake makers out there - again it's a case of thinking about what best represents you and your day. Whether you want a rustic naked look or iced to perfection, just search for local makers. You may even find that a local bakery has some fantastic contacts for getting a really good quality bake on a budget.

It's all about the day representing you and making sure you have no regrets, so go with your stomach on this one and make sure your day is as delicious as possible!

Last but not least we come to what is undoubtedly one of the most important parts of your day, the element that can bring the most personality and happiness outside of actually getting married yourself.

Everyone loves music, it's a huge part of daily life and there's not many situations that aren't made better with music. Live music especially brings a unique, memorable and interactive touch, creating the perfect atmosphere to bring everyone together and make the day as special as you deserve it to be.

We have a full blog about finding the perfect soundtrack to your wedding day because there's just too much to go into but once you've taken a look at that, we would love to hear from you if you have any questions or anything you would like to run by us in terms of your schedule and what's possible for your day.

The bottom line is to choose music that resonates with yourselves as people and to go with what will make you happy!

Incredible Live Wedding Music

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