Wedding truths!
I’ve worked in the wedding industry for over 10 years and it’s an eye opener to money, people’s feelings, emotions and actions as well as a wonderful world of fabulous businesses.
I’m not trying to scare or worry you but simply prepare you for what might happen. The Scout moto ‘Be Prepared!’ is certainly what you need to have close the forefront of your mind!
Here are a couple of home truths in regards to planning a wedding and how it will challenge you as well as excite you.
Weddings are NOT cheap
No matter where, when or who you have at your wedding it will still be an expensive party. The best way to keep those costs down is BUDGET and stick to it. If you have been saving or you’re lucky enough to have money given to you for the big day then weigh up all your options.
How many guests will you have?
Do you need canapes, a 3-course meal, an evening buffet, a 4 tired cake, a cheese course?
How long will your day be? Morning ceremony, afternoon ceremony?
Will you hire or buy your suits and dresses?
Do you need 20 people in your wedding party?
Fresh flowers?
Make your own centrepieces verses hiring or buying?
All of these questions need to be answered for you to be able to stick to your budget. By approaching as many suppliers, and venues and doing your research you will be able to stick to those all-important figures. It seems a daunting prospect but once you have your basic plan put together then things role along quite nicely.
Budgeting is a bit factor of your wedding so check out our budgeting blog for more info!
Planning any function takes time. There are emails back and forth from suppliers, your guests won’t send their replies back, you will be chasing people for information, you won’t be able to decide on your colour scheme, you had no idea that there were so many types of cake, icing, flowers, suits, lighting, food, dresses, shoes, jewellery…the list a little endless and time consuming.
You will spend your evenings and weekends sourcing tablecloths, glasses, candlesticks, picture frames, gifts, and of course there is Pinterest to keep those creative juices going!
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and with a good spreadsheet and a plan you will come out on top with a wonderful wedding and a newfound appreciation for Wedding Planners!
Weddings cause disputes
No matter how nice you are, how easy going you can be, someone will not be happy.
Set boundaries! Making sure your plan is in place in advance, then so many arguments can be avoided and you are hassle free! Set them early – as soon as you get engaged! Don’t wait until your parents and in-laws suddenly appear with their own guests list or your neighbour pops in asking for the date so she can book it off…Tell people sooner and don’t do anything you don’t have to!
If your partner doesn’t want to plan the wedding every night it does NOT mean they do not love you just as much as they always have! If they do not take an interest about what flowers or candles are going to be on the table don’t worry. Wedding planning is not for everyone, it doesn’t have to be. You and your parent have different interest and that is okay.
Just keep in mind that this wonderful wedding you are creating is actually the first day of your married life. In the corniest way, and with a nod to the Spice Girls, your wedding day is the day two become one!
Things might go wrong or not be possible
It’s okay for your wedding to not look exactly how you think. Pinterest can be the best thing to give you ideas but it can also be the worst.
It hosts a lot of pictures and ideas that would never work in Cumbria! Many pictures are from America where the weather isn’t always the biggest factor! A lot of the pictures are also photoshoots where budget is not factor. BUT that doesn’t mean you can’t get ideas that will work great.
On the day itself it will go past in a blur. One minute you will be getting married and the next minute you’ll be having your first dance and feeding each other cake! So, remember the following:
If your partner doesn’t look at you and burst into tears it’s okay – they still love you! They still think you are the most beautiful person to have crossed the earth otherwise they wouldn’t be standing in front of you saying their wedding vows!
If it rains – grab an umbrella! 2015 saw the one of the worst flooding disasters in Cumbria, and many brides and grooms adapted to the conditions, stuck their heels in and those weddings went off without too many unnecessary hitches!
Remember to laugh, chat to your guests, dance until your feet are sore, eat the food – you’ve dieted for long enough, relax and have an amazing day!!
Remember to take a look at our DIRECTORY for some fabulous suppliers and venues who will help you along your journey.
