Wedding blog by respected wedding planner discussing design, planning, advice and reviews.

It is generally thought 26% brides now hire wedding planners for certain aspects of their wedding. But why? Surely organising a wedding isn’t difficult and with the support of family it can be planned easily? The fact of the matter is that weddings have become far more complex and stylish then in previous years, it can take approx. 250/300 hours to organise once you counter in the research into venues and suppliers let alone the time spent fine tuning the design.

So just how stressful would it be trying to speak to suppliers and venues when you spend days on end travelling with business? The short answer is you have to be organised and pre plan your diary for appointments. You would also really benefit from the help of a professional wedding planner who are experienced at organising weddings thus saving you time & unnecessary stress.

But, not everyone wants to hire a wedding planner so I hope the following tips help. In addition you may benefit from reading our ‘wedding planning guide series‘ & ‘etiquette series’

1. Wedding website - you can tell fiends and family about the engagement and post details of the date and venue once finalised. Your gift list could be accessed via it and guests could send in their RSVP’s. If you load with accommodation and travel details guests need never bother you with endless questions.
2. Lists - compile a list of tasks to complete and breakdown into months, start one task at a time before moving onto the next task. Be realistic about your goals in order to remain motivated.
3. Delegate - organising a wedding is a huge task and can be incredibly stressful, don’t go it alone. Ask key family members to take on certain tasks for you and ask if anyone has any special talents, perhaps an Aunt can make your cake?
4. Suppliers - make sure you ask for references from suppliers and always read contracts before signing on the dotted line. Ask whether they are insured and quality check their work, whether cake tasting, viewing photographers albums or visiting a live band one night.
5. Budgeting - if you don’t produce a budget costs will spiral out of control, regardless of whether you wanted to spend £20k or £120k. Ensure you have a contingency amount as you will always add something you never thought you would want or need. 
6. Payments - compile a list of what the payment structure is for suppliers, detailing their deposits and final payment details. 
7. Block your time - set aside a weekend when you vett suppliers, try to see a few in one day thus using your time efficiently..
8. Put it in writing - ensure you have contracts from all suppliers but also put in writing any requests to the reception venue. Even if you have had a long conversation you need assurance your requests will be carried out fully.
9. Wedding day management - if you do not have a wedding planner then delegate someone close to you but outside the wedding party, to check the reception set up and confirm suppliers have complied with your instructions.
10. Table décor - remember less is more, don’t over clutter your tables but keep it simple. If you have place cards then put them in a separate bag or envelope for each table to make it easy for the venue to lay out.  If you want cutlery, napkins and favours placed in a certain way then set it up and photograph it, this gives the venue or planner a clear idea of what your desire.