Six ways to ease your wedding planning fears
The high level of expectation and the nature of today’s busy lifestyles can make even the most decisive couple feel confused and overwhelmed.
Our bridal writer Claire Bloomfield met leading wedding and events planner Mary Briscoe, the expert behind Weddings by Mary, to reveal six ways to ease your wedding planning fears…
SET YOUR BUDGET
Nobody wants to talk about money and everybody gets a little uncomfortable when you do. But if you’re starting married life together you want to make sure you’re on the same page when it comes to setting a budget. Around 45% of your budget is spent on your venue but it will often include food and beverages.
It’s important to identify the look and feel you want to achieve and be controlled when you hit the shops. It’s very easy to spot something when you’re out and about and purchase all sorts of things you tell yourself you’re going to use. Those smaller items quickly add up and before you know it you have spent £1,000 on stuff you don’t actually need.
CREATE LISTS AND BITE SIZED TASKS
Keep a notebook by your bed and write down things that you want to do or ideas that pop into your head in the middle of the night. Once you’ve decided on the look and feel of your wedding, you can prevent that feeling of being overwhelmed by the idea of organising an entire event if you break it down into more manageable tasks.
It’s also helpful to set yourself goals. For example, ‘by the end of the month I would like to have booked a florist and chosen a caterer’. It’s much better than throwing everything into Google – where your mind will be completely blown. There is so much out there. It’s about learning how to drown out that noise and focus on what you want as a couple rather than what everyone else is telling you. Remember, it’s not a competition and it’s your day.
UNDERSTAND THE LEGALITIES
Whether you’re choosing a church service or a civil wedding, there are various time factors that you need to give consideration. Particularly with weddings on short lead times, it’s important you’re aware of the documents and paperwork that might be required. Do your homework on the legalities and check in with your registrar's office to make sure this doesn’t hold up your wedding plans.
SELECT YOUR SUPPLIERS
Start identifying your suppliers. I often recommend that couples put together a mood board of things they like, pulling inspiration from magazines or online via social media apps like Pinterest. It’s equally important to find out things that you don’t like and this method will help you identify this, too. You’ll quickly see things start to fall into place.
Talk to your venue about the suppliers they can recommend. Those suppliers might also be able to make other useful recommendations and then you can decide what you like. The choice is always yours.
We have carefully curated a list of trusted suppliers who exemplify excellence and efficiency every time we work together.
CALL IN BACK UP
Talk to your family and friends, and particularly your bridal party, but it does help to also chat with someone who is neutral and can offer you informed, honest opinions and expert advice. For example, I offer three different Bridal Sessions that vary in length either via Skype or in person over Afternoon Tea. Whether you’re looking for detailed inspiration, to brainstorm an idea, chat through a particular element of your wedding or just need someone to rant at, this is a great way to ease those fears and tap into my experience.
FIND TIME TO ENJOY YOURSELF
For many couples, as soon as the ring is on her finger they’re off planning their ceremony. Don’t forget to enjoy your engagement. It’s so important to take time out from planning your wedding. Suggest a weekend away with your partner and agree that talking about the wedding is off limits. When you revisit your plans you will feel refreshed and ready with a revitalised approach.
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CELEBRATE YOUR WEDDING AT 116 PALL MALL
An unforgettable day in an extraordinary venue. 116 Pall Mall is one of London’s most majestic London wedding venues. You’ll be spoilt for choice with our wide range of spaces, all ideal for every kind of ceremony.
You can even hire the whole venue on weekends, with capacities of up to 1,500 standing or 50—250 seated.
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