4 Key Wedding Planning Decisions

Before you book any wedding suppliers, it’s time to make four key wedding planning decisions.

1. How much do you have to spend?
   It’s not the most romantic aspect of planning a wedding, but you need to know exactly what your wedding budget is before you start writing cheques! If relatives are contributing at all, it’s important to have that slightly awkward conversation about what they would like to offer. Once the final figure is set, set up a wedding bank account and work out roughly what you can spend on each aspect of your big day. If you overspend in one area, you need to cut back in another.
2. How many people would you like to invite?
   Writing an initial guest list is essential. It helps you work out what size of venue you’re looking for, and how much you can afford to spend per head. If your list is too long, consider cutting it down. You can always have an intimate wedding and a big party when you get back from honeymoon. And, most importantly, don’t even consider sending out ‘save the date’ cards until you have finalised the list!
3. When would you like to get married?
   If you have your heart set on a balmy summer wedding, or a cosy winter celebration, you need to choose your date accordingly. Try to avoid dates such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day when the cost of things like flowers will be higher than normal. Also have a few possible dates up your sleeve. If your chosen venue is already booked, it’s important to have an alternative option.
4. Where’s your dream venue?
   Finally of course, you need to decide where you’d like to tie the knot. If you’d like a religious ceremony, look for a reception venue within half an hour’s drive of the ceremony venue. The perfect reception venue not only needs to be available, it should accommodate your chosen number of guests and sit within your budget.

Once those four key decisions have been made... it’s time to start planning. Enjoy!

Article by Wedding Consultant Kate Smallwood

Image Courtesy of Surrey Wedding Photographer Matt Pereira Photography

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