Just got engaged? Then you’re probably scrolling the internet looking for wedding planning tips. Scroll no more! Wedding Planner Emma Jordan shares all the tips she’s picked up during her years in the industry. From budgeting advice to venue ideas, we’ve got you covered.
Pick your priorities
Sit down with your partner and work out the top three priorities for your wedding as a starting point. It could be food, music, a wedding planner, cake, a venue… Choose whatever aspects of a wedding are most important to you both and then you can direct a lot of your wedding budget towards these priorities. Picking priorities together will also help you get on the same page, tailor your approach and help you avoid overwhelm.
Set a budget
Next, set a budget. The best way to work out your budget is to have a rough idea of your wedding date, so you know how much time you’ve got left to save. Think about pay cheques, how much you can set aside, and any family contributions on top of that. Factor in a budget for a wedding planner if you’d like one too. Be realistic about what you’ll get for your budget.
You can upload documents in a huge range of formats to Exaactly. Why not create an Excel spreadsheet or Google Sheet to plan your budget, and add it to your Exaactly locker? Sign up to Exaactly for free.
Finalise the date
Finalise a date for your wedding. I’d recommend having a two-year window if possible, so you have plenty of time to save and hire the wedding suppliers you want. If you’re going for a shorter time frame it might help to have a wedding planner. You’ll often save money on a wedding venue if you get married outside peak times. For example, mid-week in autumn is usually cheaper than a weekend in summer. A lot of couples I work with opt for a later season in the year now – so much money can be saved!
Location, location, location
Look into places that don’t advertise themselves as wedding venues, which can often save you money too. I’d also research newly opened wedding venues, which may offer lower prices before they become established and sought after. If you’re getting married abroad your venue may give you a list of recommended suppliers or offer an inclusive package. You may prefer to source suppliers yourself and/or to create a DIY wedding.
Be inspired
Look at what you’ve got around you for wedding inspiration. Consider the colours, style and textures you’ve chosen for your home. Think about the colour and style of the clothes you wear. You can also get plenty of inspiration from wedding suppliers’ blogs. Instagram and Pinterest are great places to find wedding inspiration as well, but don’t get too sucked in. Explore what already excites you rather than what’s on trend.
Why not create a mood board of wedding ideas and save it in your Exaactly locker? Sign up to Exaactly for free.
Think about food…
Weddings don’t have to feature a sit-down meal. You could have a wedding later in the day, followed by a party, rather than a traditional meal. If you do want to offer food, think about the vibe you’d like. For example, street food works well if you’re after a more laid-back style of dining. Then there’s the cake to consider. If you’re having cake – and you don’t have to! – have the right amount to serve all your guests, including evening ones. Consider how many tiers are in your cake and how many slices you’ll need for guests. Ask your venue to slice it ready for day and evening guests, so you’re not left with an uneaten cake at the end of celebrations. Source some cake boxes to set to one side, so if guests are full, they can take their cake home.
… And drinks
Drinks are a great way to add personality and colour to your wedding! For example, you could serve Aperol spritz if you have an orange and pink theme. Drinks can add a splash of colour to wedding photos too. I love the idea of drinks toppers with the wedding date or couple’s initials to create personality.
Invitation options
Decide how you’d like to invite wedding guests. You might want a traditional invitation. Another option is to have a one-page, single-sided invite, to keep costs down. This can have a QR code that links through to a website, with all the details guests need. Factor in time to chase RSVPs and meal choices from guests too.
Exaactly can even be used as a wedding website! Sign up for a free Exaactly account and digital locker, then store everything you and your guests need, in one place. You can add a gift list, wedding location, photos from the day and much more.
Take a break
Take regular breaks when you’re wedding planning and take a step back if it starts to feel overwhelming. Don’t to do everything in one go, to keep the process exciting and enjoyable.
Go your own way
Don’t feel you have to go for a traditional wedding if you don’t want to. There isn’t only one way to have a wedding. Keep any traditions you like, if you want to, or make your own. Avoid getting wrapped up in what you see on Instagram and other people’s weddings. Stay true to your vision.
Emma has a free wedding planning checklist to help you plan your big day. Download yours at the bottom of this page.
Emma Jordan
Emma Jordan runs Emma Jordan Weddings, a wedding planning, design and styling company based in North East England. She offers a range of services, ranging from hour-long advice sessions, right up to planning your wedding from start to finish. Find out more about the business on its website, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.