With the pandemic affecting weddings and celebrations for over a year now, it seemed as though 2021 was our bright light at the end of a dark tunnel. But realistically speaking, it looks as though weddings and events may be affected for just a while longer, if not for the foreseeable future.

What 2020 has taught me is that love is certainly not cancelled and there are still ways for couples to start thinking about planning for their big day. Fortunately, we’re now a year on from when it all started, so like many other industries, the wedding industry has become accustomed to the ‘new norm’ and is in a much better position to assist and guide you along the way. 

First of all, if you’re reading this and are recently engaged, I wish you huge congratulations!

If you haven’t already read my ‘Recently engaged but unsure what happens next?’ blog post, then my absolute first tip would be to take a breather and cherish every moment of this exciting new chapter you’re about to embark on. For those who are now ready to start their planning journey but are slightly hesitant in doing so, I’d like to reassure you that you absolutely can and there are plenty of ways in which you can do so.

Be open and be honest:

It’s so important that the very first step you take when starting this journey is to have an open and honest conversation with your partner on the absolute musts and non negotiable’s of your day. You both need to be on the same page when it comes to deciding when you want your wedding, where you want it to take place and how you’re going to go about it. If you’re looking for something sooner, even this year, it’s best you consider a smaller, more intimate day with the possibility of certain restrictions. But if you’re happy to wait and are in no rush, start to consider dates in 2022 or even later. 

If you’re unsure about what an intimate celebration can offer, you can check out my previous post ‘Why keeping things intimate can sometimes be better’ here. 

Be realistic:

Being realistic is key to this process. You’ll find your expectations are better managed when you have a realistic mindset from the very start. Many suppliers and venues can get booked up a whole year in advance, but now we also have to consider the many other couples that had to postpone last year and even the start of this year. If you’re set on having a wedding over a weekend during peak season, then it’s best you look at dates from one and a half years to two years in advance. You may also want to discuss various dates in the situation that your chosen venue is not available on your first choice.

Research is also just as important. Make sure you use any spare time you have to carry out basic research on general costs, suppliers and even a step-by-step process of planning a wedding. By jumping in head first without having looked into anything will only give you a shock and may even prove costly down the line.

WORK ON YOUR GUESTLIST:

If you’re unsure about whether you want a big wedding or a smaller one, putting together a guest list will help guide you when it comes to making this decision. Your guest list will always be the basis and starting point of your planning as it can define where you’re able to host your wedding as well as your total wedding budget. I would also advise putting together more than one list, the first being your ideal guest list and the second being your deal breaker guest list. If your deal breaker guest list consists of anything larger than 40 people, then I would suggest looking at dates further down the line where there is less of a chance of larger weddings not being able to take place. If you’re struggling to put together a smaller guest list, but the option of a later wedding is not on the cards, then perhaps look into the idea of having a two-part wedding; A more intimate one for family and then a party later with friends. 

discuss finances:

Money is never an enjoyable topic to discuss, but it’s crucial you decide on your total wedding budget earlier rather than later. As mentioned above, your guest list really impacts how small or large your budget should be, but for those planning during a pandemic it’s also wise to consider adding a contingency fund to cover any potential postponements, cancellations or additional bookings.

In order to stick to your preferred budget, try breaking up the costs into different sections and dedicate a certain percentage to that specific supplier, vendor or item. This will also help decide what your top requirements are and how much you’re willing to spend on them without going over budget.

secure your ‘must have’ suppliers:

Once you’ve secured a date, it’s now time to decide on your absolute must-have vendors and suppliers. Due to such a large backlog of weddings, you’ll find that many already have full calendars and are being booked way in advance. But for those who are concerned or reserved about putting down deposits when things are still a little uncertain, perhaps narrow down your top choices by booking two or three. That way you’re comfortable knowing you’ve secured your favourites, without having to put down too much money. 

focus on what you can achieve now:

If you can, try to stay focused on what you can achieve in the circumstances we’re in. Even after the Government's recently revealed roadmap, it’s still fairly unclear as to when we’ll receive proper clarity on how the country moves forward with weddings. But fortunately, many suppliers have adapted to this and are offering virtual viewings, appointments and even wedding dress try on’s in the comfort of our own homes. Very much a ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way’ mindset! Try also using this time to carry out more research and gather further information as this can really help inspire your perfect day but more importantly, prepare you for what can be an overwhelming process.  

Do ‘you’:

Lastly, it’s important that you do ‘you’. There is no right or wrong, only what is best for you both as a couple. Try not to let other people’s opinions distract or influence what you really want and understand that your decisions may not please everyone, but actually the most important people in this, are yourselves. 

Planning a wedding can sometimes be an 18 month long journey; one which can offer incredibly exciting moments but also one which can be pretty stressful too. By hiring a wedding planner, you are not only working with someone who is a professional in their field but someone who can assist and support you in the entire planning and management of your big day. They are there to take away all of those pre-wedding stresses whilst ensuring you get to enjoy the absolute best bits too.

If you’re thinking of working with a Wedding Planner or Wedding Stylist for your wedding, feel free to check out my list of available services here. Or for any general enquiries on how I can create a bespoke proposal, tailored to you, feel free to complete the form via the Contacts Page.