How to Start Planning Your Perfect Day… Planning a Wedding can be both stressful and time consuming, and it’s hard to know where to start… With so many options, it can feel a little overwhelming. Hiring an experienced Wedding planner is a great start, and doesn’t have to cost the earth either. Initially, you should expect a free consultation, where you can get to know the Wedding planner, and explain what you are looking for as a couple. The Wedding planner will be able to advise you on budget planning, give you ideas and tips, and guide you through the planning process making sure that you don’t miss anything. For a full Wedding planning package you should expect to pay 10-15% of your Wedding budget, but in fact you should make enough savings by using their recommended suppliers to cover the majority of the cost. It is of course important to find a Wedding planner that you get on with, and most importantly that inspires you, but who doesn’t try to force you into anything, or try to take over completely- it is your day after all! If you decide to plan your Wedding yourself, start by setting a realistic budget, and sticking to it! Make use of the budget planners that you can find in most Wedding magazines, and do your research. Visit local Wedding Fayres for ideas and inspiration, but don’t feel pressured into booking all your services on the day, and bear in mind that the people exhibiting at Wedding Fayres are not necessarily the cheapest, or the best. Keep a scrapbook of ideas as you go along, as you are likely to change your mind about colour schemes and table decorations several times before the big day. It is also important to make use of the free service available to you from the Wedding or Event planner at the venue that you choose- they will be able to advise you on timings, and may even recommend good local suppliers to you. Above all, the planning process should be fun and enjoyable. As you get closer to the Wedding, many Wedding planners offer a “last minute” or “final touches” package, where they can check through everything for you, making sure nothing has been missed and all your paperwork is in order. This can be a great idea if you start to feel a bit panicky in the last couple of months.
Hannah Solomons
Hand Maid Weddings & Events www.hand-maidevents.co.uk 07725 252200
Ladywood Estate, www.ladywoodestate.co.uk
When we say magician, we’re not talking about a man on a stage pulling a white rabbit out of a hat. We’re talking about a modern interactive close-up magician. This magician moves among the tables or groups of people and entertains them with a sophisticated magic routine. Below are some great reasons why having a magician at your wedding reception will make it a rousing success.