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By Mike Watts  http://www.michaeldwatts.com

You could print out two copies of this and fill them in independently, then discuss the results. (Try not to fall out at this stage or I might feel really really responsible!)

Rate the following from 10 (very important) to 1 (completely indifferent)

____ Appearance – the bling, flowers, decorations, mood etc.

____ Clothes – what you and your guests wear, jeans and sandals to top hat and tails.

____ Family & Friends.

____ Religion – the spiritual side of you wedding, church etc.

____ Food

____ Drink – Do you do a booze cruise or buy cases of Verve Cliqot.

____ Music – Disco or big band.

____ Convenience – for you or your guests.

____ Photography – You see I’ve put it at the bottom even though it will be all you have left to remember the day.

When you look back at your wedding, what do you most want to remember?

____ Romance. – How romantic the day was.

____ Beautiful. – How beautiful it all was.

____ Exciting. – How much excitement you remember.

____ Smooth running – How easily and smoothly the day went.

____ Parents and family -How happy they were.

____ Formal – How formal the day was.

Circle several words that you think will describe your wedding.

Romantic – Religious – Casual – Classic – Classy – Loving – Posh – Glamorous – Relaxed – Formal – Themed – Budget – Luxurious

– Old fashioned – Sporty – Cute – Solemn – Traditional – Cheap.

List three other words that might describe your day.

_________ __________ __________

Budget – Even if you haven’t worked out your budget yet put some preliminary thoughts down now :-

How much might you spend.

Up to £1000.00

£1,000 to £5,000

£5,000 to £10,000

£10,000 to £20,000

£20,000 to £50,000

When are you thinking of getting married :- Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter?

On a special day, holiday, anniversary etc?

Have you thought about what the weather might be doing and where you would go if it’s wet, windy etc?

Have you thought of a theme for the day – What would it be?

Have you though about a colour theme? List your choices_____________________

Now look at our wedding planner and start making some decisions.

Please let me know if there are things that matter to you that I have missed out as I can update this blog so that other brides can benefit.

Article & photos by Mike Watts.

Www.MichaelDWatts.com

Please feel free to reproduce with a by-line

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

Preparing for your big day should be memorable and fun. The period from engagement to wedding day, is the beginning of your life as a couple. Both of you, bride and groom have decisions to make and tasks to complete so that yours will be the wedding day you always dreamed about. Utilize the following checklist as a map to follow. A map, or guide, that will lead you on an enjoyable, memorable journey from engagement to marriage. Print it, fill it out and save it as a wedding planning keepsake to look upon fondly later in life as you stroll through memory lane.

In order to keep you and the friends and family members who help you focused and on task, this wedding preparation checklist is divided into categories and each category lists the appropriate items.

Next to each item you should place the following information:

who paid for it,
who is in charge of it,
the date it was completed.

In addition to the parents, the WEDDING PARTY includes your choice of:

Best Man
Maid/Matron of honour
Bridesmaids
Groomsmen
Ushers
Flower Girl(s)
Ring Bearer(s)
Other
ATTIRE

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With the average wedding budget running between £17,000.00 and £25,000.00 (yes it looks more if you put the 0’s in) what can you do to save money on your wedding without compromising your day.

 Generally the most expensive parts of the day are:-

 The Church – usually costs around £500.00. Church decoration can cost anything up to £5,000.00 (believe me I produces the video for the wedding)

 The Reception – the sky is the limit but at least £35.00 a head for the meal, £20.00 a head for the drinks plus another £25.00 a head for the evening buffet. That could be at least £80.00 for every guest – £800.00 for ten, £8,000.00 for 100.

 The dress can cost £500.00 to £2,500.00 and more.

 Bridesmaids outfits – usually at least £100.00 each.

 The cake could be £500.00 to £1,500.00.

 Photography normally costs £1500.00 to £3,000.00.

 Wedding cars again can cost from £500.00 to £1,500.00

 Stationary and postage for invitations at least £150.00

 You are already well on the way to spending £17.250.00. Could that be the deposit on a fairly nice house?

 So how can you save money on what should be the greatest day of your lives?

Talk to people – many suppliers will offer you special prices for “Off Peak” weddings – usually weekdays, Sundays or from October to April.

Ask for help to save money, get help from friends and family, search out any musician friends and ask them to perform, find a well spoken, confident friend who can be your toast master or master of ceremonies. Most of us know someone who is good with makeup, hairstyling, design, crafts and so on. Ask for help, most people will be more than happy to be a real part of your special day. Have a “DIY” party for your friends to help you with invitation, flowers, table decorations, favours and so on but be sure to give them some delicious snacks and drinks as a thank you.

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