THE TOP 10 BEST DECISIONS YOU SHOULD MAKE WHEN PLANNING YOUR WEDDING
Planning a wedding together is a dynamic process that involves navigating decisions and finding middle ground through compromises. Whether that’s delving into the intricacies of finer details or making defining choices that shape the essence of the day, there inevitably comes a point in the planning journey where you may feel overwhelmed or uncertain about which direction to take.
Wedding planning is undoubtedly an exciting and enjoyable journey (and, as a luxury wedding planner, I firmly believe it's the most rewarding job in the world!). However, as an advocate for honesty, it's essential to acknowledge that undertaking planning such a significant event with huge logistical intricacies of such immense importance, and complexity is not without its share of stresses and pressures. I have lived through my couple’s experiences, I understand firsthand what genuinely matters on the day, and what truly lasts way beyond the party. The process may sometimes be challenging, but it's a journey filled with meaningful moments and lasting memories.
HIRE A VIDEOGRAPHER
If pictures say 100 words a video says 10,000. Without hesitation, I will always advise my couples to enlist the services of a videographer for their wedding day. A wedding video completely encapsulates the emotion and sentiments of the whole event. It’s your closest possession to reliving the magic long after the day has passed.
Within the frames of your wedding video, you not only revisit the cherished moments already etched in your memory, but also uncover new treasures that may have escaped your notice at the time – the infectious laughter of friends, the tender tears of a grandmother, and the potential for hilariously embarrassing dance moves from the best man! It is a time capsule of one of your life’s most poignant moments that can be relived infinite times over years to come. Your wedding video is the next best thing to true memory capturing nuances and details that sadly may fade from memory over time - a vivid and enduring capture of intense clarity that you get to keep forever. Totally priceless.
SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE VIDEOGRAPHERS
Tyngate Films
Soby Films
Perfect Moment Films
Forever Curious Films
Stories From Eros
CONSIDER WHAT YOU WANT
Throughout the wedding planning journey, it's almost inevitable that you'll encounter well-intentioned and sometimes strong advice from family and friends regarding the choices you should make for your big day. While this guidance can be supportive and insightful, I've witnessed couples somewhat pressurised into making certain decisions that bottom line do not align with their true desires. It's crucial to remember that above all, your wedding is uniquely YOURS.
If you find yourself wanting to deviate from certain traditions or doing something that challenges the norm, my resounding advice is to embrace it. Your wedding should authentically reflect your vision and preferences. I recognize the need to consider various factors and acknowledge the importance of accommodating others, especially if they are contributing to the celebration. This isn't about sparking conflicts; but it highlights the significance of managing expectations as early in the planning process as possible.
The more your wedding embodies your individuality, the more profound and emotionally resonant it will be for both you and your loved ones on the day and navigating the expectations of those around you ensures a celebration that is not only memorable but deeply meaningful to all involved
PRIORITISE ENTERTAINMENT
I truly believe that the responsibility for the entire experience of your wedding falls upon the entertainment you choose. Bad amateur entertainment could ruin the most stunningly beautiful, perfectly planned, and well-thought-out day in one failed swoop. The music and entertainment of your wedding has a profound impact on the atmosphere that envelops the whole occasion, and I don’t think anyone will ever regret prioritising and spending the money on an epic party!
SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE ENTERTAINMENT COMPANIES
ALR Music
LDN Entertainment
Aston Band
Black Rabbit Projects
DON’T OVER-ORDER ON CATERING
Incredible food is such a vital element of your wedding day. However, the key lies in prioritizing quality over quantity. Carefully consider how much food your guests actually need and will consume on the day. Striking the right balance not only saves some of your budget but also minimizes food waste, aligning with a more eco-conscious approach.
The fear of running out of food or facing complaints about hunger on the day is a common concern for couples and will no doubt be playing on your mind. To alleviate this worry, liaising with your caterer and UK wedding planner is essential.
Ensure you arrange a full and comprehensive wedding tasting of your selected menu, paying attention not only to taste but also to how you feel afterwards. The abundance of food is intended to span the entire day, but if you feel exceptionally sluggish, or unable to finish your menu during the tasting, it's a clear indicator to reassess the quantities planned for the celebration, ensuring that the post-dinner festivities unfold seamlessly instead of putting everyone into a food coma!
SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE CATERERS
Caper & Berry
Doggart & Squash
The Herb Kitchen
Crown Catering Cambridge
Rocket Food
Spook LDN
SET YOUR BUDGET EARLY
Before diving into the exciting realm of wedding planning, engage in an open and transparent conversation about your budget. Calculate the total amount you're comfortable spending on your special day. Consider contributions from both partners, savings at hand, and potential savings over time. This is the most monotonous part of planning, but establishing a clear budget is paramount as you need to have a well-defined spending plan in order to effectively research suppliers and make decisions. Blindly embarking on the planning process without a financial roadmap can lead to feeling overwhelmed and out of depth as the details unfold.
KEEP THE FORMAL PHOTOS TO A MINIMUM
You will hear this 1000 times, but it bears repeating, your wedding goes exceptionally fast! While formal photos have their place, capturing the true essence and emotion of the day lies in those spontaneous, documentary shots that transport you back to the moments that mattered most. I promise that you won’t enjoy looking back on formal photos half as much as those in-the-moment documentary shots. There are always some essential portraits to consider on your list that you will want to capture with those special guests, but keep the list concise aiming for 7-10 max; the optimal window for capturing these is when guests are most attentive at the beginning of your drinks reception. I also would advise resisting the temptation to schedule or take hours of time to venture off away from your guests for couple shots as this means missing out on all of the good stuff!
I always schedule 3 brief 15-minute slots for couples to seize those all-important portraits together during natural lulls in the wedding day schedule. Opportunities arise just after the ceremony, as guests settle into their seats for dinner, and when the light dapples and the sun begins to set after your wedding breakfast. One of my clients last year in a creative twist had their portraits scheduled pre-ceremony ensuring they didn't miss a single second of their special day. While this approach may not suit everyone, it perfectly captured the essence of their celebration.
SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Katie Julia Photography
Holly Clark Photography
Chloe Winstanley Photography
Leah Marie Photography
Imogen Xiana
Emma Wilder Photography
CULL THE GUEST-LIST
Writing a guest list for any event can quickly spiral out of control, fueled by the pressure to include everyone who comes to mind. The initial guilt of compiling names can lead to a cascading effect, making it challenging to decide who truly belongs on your list. My honest advice for this is to seriously consider if the individual sparks genuine excitement in you to have them share your special day. Also, reflect on whether they will likely remain a meaningful part of your life in the years to come. It's important to prioritize those relationships that truly matter, even if it means making difficult decisions. It also really doesn’t matter if they invited you to their wedding either! Inviting guests who you're not wholeheartedly sure of won’t be a decision you look back on positively. While it's undoubtedly challenging, maintaining a strict approach to this aspect of wedding planning ensures a guest list filled with those who genuinely enhance the magic of your celebration.
CHANGE INTO AN EVENING OUTFIT
The ultimate way to take your wedding from day to night is to change into an evening party outfit! The most gorgeous wedding dresses usually don’t allow for maximum amount of movement, and I always think brides that change take on a whole new aura. That feeling of a new slightly more sassy outfit that you can fully enjoy the party in is an opportunity not to be missed!
HIRE A UK WEDDING PLANNER
Appointing the services of a wedding planner is a pivotal stress-reliever when planning without the intricate professional knowledge or if you’re struggling to have confidence in your decisions, worrying about how to complete the complexity of the process, or simply not having the time to complete tasks!
A lot of you like myself, may identify as being 'highly in control' or having a perfectionist streak, and love the idea of planning your own wedding. For individuals accustomed to leadership roles in their lives, the stress of wedding planning might just be from the thought of relinquishment of control. It's crucial to note that as your wedding planner, my role is not to take over but to facilitate a collaborative process that ensures your confidence every step of the way.
Prioritizing what matters to you in terms of design and guest experience, I understand the importance of keeping you involved and informed. Rather than imposing my ideas, my approach is rooted in providing the professional knowledge, tools, and unwavering support you need to make decisions that resonate with your vision. Throughout the process, my goal is to inspire and empower you, offering logistical solutions, innovative ideas, and emotional support.
By the time we reach the culmination of the planning journey, my clients find themselves confident enough to entrust me with their entire day, allowing them to become guests at their own wedding. It's not about taking control from you; it's about creating an environment where you feel supported, informed, and excited about every decision, ensuring your celebration reflects your unique vision.
“From the moment we spoke, Emily made every effort to delve into our ideas and dreams for our big day. The support and guidance we received was second to none as we navigated our way in an industry we did not know, but my goodness did she! We couldn’t have experienced the best day of our lives without her and we will be eternally grateful for her delivering the most special service to us. We will miss you, thank you!” - Charlotte & Patrick