A Relaxed Guide to The Start Of Your Wedding Planning Adventure
Embarking on the journey of planning your wedding in 2024? Huge congratulations! Grab a cuppa, take a deep breath, and let's dive into creating a celebration that's personalised and perfect for you.
Dreams and vision:
Start off by just chatting together about your ideal celebration. What makes you smile? Whether it's a beach breeze or city lights, let this vision guide your choices. Jot down initial ideas together and discuss things you each have in mind.
Budgeting for bliss:
Set a budget that feels comfortable and realistic. Prioritise the elements that matter most to you both, and remember, it really is about creating joy, and memories, not breaking the bank. This is completely unnecessary for a wonderful day.
If you're planning to go all out then, party on, but also try not to make it too overwhelming. If you need to make it work on a tighter budget, intimate and diy weddings have been some of my very favourite throughout my years of capturing weddings. They are so personal, with focus on what’s really important. Amazing memories can be made either way.
Your own pace:
No need to rush! Build a timeline that suits your pace, allowing you to savour the planning process. Enjoy each step in the journey - from choosing colours and outfits to tasting cake, all without feeling rushed. I know I missed it so much when it was all over.
The Perfect Venue, Your Way:
Pick a venue that feels like "you." Whether it's a rustic barn or an urban rooftop, let your chosen space echo your personalities and set the stage for a day filled with love.
It is important that you get good vibes from the planning team at the venue as this will play such a huge part in your day.
Three of my favourite wedding planners to thank for making such a big difference… Beckiee at Glen Lodge, Cheryl at Hautbois Hall, and the team at The Norfolk Mead.
Also a few things to be mindful of…
How well your venue can adapt to different weather situations (we never can tell living in the UK!)
Are there some great photo spots available for your couple shots, or will you need to go offsite
Is it pet friendly if you’d like to consider this? (Norfolk paws can help make this easy for you!)
A great room to get ready in really can make a huge difference. Space, Aircon and light are all important to consider
What catering options are available to you
How much of the planning will you need to do yourself and how much can be taken care of by the venue - this will depend on how much input you’re happy with, but is a big consideration.
Is there accomodation avaialble for you and your guests if you’d like this option
How much travel will you need to allow for - will you need to transport guests around?
I’ve just realised how much there is to consider here and will do a follow up blog post on choosing the venue alone!!
Start making a list of a few that suit your initial priorities and arrange to visit them. The more you visit, the more of a feel you will get for what you’d like and will just know when you know!
Guest List Love:
Keep it intimate or go big; it's entirely up to you. But create a guest list that reflects the people who truly matter in your lives, and let them know it's all about sharing your joy. Try not to let outside pressure sway your decisions. This can be tricky but you could always go for an intimate wedding and larger reception or separate party option.
Choosing Vendors
Choose vendors who not only provide great service but also understand your vision and who you feel you can get along with. Make sure your choice feels right for you. Ask friends and family, or other suppliers for recommendations, and book early for the venue, photography, entertainment, and vendors you have your heart set on, as dates often get filled up well in advance (up to two years) and once it’s booked it’s booked.
Ceremony with Heart:
Make your ceremony uniquely yours. Personal vows, sentimental rituals, a favorite song playing as you walk down the aisle – include your personalities into the moment you say, "I do” for an extra special, heartwarming ceremony.
Reception Vibes:
Think about entertainment that will really suit your day and personalities for guests to enjoy. There are so many options it can be pretty overwhelming, and also holds lots of potential for temptation to overspend at this point, but have a careful think about what really matters, and create a relaxed atmosphere for the laughter to flow, and fun memories to be made.
Snap, Capture, Cherish:
Hire a photographer who not only captures moments but also tells your story. Candid shots and genuine smiles will be the treasures you'll cherish for a lifetime. After your day the photograph’s are what you will look back on so make a careful choice that really reflects your style, and with a photographer you really feel at ease with, as you will spend a lot of time with them during your day.
Logistics, Laid Back:
Transportation, accommodations, and plans B, C, and D – need to be considered, with a bit of time and thought ahead of your day you can keep your day stress-free and flexible. It will all work out.
Your planners and wedding party members can help at this point. Your photographer will also have seen many wedding timelines and should be able to chat through arrangements and timings that work well.
Enjoy the Ride:
Use planning tools but don't let them rule. Stay organised but remember, it's not about perfection. Embrace the unexpected, and let the adventure of planning your wedding be as beautiful as the day itself. It will be a very exciting time but can also be pretty challenging at times for many reasons.
Try to keep pressure low and just remember what it is ultimately all about.
As you venture into planning your 2024 wedding, remember that this celebration is an extension of your love story. Keep it relaxed, enjoy the process, and savour many moments as you prepare for your day. Cheers to love, laughter, and a lifetime of beautiful memories!
I will be adding posts that delve deeper into each planning section soon
Please do get in touch if you are currently searching for your photographer and would like to have a chat over anything mentioned in more detail or have any questions at all.
Best wishes
Kelly 📸
