Planning a perfect wedding is nothing short of a Herculean task calling meticulous attention to detail. While couples generally prioritise décor, venue choice and what everyone is wearing, a truly successful wedding is a sum of many other parts.
It is easy to miss things out if you are planning a big bash that wows everyone. Here we look at some of the smaller things you need to focus on to make sure your wedding day exceeds expectations.
Budgeting: Beyond the Obvious
Creating a wedding budget is usually the cornerstone of any wedding planning exercise, especially if you have limited resources. It’s easy to account for obvious expenses like the venue, catering, wedding outfits, and photography. However, it’s also important to set aside funds for miscellaneous costs. These can be anything from alterations to the wedding dress to last-minute changes or unexpected expenses.
To avoid such financial pitfalls, it’s a good idea to allocate 10-15% of your total budget for unexpected costs. That should give you the financial security that you have most of the bases covered.
Weather-Proof Your Plans
More and more people are opting for a wedding ceremony and even a reception outdoors. Places like the Lake District are very popular for a wedding with the backdrop of the hills and the water.
The allure of an outdoor wedding is undeniable but so is the unpredictability of Mother Nature. You can’t simply assume that the weather will be on their side on the big day.
When planning an outdoor wedding, a backup plan is essential. Before choosing a venue, therefore, check for indoor alternatives that can be swiftly prepared in case the weather turns sour.
The Marriage License
Strangely, getting a marriage license is often overlooked in the whirlwind of wedding planning. Failure to secure these legal prerequisites can result in unnecessary stress and complications on your wedding day (especially if you are getting married abroad).
Make it a point to understand what the deadlines and requirements to acquire your license are. It saves a lot of stress on the big day.
Timelines and Itineraries
A wedding day will often consist of multiple events that need to flow as smoothly as possible. The absence of a structured timeline or itinerary can result in chaos which means things quickly get out of hand.
Plan specific timings for activities like makeup, photo sessions, and speeches. Share this schedule with friends and family members involved in running the day as well as wedding planners you may have hired. It’s a good idea to appoint a day-of coordinator to manage the sequence of events who can make sure everything runs smoothly.
Gifts and Thank-You Notes
Finally, in the hustle and bustle of wedding planning, you might just forget to appreciate those who contribute to your special day. Thank-you notes and small gifts aren’t just traditional niceties. They are a meaningful way to show thanks to bridesmaids, groomsmen, and flower girls for their invaluable support. It’s a nice touch to acknowledge this with personalised gifts that resonate with individual interests.