Prioritise Key People Early and Stay Focused on Availability
Start by focusing on the suppliers who typically work with only one couple per day. Don’t be surprised if this means checking dates upto 2 years in advance. Venues book up early ! Then think carefully about your priorities. John recommends starting with suppliers who have limited availability, especially those whose time is exclusive to you on the day. This approach keeps your plans moving and gives you peace of mind. This usually includes your photographer, videographer, hair and makeup, artists, caterers if your venue allows, florist and if you’re having one, a band. Securing these key people early means you’ll lock in your date and avoid last-minute disappointments.
An observation over the years – John has noticed more guests hit the dance floor when a band is playing. So, if you’re after a lively party atmosphere, it might be worth booking both a band and a DJ. The DJ plays before in between and after the bands sets, keeping the party going.
Communication is Key
From John’s experience as a photographer, clear communication makes all the difference. When everyone is aligned and working together, your day flows effortlessly. That leads to you being more relaxed, happier guests and far fewer last-minute surprises. Most importantly and a tip – stop trying to manage your day on the day. Your professionals and venue should be doing that – so relax and enjoy the celebration, it’s your day.
Don’t Delay Your Dress
It’s also worth thinking early about your wedding dress. While bridal shops can provide gowns to many brides on the same day, the lead times for custom dresses or specific designers can stretch up to 12 months. Starting early gives you peace of mind and ensures you feel your best on the big day.
Extra tip – check with your preferred bridal shops for the most up-to-date information on lead times as this can vary by designer and time of year.
Top Tips – Book Early
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking “my wedding’s two years away, I’ve got loads of time.” Many suppliers will allow you to book early – and booking now usually means securing today’s prices, not next year’s increases.
Additional note – don’t rely on printed magazine time tables of when to book, these are often not written by people in the industry and can be misleading.
A comment made by one couple – Get an email account that is purely your wedding inbox. This way important emails don’t get lost in work emails and other spam. -It keeps things together and focussed.
Another Tip – Keep It Simple
If you were having work done on your home, you’d probably get two or three trusted professionals in to advise and quote. The same principle applies when choosing your wedding suppliers. But and it is a big one check they are like for like and would you have the cheapest builder ?
John once spoke to a bride who was so overwhelmed she wasn’t enjoying the planning process at all. She’d used several wedding directory sites, sent out dozens of enquiries and couldn’t remember who was who or what they’d offered. Don’t fall into that trap. Planning your wedding should be an enjoyable experience you share as a couple – not a source of stress. Any more than three options per supplier and things start to blur together fast.
If you found this post Help Planning Your Wedding Hints Tips and Advice – Suppliers, you can explore the full series via the Introduction post.
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