Wedding Woes or Goes
Planning your wedding is at once exhilarating and nerve wracking, so much to do and so much advice. Where do you start? What do you need to know?
Budget
The most important starting point is your budget. Be realistic about what you want (and have) to spend on this day and what are the important parts of the day to have money spent on. It is very easy to be carried away by all the beautiful styling seen on Pintrest but sometimes this comes at a high cost.
Include:
- Dresses / suits / other clothing
- Transport
- Photographers
- Hair / makeup
- Celebrant / Church
- Entertainment
- Flowers / décor
- Accommodation
- Travel (yours and other guests)
- Thank you gifts
- Venue costs, food and beverage
Sit with your groom, your family – anyone that may be contributing to the wedding budget and decide what you can afford. You may have a separate budget for pre and post wedding celebrations such as hens/ bucks parties and the honeymoon.
Practicalities
Where is the ceremony, where is the reception – if they are in two different locations, factor in travel for you and your guests.
Are you getting married overseas? Your heart may be set on a tropical beach paradise but your nearest and dearest may not be able to travel, think about other options that give you the same mood.
Venue Selection
Use your answers from your practicalities to look for your venue/s. It will save you time by limiting the types of venues you request package information from. Do not get quotes from a city venue if you want to be in the country.
Include these details when requesting a quote:
- Your preferred date
- Your anticipated numbers
- Your budget
- Some idea of the style of wedding
This means that the venue can provide a specific quote for you or in some cases, let you know they may not be able to accommodate you. It does happen and it is better to take these venues off your list at the earliest possible stage.
Important Questions to Ask:
- What does the venue hire include?
- Are there are set wedding packages?
- Are there some value adds that provide real value to your wedding? i.e. décor coordination, in house sound system
- Is there a limit to onsite event coordination? Some venues include a set amount of their staff hours for wedding coordination and have costs for over and above any communications or coordination requested by you. These are usually set out in the terms and conditions, so remember to check these before agreeing to your venue contract.
- Can they cater for special meal requirements?
Terms and Conditions
As with any contract, make sure you read the terms and conditions provided in the venue booking agreement (VBA). They include your payment and cancellation terms, final numbers, damage liabilities and venue restrictions. Sometimes the details listed here are points that may affect your budget with unexpected costs.
This is only a short introduction to starting your wedding planning. Your budget sets the style and location, your venue will set the mood, and your catering will provide the sustenance. All these points are still applicable to a DIY option.
Arwen McGregor
Owner – Devon Pixies Teahouse
tea@devonpixies.com
Arwen has over 20 years experience in events and hospitality, specialising in wine and weddings.
