Weddings are a celebration of everything beautiful—flowers, cakes, dresses and most importantly, the people you love.
At The Norfolk Mead, our Wedding and Events Planners help countless couples plan their dream weddings. Here are The Norfolk Mead's top wedding planning tips to guide newly engaged couples!
Start with the Guest List
Begin by creating a rough guest list before setting a wedding budget. This is essential as it helps narrow down venue options and establish realistic requirements. Many venues have minimum guest numbers and food spending requirements. The number of guests can also set the tone—whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large, lively celebration.
Determine Your Wedding Budget
After deciding on the wedding style, it’s important to determine how much to spend. Budgeting is crucial for overall wedding organisation and helps allocate funds to different aspects of the day. Wedding planning websites like Rock My Wedding offer great advice on budget breakdowns and inspiration.
Choose the Right Venue
Selecting a wedding venue is one of the most exciting parts of planning. The venue's availability often determines the wedding date and the ability to book other suppliers. Couples should visit various types of venues to understand what aligns with their priorities, such as accommodation, location, or exclusivity. It’s also essential to ask about catering, licensing, exclusivity, access, and payment plans.
Stay Organised with “Wedmin”
Organisation is key in wedding planning. "Wedmin," a term used for wedding administration, involves managing details, budgets, and timelines. Many stores now offer planners specifically for this purpose, which help keep everything on track. Tools like these ensure important dates are not missed.
Invest in a Good Photographer
A wedding photographer captures memories that last a lifetime. It's vital to find someone whose style reflects the couple's personality. A pre-wedding shoot is highly recommended as it helps the couple feel comfortable in front of the camera and builds rapport with the photographer. Keep the group shot list short to allow more time for genuine moments with loved ones.
Plan Entertainment Carefully
Entertainment can significantly influence the atmosphere of the wedding. Whether it's a band, DJ, or solo artist, it’s crucial to experience them live before booking. For DJs, recommendations from trusted sources or the venue itself can be invaluable. Couples should also discuss entertainment with the venue to be aware of any noise restrictions.
Prepare for All Weather Conditions
Weather is one of the few elements out of anyone's control. However, preparation is key. Bridal umbrellas and wellies can make for memorable photos, especially at countryside venues. It’s a good idea to discuss contingency plans with the venue to ensure everything runs smoothly, rain or shine.
Focus on the Wedding Menu
Guests may forget the flowers or décor, but they will remember the food. Choosing a venue known for excellent catering is crucial. Guests often spend a lot to attend a wedding, so ensuring they are well-fed should be a top priority. Delicious food helps keep everyone happy and energised for the celebrations.
Delegate Event Management Tasks
On the wedding day, the couple should focus on enjoying the moment. Designating a trusted person from the bridal or groom’s party as the point of contact for the venue and coordinator can help handle any issues. This person should be well-briefed on the schedule and ready to manage any queries.
Embrace the Day
Finally, after all the planning, it’s important not to overthink the details. When the day arrives, the focus should be on enjoying the moment with loved ones. Even if things don’t go perfectly, those memories will be cherished for a lifetime.
For those recently engaged and interested in touring a beautiful wedding venue, the team at The Norfolk Mead are available for consultations. They cater to weddings and civil partnerships and proudly welcome all couples as an LGBTQ+ friendly venue.
