The big question has finally been asked – and you’ve said yes! Once the engagement euphoria has settled, it is time to start planning. For many, the thought of planning a wedding can seem like a daunting task. With so much to consider, you may find your self overwhelmed at the reality of planning your big day, which is perfectly normal. In order to reduce stress and truly enjoy all planning stages with your other half, check out our tips on how to plan the perfect wedding:
Budget
Before you decide on anything, you need to know how much you can afford to spend. By sitting down with your partner and discussing your finances you will be able to get a sense of what you both can afford. Would you rather go all out on an extravagant wedding or would you like to save that money for the future?
Deciding the budget may be tedious, but if you do your research and remain realistic then every aspect should be accounted for, eliminating future stress surrounding overspending. It is a good idea for any savvy spender to create a spreadsheet and update it regularly to avoid spending too much. Basic readymade spreadsheets such as this budget planner from Vetrex42 are available to download for free. There are also many online tools available such as the Hitched wedding budget planner that allows you to set and manage your budget on the go.
Guest List
Deciding on your guest list goes hand-in-hand with your determining budget. The number of guests you chose affects the amount of money that you will need to spend on a venue and catering. Sit down with your other half and key family members and decide who you would like to attend your wedding. Keep in mind it is your wedding and that you are paying for it; to avoid people you don’t know from turning up, introduce a plus one policy for single guests.
At Manchester Hall, we boast 13 unique function rooms, which can cater from 50 to 500 guests; perfect for everything from small banquets to large and extravagant celebrations.
Choosing The Perfect Venue
With your guest list and budget set, you can now choose your venue; arguably one of the most important decisions that you will have to make. Remember to leave plenty of time as venues can be booked up years in advance during the popular seasons; 18 months is usually a good rule of thumb.
Once you have narrowed down a selection of venues be sure to visit them in person and discuss packages and prices. If you are planning to party into the night, check that your venue has adequate accommodation for your guests. Also, don’t sign on the dotted line too soon. Check that there is a registrar available on your chosen date.
If you’re looking for a wedding venue in Manchester, why not check out Manchester Hall? We pride ourselves at being one of the top wedding venues in Manchester City Centre.
Choose A Theme
Whether you use a wedding planner or plan the wedding by yourself, it is important to have an idea of the theme and colour scheme early on. Whatever your style may be: modern, classic, vintage, rustic, or elegance, now is the time to let your creativity run loose. Don’t forget to discuss your inspirations and ideas with a florist to achieve your desired wedding aesthetic.
While many have been picturing the perfect wedding for years; don’t worry if you haven’t, if you’re lacking inspiration, Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding magazines are great ways to get the creative juices flowing.
Wedding Attire
Last but certainly not least is the wedding attire – your dress, bridesmaids dresses and the groomswear. All of which should be purchased at least 6 months in advance, especially the wedding dress as the dresses that you try on are often samples and your dress may need to be altered or made from scratch.
Looking for a wedding venue in Manchester City Centre? We offer a variety of opulent wedding rooms, catering for large or small events to best suit your special day.
Category: Blog