So, you’re engaged! One thing we know for sure and that’s that you are excited! However, you may not know where to begin with your wedding planning? Don’t worry, we have your back.
Beginning your wedding journey is one of the most wonderful life milestones to experience as a couple, however normalising feeling overwhelmed is so important. One of the main questions we get asked working at a London wedding venue is… I’ve booked my venue and caterers, now what do I do next?
The truth is, there is no set order or way for you to plan your wedding. Each couple is unique and that is one of the beautiful things about weddings, something we personally love and wouldn’t change. That being said, A little structure and organisation never hurt anybody!
So, we bring to you your very own wedding planning timeline, 41 Portland Place style.
1: Wedding Venue & Caterer:
The venue search stage of your planning journey is certainly the most exciting. Visiting venues and envisaging your special day within that space is such a fun thing to do! At this stage it is a good idea to decide how you want your day to look. Are you looking for a chic London wedding venue like 41 Portland Place? Or perhaps a barn style or manor house wedding? Overseas wedding? Having a large selection and talking about what you both would like is the best starting point.
Next up is your shortlisted venue viewings, make sure to have your notepad at the ready, prepare questions in advance and know that your venue wedding planner is there to help you every step of the way. No question is a silly question. Ask all the important questions like “who is there to support during the process? What does the overall cost look like? Have you ever seen some really unique weddings here?”
Within the eve portfolio, the beauty of the venues is that they all have incredible onsite caterers, CH&CO. One of the best things about booking a venue with in-house caterers is that you can liaise with just one person, which not only helps wedmin time (whoop whoop), but it also means with the chef being onsite at the venue and your venue organiser being involved means you are in the best hands.
2: Photographer / Videographer
Your wedding photographer and/or videographer are arguably the most important wedding suppliers you will book. These are the suppliers in charge of capturing your day exactly how you want it with all the raw emotion, love and laughter. Due to the important of these partners in your wedding journey, it is a good idea to get them locked in fast to avoid disappointment. Some of our favourite photographers and videographers of all time include: Leesha Williams, Fiona Kelly, Rachel Takes Pictures, Annie Ti Creates and Jamie Edward Photography. They are certainly worth checking out, you can thank us later!
3: Florist & Décor
Whether you are looking for a modern, chic and boutique décor for your wedding or classic, traditional, or maybe totally unique – you are going to need a superb team of florist or event stylists behind you! Always remember that although flowers and décor are only there for your day and don’t last a lifetime, your wedding photography and videography with all of these elements on show does! Our top tip is to preserve your wedding flowers. You can have these created into wedding keep sakes like wedding coasters, wedding bottles or wedding candles! Etsy is the place to get inspired for all things creative and wedding keep sakes.
4: Entertainment
You know those weddings or parties you will never forget? You didn’t take one foot off the dance floor at any point of the night? That’s down to the entertainment! From wedding DJs, Live Bands, to pianists, saxophonists, roving jazz bands to singing waiters! You can never have too much entertainment at your wedding. Keeping guests excited and always ready for something exciting round the corner is what makes an amazing London wedding or event. Nothing surprises your guests more than a singing waiter act! To watch the guests’ reactions to a pretend waiter dropping your wedding cake, the gasps in the room are the best.
5: Stationer
From wedding save the dates, wedding invitations, wedding table plans and place cards, having a wedding stationery supplier by your side is the best decision to make. Truthfully, some couples choose to brave these tasks themselves. Our advice is to trust your stationer and it will save you so much time and stress.
6: Cake Designer
Cake, cake and more cake! Your wedding cake is one of the fantastic wedding traditions which forms part of your day, the cutting of the cake. From delectable flavours, shapes and designs there is so much to choose from. Our top tip is to ensure you save a slice or two to take away to eat with a cuppa when reminiscing on your wedding pictures.
7: Hair & Make Up
Feeling your best on your wedding day is so important. You should feel at your best for the best day of your lives. Ensure to go to all the wedding makeup and hair trials you need to make sure you feel comfortable with your chosen supplier and you trust them to deliver exactly what you need!
8: GET MARRIED!
At this point we have one last tip… remember to trust your team behind your day. All of these suppliers are experts in what they do and all want the same goal… to create the most unforgettable wedding day you and your guests will certainly never forget.
Get in touch with eve, if you’re looking for the picture-perfect venue still.
Images: Anna Ti Creates Photography