Top tips for organising your
perfect wedding day

Prioritise

Sit down as a couple and make a list of your three main priorities. Do you want a delicious banquet? The most beautiful green gardens, for idyllic wedding photographs you’ll enjoy forever? Or is what matters most that your friends and family are with you?

Once you know what’s most important to you, the planning can begin – and you won’t waste your time looking at those little things that don’t matter so much.

The guest list

It’s the first thing that a venue, decorator or cake maker will ask: how many guests are you having?  That means it’s important to decide early who you can see joining you for the biggest day of your life.

Grab yourselves a cuppa and sit with a pen and paper, jotting down a list of your nearest and dearest. Think about who you’d like to be there for the whole event, and who is more of a night owl and would be better attending the evening only. It can get a little complicated! If so, just put that list away, and come back to it in a few days’ time.

Get organised 

Trust me: in the future you will appreciate it so much.

Get that wedding book, excel spreadsheet and ring binder ready, because no one tells you about the collection of paperwork you’ll end up with! Having everything in one place really does help keep things organised, and will minimise stress.

Remember you may be planning this one, two or even three years in advance. Having a main hub of information is crucial to a productive yet pleasurable planning experience. 

Pick the ideal venue 

It can be a little overwhelming finding that perfect venue for the big day. It’s probably the biggest decision of them all (after saying yes to the ring!). To make it a little bit easier, ask yourself these questions:

Where in the world do you want your wedding to take place?

Do you want to be close to home to allow more guests to attend and make travelling easier, or would you like it further afield, even abroad?

What’s your wedding theme?

If you have in mind a light-flooded room with modern elements and pastel colours, then a rustic barn may not be what you are looking for. 

Do you want a venue where guests can stay overnight?

Many venues offer accommodation, sometimes with discounted rates for guests. It’s certainly something to take into consideration, especially if you’re considering a venue in a beautiful but remote area. 

How much do you want to spend?

Of course, budget is one of the biggest factors. Talking about money may be a little awkward, but you’ll need to get used to it, so start now. Figure out a rough budget that covers the immediate wedding options: the venue, photographer, dress, favours – whatever matters to you. It’ll help you stay on track when you begin speaking with suppliers. 

What kind of space are you picturing?

Imagine your ideal day. Are you thinking of a summer wedding, enjoying champagne and canapés in the glorious British sunshine? Then you need somewhere with outdoor space, whether it’s a patio, garden or lawn area. You’d be surprised how many venues don’t have this.

Have fun! 

It isn’t just the big day itself that is fun and exciting: the whole planning process can be too! Get your bridal party involved; wedding showcases, dress shopping and cake tasting can be a great chance to spend time with friends and loved ones. Ask your venue or caterer for a menu tasting, and use it as a date night for you and your partner. Turn the organising into something you look forward to, rather than a chore. 

I hope my tips will make the planning process feel a bit more manageable for you. I really enjoy helping couples to find ways to enjoy the experience, and taking away some of that stress.

If you’d like to know more about weddings at Edgbaston Park Hotel and the packages we offer, read the wedding brochure.