David Barrett
How To Plan a Wedding - Top Tips For Planning Your Perfect Wedding.
Updated: Oct 21, 2022

Wedding Planning!
Just got engaged but not sure where to begin? I've got you covered!
A wedding is once in a lifetime event and will probably be the biggest party you'll ever plan, so planning your wedding day can be pretty overwhelming at first.
From your guest list to your wedding venue, I have some top wedding planning tips to ensure you have the best, stress-free wedding day!
Nail Your Wedding Budget
Unlike other aspects of your wedding, your budget will affect many of your decisions, so this should be the first thing you need to complete.
Sit down with your partner, set your realistic wedding budget, and stick to it.
Also, if any of your family members are contributing, ask them about what they are comfortable spending!
Be Selective With Your Guest List
Your guest list will largely depend on your wedding budget and venue. Sorting the guest list before choosing the venue will ensure there's ample space for your guests.
So, before you start searching for your dream wedding venue, coming up with the approximate number of guests you'll invite early on is essential.
Narrow Down Wedding Dates
Don't fix your wedding date until you reserve your venue.
But, I recommend you choose some potential dates for your wedding before you start looking at your vendors and venues.
If you're planning to get married in the popular wedding season (Summer or Early Autumn), you will need to set your wedding date in advance to find the best venues. Having a few ideal wedding dates in mind will help you narrow down your venue options.
Choose Your Wedding Venue
While every aspect of the wedding plays an essential part in crafting your big day, few things set the backdrop of your wedding celebrations like your wedding venue!
Now that you have an approximate number of guests, a realistic budget, and some potential dates in mind—you have almost all the details needed to book a venue.
Sit down with your future spouse and explore your dream wedding location or ask loved ones and friends for recommendations.
Find Your Dream Wedding Dress
One of the most exciting parts of the wedding planning process is buying a wedding dress. Give yourself plenty of time to find the perfect attire for your wedding. Also consider your bridesmaids, especially if you have more than one. It could take time for everyone to agree on their perfect dress.
I recommend you start your search right after choosing your venue and complete the purchase seven to eight months prior to the wedding date, as this will give you enough time for tailoring, fittings, and alterations.
Book The Best Vendors You Can
Many top wedding vendors are booked up a year or more in advance, from professional wedding photographers and videographers to DJs, so book them early.
That may seem like a lot, but it's important not to rush into any decisions and hire the right suppliers to ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly.
Choose Your Entertainment
You may also need to consider keeping your guests entertained during certain parts of the day. From close-up magicians and singing waiters to string quartets and lawn games. The options are almost endless!
Keep a Diary
Find yourself a nice easy-to-carry wedding planning diary. You can use this to keep details of suppliers, invoice dates, ideas and details. If you carry this with you everywhere you go, you can immediately write down those moments of inspiration which would otherwise be lost or forgotten.
Make it Your Day
As much as you would like all of your guests to enjoy your choice of venue, food, entertainment and even your music selection, you must remember that this is your wedding day. You will never get the opportunity to do this again so have fun. Make sure that each and every choice you make is for the two of you. If you are happy, then your guests will be too!

Are you planning a wedding in South Wales and looking for a wedding photographer?

As a full-time candid and documentary-style South Wales wedding photographer, it is my privilege to capture those rare and memorable moments, ensuring that you enjoy memories of your big day for many years to come. For more information click here.
As I want you to enjoy one of the biggest days in your life as much as I'll enjoy capturing it, I've put together a list of helpful suggestions and valuable tips to help you get the best from your wedding photography please click here to view.
Wishing you both the best of luck with your planning!