Having some great Industry connections is a major plus point when planning a wedding. Not all Brides and Grooms have the luxury of these kinds of contacts at the push of a button, so we’re going to be sharing lots of posts over the coming months from wedding professionals, that are not necessarily directly involved in our wedding, but whose advice and thoughts we value.
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| Alison Tinlin Wedding Planner |
So kicking off our Wedding Professional Top Tips...
the current “Queen of the Wedding Tweeting World”, Alison Tinlin.
Alison’s company “Plans & Presents” are based in Glasgow, but cover the whole of the UK. Her job as a Wedding Planner is to work with you, providing as much or as little help as you need with your Wedding or Event to get exactly what you want, within your budget. That might be as simple as helping you find a venue, or a supplier you are particular difficulty sourcing, through to Full or On the Day Co-ordination, or anything else in between.
So, what key pieces of advice can Alison give for the initial stages of planning your wedding?
The Budget & The Date
With respect to your budget, consider any savings you have and how much comfortably you will both be able to put towards the marriage pot per month. Also consider any outside help ie. Family input. Remember that this is your day though, and family money does not automatically mean they get to make all the decisions. With respect to loans and credit cards, this is best avoided if possible as better not to go into marriage in debt, you don't want to be paying it off 5 years down the line.
With respect to a date, this may be a day that is particularly special to you like an anniversary or to commemorate a loved one. Be aware however that a winter/off season wedding, a Sunday wedding or a Midweek wedding will usually bring you substantial financial savings in comparison to a high Summer Saturday wedding.
Help
It is important that you have people helping you that your trust implicitly, and who you know won't let you down, whether it is family or friends [consider this when choosing your Bridesmaids and Best Man].Remember too that it is lovely to involve family or friends in your day if they have a special talent as this can make your day more personal and save you money.
Choosing Suppliers
Personal recommendation is great, but what works for one couple might not necessarily work for you. Take time, research at least three or four companies in each specific category of need. If they are able to send samples of their work then that is great, this works particularly well for stationery, video companies etc.
It is always important to sit down and have a good chat with suppliers you are interested in. If someone is being involved in the most special day of your life, it’s really important that you are on the same wavelength, and you feel that connection with them.
Frustration
So, what key pieces of advice can Alison give for the initial stages of planning your wedding?
Prioritise & Compromise
Right at the start of your planning, it is important to sit down as a couple to work out the priorities you both have in respect of your Big Day. You need to decide what elements you really can't do without, and what you are willing to compromise on. It is highly unlikely that you will agree on everything, but it is important that both of you as a couple work together as this will be the most important day of your lives so far.The Budget & The Date
With respect to your budget, consider any savings you have and how much comfortably you will both be able to put towards the marriage pot per month. Also consider any outside help ie. Family input. Remember that this is your day though, and family money does not automatically mean they get to make all the decisions. With respect to loans and credit cards, this is best avoided if possible as better not to go into marriage in debt, you don't want to be paying it off 5 years down the line.
With respect to a date, this may be a day that is particularly special to you like an anniversary or to commemorate a loved one. Be aware however that a winter/off season wedding, a Sunday wedding or a Midweek wedding will usually bring you substantial financial savings in comparison to a high Summer Saturday wedding.
Help
It is important that you have people helping you that your trust implicitly, and who you know won't let you down, whether it is family or friends [consider this when choosing your Bridesmaids and Best Man].Remember too that it is lovely to involve family or friends in your day if they have a special talent as this can make your day more personal and save you money.
Choosing Suppliers
Personal recommendation is great, but what works for one couple might not necessarily work for you. Take time, research at least three or four companies in each specific category of need. If they are able to send samples of their work then that is great, this works particularly well for stationery, video companies etc.
It is always important to sit down and have a good chat with suppliers you are interested in. If someone is being involved in the most special day of your life, it’s really important that you are on the same wavelength, and you feel that connection with them.
Frustration
Remember always throughout the planning stages that all Brides and Grooms get frustrated. Your planning will have its ups and downs and because it is such an important event, every issue can seem like a giant obstacle to overcome. Remember when everything seems like it is spiralling out of control, that not getting the exact colour of napkins you want is not a National disaster, and what is really important is love, health and happiness.
In view of this, it’s important to take a step back to recharge your batteries. As a couple it’s important to have regular date nights so that you remember the real reason you are getting married in the first place. And it is also important, as the Bride or Groom, to take care of yourselves. So try to take time out one night a week to pamper yourself or have a good night out with your friends where wedding chat is banned.
In view of this, it’s important to take a step back to recharge your batteries. As a couple it’s important to have regular date nights so that you remember the real reason you are getting married in the first place. And it is also important, as the Bride or Groom, to take care of yourselves. So try to take time out one night a week to pamper yourself or have a good night out with your friends where wedding chat is banned.
Get in contact with Alison
Thank you my lovely, Mwah !!!
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