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68 » pink weddings magazine
The wedding planner
Well we’re now into the 2013 wedding season and the
rush is on.
I’ve been working on some very high profile
events at some of the UK’s most beautiful venues, so
I’m feeling very privileged this year to have met some
absolutely lovely couples. Same-sex weddings are also
now being planned, which is fabulous news – I hope
we’ll see many more couples getting ready to make
that commitment.
Last issue we discussed the importance of getting
the right venue – so what comes next? Well now you
need to get your suppliers lined up. Things to think
about are stationery (because this is the first thing you
will need to get out – friends need to know your dates
so that they can get them diarised and start saving up
for your present and new clothes) and also the quicker
you get the day invites out, the sooner you can confirm
numbers to the venue and start ordering place cards
and table plans. Most couples now use home suppliers
for stationery – some of the best in the UK are
handmade cards done by suppliers who work from
home. I use them, as they can offer you something
totally unique to go with your theme; anything from
Swarovski crystal covered boxes containing invites, to
wooden ones, to paper ones – the assortment on offer is
absolutely stunning this year!
ALWAYS
keep your ‘theme’ and colour scheme in mind
and carry it through with your suppliers, right through
to the cake, chair covers and table centrepieces.
THINK
about what you want your cake to look like and
have a budget in mind that you stick to – if a supplier
cannot come in on or under budget, then look
elsewhere and NEVER be afraid to barter. If you are
working to a strict budget, ask if they will consider a
deposit and monthly payments. Most will – business is
business after all. Cupcakes are big this year, as are
cakepops and macaroons, as a foodie alternative to the
almonds in a box for favours. The colours are amazing
and they really do look stunning on the table.
CONSIDER
hiring table centrepieces, as this will give you
the best selection. There are some great suppliers out
there and it’s rare that a venue will supply anything
spectacular for you, whereas wedding hire companies
will have a huge selection at every budget for you to go
and view. (It’s a great day out, having a snoop round
their warehouses and a great way to get ideas!)
THINK
about how many the venue can cater for and
consider your budget. It’s not about quantity with
guests, it’s about quality – only have those at the day
that you really want to see and spend the time with.
Everyone else can come and celebrate with you in the
evening. Also, consider if you want children at the
ceremony and be strict if you don’t. Don’t worry about
offending people, they are your friends and family after
all – and some of us are glad to have a day away from
our kids and a bit of adult company.
GET
the ‘save the date’ or invites for day guests out as
soon as you have decided on your date and venue and
always state ‘please reply by…’ on the invite, along with
‘please confirm any special dietary requirements’ – this
allows the venue to cater for anyone who must stay
away from certain foods. It also makes it much easier
when setting a venue up to mark the place cards with a
dot for anyone who is vegetarian or vegan – no one
wants to see the horror on a vegetarian’s face when a
blue steak is put in front of them!
Donna is available for consultations and bookings. If
you have questions about suppliers or any aspect of
planning your wedding, you can contact her via
donnaweddingplanner@gmail.com or post questions
on the Pink Weddings Magazine Facebook page.
It’s all
in the detail
This issue our wedding planner,
Donna Hannan
, gives
you her expert tips on getting your suppliers lined up