12 Pieces of advice Every Couple Needs to Hear
Planning a wedding can feel exciting, emotional and overwhelming all at once, that’s exactly why we dedicated a full episode to give you all the advice that couples wish they heard sooner!
In our Totally Absolutely Engaged Podcast Christmas Special, we break down 12 essential pieces of wedding advice, to help you plan smarter, stress less and actually enjoy the journey to ‘ I do’. Whether you are newly engaged or deep in the planning stages, this one is for you!
1.Set your wedding budget Early
Before Pinterest boards, before venue viewings, SET YOUR BUDGET! Knowing your overall figure from the start helps guide every single decision and prevents over spending later! Speak to family and friends, as they may want to put towards it.
2.Use the 50/30/20 Budget Split
A simple and effective way to allocate your wedding budget and spending! %0% goes to the essentials, things like food, drink, venue!
30% goes towards the entertainment! Photographers, live bands, singers, floral displays, LED letters! The list could go on haha!
20% is left for extra stying, and anything you may want to add a bit more pizzazz too! This can also go towards any extra/hidden costs that may come up for your big day!
It’s flexible but gives you a solid framework to start from!
3.Wedding Insurance is a must
It’s one of those things that you hope you’ll never have to use or need, but you’ll be glad you have it! From supplier cancellations to unexpected changes, wedding insurance protects your investment and your peace of mind.
4.Book your favourite suppliers early
If you’ve found the one… book them! The best suppliers get snapped up quickly, especially for peak dates!
5.Know the right questions to ask
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Clear communication early prevents fewer surprises later on! Some good questions to ask:
What’s included as part of the package? Do you include set up/deliver fees?
Whats your backup plan? Is there a contingency plan if anything changes?
How do payments work?
Have you worked at our venue before?
6.Your wedding Planning Shouldn’t be stressful
Yes, it’s a big event, one of the biggest days of your life, but it shouldn’t be a stressful experience too! If you are finding booking suppliers stressful, then maybe ask if they are the right ones for you? If something is causing you stress, pause and ask: Is this actually important to US?
7.Prepare for best man speeches
Read not out loud at least once! You don’t want it to be too long, around 10 mins is perfect! You want heartfelt, funny and respectful! Remember you aren’t down the pub with your mates, rude comments and remarks won’t go down as well as they do there!
8.Thing Almost couples forget
Some commonly missed details:
Breaking in your shoes
Eating your wedding cake!
Spending time with your partner
9.Assign a point person
Choose one trusted/close person to handle the questions on your big day! The last thing you need is questions being fired at you left right and centre whilst you are trying to get ready! Having a point person keeps you free to enjoy your wedding without being interrupted!
10.Biggest wedding regrets
Not spending time with your partner is one of the biggest regrets! Make sure you are prioritising moments with them throughout the day!
11.Cold feet or just Overwhelmed?
Getting cold feet on your wedding day could just be stress in disguise! Planning fatigue is real, take breaks, talk openly and remember why you are doing this!
12.Traditions: Stick or Twist?
You don’t have to follow traditions just because that’s what is expected! Keep what feels meaningful, ditch what doesn't ! Your wedding should reflect you!
Things like a bouquet toss, taking the grooms last name, cake cut and first dance, can all be made into your own personal thing! Just go with what feels right to you as a couple!
I hope these 12 top tips have helped you reflect on your wedding planning journey, and given you some top tips and great advice to apply! Get in touch with us, and share the best advice you have heard!