Your Ultimate Wedding Checklist

Wedding Planning - 06.02.19

Congratulations – you’re engaged! Now it’s time to start the wedding planning and we’re here to help with your essential wedding checklist.

First things first... who, when, where and how much?

Before you start planning your wedding details, there are a few key decisions to make. It’s important to consider how many guests you would like to invite, what time of year you would like to marry and what your wedding budget is. With those thoughts in mind, you can start to look at possible wedding venues.

While a venue has to suit your budget and the size of your wedding, you’re also on the lookout for somewhere that fits your style. Braxted Park has it all, from elegant ceremony spaces to beautiful gardens and even its very own parish church within the grounds!

Plan the Order of the Day

If you would like to have a civil wedding ceremony, it’s time to book the registrar. Equally, with a church ceremony, you’ll want to discuss options with the vicar. You can then plan the rest of your day around the time of your ceremony, working backwards and forwards to structure the day, from the moment you wake up all the way through to that first dance.

Book Key Suppliers

With the date of your wedding set, the next thing on your wedding to-do list is to put your other key suppliers in place. Florists, photographers, caterers, videographers and entertainers are often booked well in advance. Do your homework, choosing suppliers who you get along with well, whose style you admire and who you feel will embrace the ideas you have for your wedding.

Try on Dresses!

With the structure of your wedding day in place, the real fun begins. It’s time to shop for that all-important wedding dress, getting ideas online and in magazines before making appointments. A good wedding boutique should always make you feel comfortable, giving you space and time to try on a selection of gowns as well as suggesting designs and styles that you might not have considered.

Always consider your comfort, choosing shoes that you know you’ll be able to dance in and perhaps having a shawl or wrap if you’re marrying in the winter. And, of course, you’ll want to go dress shopping with your bridesmaids. The key here is to find a dress that suits both your colour scheme and your bridesmaids. Of course, they don’t all have to wear the same dress – some of the most elegant bridal parties opt for a more individual style.

Consider the Details

Throughout the wedding planning process, you’re likely to be thinking about your wedding style and your chosen colour scheme. While your flowers, cake and bridesmaid dresses are a great way to introduce that colour, it’s also fun to look out for a few details. Favours, stationery and other ‘props’ don’t have to cost the earth but can add a little personalisation to your day.

Food, Glorious Food

Work closely with your caterer to discuss your wedding menu, from fabulous welcome drinks and canapés, through to the wedding breakfast and evening food. Seasonal produce is always well received. If you’re keeping an eye on your budget, bear in mind that guests will love a beautifully cooked menu, no matter how simple. For your evening party, there is often nothing better than a wonderful cheeseboard with fresh breads and wedding cake.

That’s Entertainment

And finally, while you’re likely to book a band or DJ for your evening party, it’s worth thinking about additional entertainment throughout the day. If you’re marrying in the summer months, you might consider having garden games or a treasure hunt in the gardens at Braxted Park. For a winter wedding, how about a close-up magician to delight your guests during the wedding breakfast or a musician to play throughout the drinks reception.

If you are planning your wedding, we would love to show you all that Braxted Park has to offer. Simply call our friendly team on 01621 770855 or contact us online.

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