To end off this advice series, I'm going to touch on a few points that are often forgotten. They are in no particular order of importance, so sit back and enjoy!
One of the most important things I can tell you is this - it is never to early to start planning! Time flies by and you want to be sure everything is done and in the way you want it!
Wedding cakes are ridiculously expensive, so if you know someone who can bake well ask if they can help you out with a cake. Also consider a flavour and filling that will get eaten - most people despise fruit cake, so it will likely go to waste. Alternatively, consider a cake with each tier in a different flavour, or a variety of cupcakes, or even a selection of bonbons or truffles. Regardless of what route you choose, always have a tasting beforehand!
Don't make any hasty decisions - if you have an idea, sleep on it and view it with fresh eyes. If you still like it, make it option one and forget about it for a few days. If a new idea occurs to you, do the same. You will end up with a list of a few ideas - consider which is the most representative of you and your tastes, and if it goes with the style of your wedding. If you're still stumped, speak to your groom or bridesmaids, they're there to help.
Bridal magazines are a great place to find inspiration and ideas for your wedding, but you don't need to buy a ton of them, four or five will do. Bridal magazines cost on average R80 for local magazines and R150 for international, so be picky about what you buy. Most aren't sealed, so browse through them before purchasing. If you see something that inspires you, buy the magazine. If it's interesting but not too helpful, put it back. The same info will be in another magazine. A great buy is a magazine about wedding flowers - they are loaded with great ideas for arrangements and bouquets, and are great for showing your florist!
You will be bombarded with ideas, so choose only those which suit you - you want your wedding day to be a reflection of who you are. If you like something, don't try and squeeze it in if it doesn't suit the rest of your wedding, rather tweak it or discard it. There is no such thing as a totally unique wedding, so don't feel bad about stealing ideas from other weddings, even those you've been to. Everyone else has done it!
Keep and eye out for sales at jewellers - you could save up to 50% on your wedding bands! It doesn't mean you love each other any less, it just means you have a little more wiggle room. Remember, if you want to engrave your rings, you'll need slightly wider bands, so ask your jeweller to advise you on this matter.
Don't forget to book appointments with your beautician for facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, and any other treatments you may want before the day. They can advise you on how often you should treat yourself, and how long before the big day your last treatment should be.
Book a professional hair and make-up artist for your big day - it is well worth the cost! You'll be jittery on the day and you don't want to have to contend with styling your hair and applying make-up.
Start looking around for a dress as soon as possible! Places like Bride & Co have winter sales where you can get up to 50% off, so take advantage of these, you may just find that perfect dress! If you're buying a dress off the rack or hiring, it is a good idea to start looking at least eight months in advance. If you want to have a dress tailored, start about ten months in advance, as it is a lengthy process. And if you're planning on embarking on a rigorous weight-loss program, bear this in mind when going for fittings.
Buy your dress and your veil at the same time, and buy your shoes after you buy your dress. You don't want to find that perfect dress only to discover it doesn't go with the bridal shoes you bought on sale last month!
Don't forget to organise a guest book or some variant thereof, and don't forget a pen! If you opt for the traditional guest book style, a ballpoint pen is a better option as a felt tip may bleed through the pages.
Give your groom something to do. Let him worry about his and his retinue's outfits. You have enough to worry about. Also consider letting him handle things like the music, minister and drinks.
On the topic of drinks, decide if you will have a cash bar or an open bar. An open bar works out very costly, so think carefully before you make this choice. A nice middle ground is to have certain drinks, such as wine, beer and soft drinks, paid for; or to have a bar budget and once that is reached, cash bar kicks in. If you decide to pay for certain drinks, decide what you are willing to pay for and be clear. It is etiquette to have champagne available for toasting, but thereafter the decision is yours.
Start looking out for any poetry or prose you might want to include in your service, your invitations or your service booklets. If you have a piece of writing that is special to you or your groom, consider including it in some way - it adds a nice personal touch.
If you have trouble finalising your seating plan, become creative. Because of the eclectic nature of families today, it is not expected of you to seat your parents and assorted partners at the main table with you. Mix and match friends and family to avoid possible conflict if you need to, but make sure that guests are seated near to someone they know s when it's time to socialise they can do so with ease.
Finally, if you have your heart set on something, do it! Don't sacrifice your dream wedding for the sake of saving money, there is always a way to make it happen! Either save a little more money each month or find a less expensive alternative, or even ask a friend to help out with small tasks to save money, but don't skimp!
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