Wedding Planning Tips
Into the Unknown
Planning a wedding can be a uniquely special but daunting endeavour. It’s an exciting process, but one often dogged by the nagging sense that ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’, and a conviction that you don’t want to miss a detail – or get anything wrong – in the planning.
You may have a crystal clear vision for your wedding day, or be in the early stages of a few ideas and an open mind. Either way we hope it will be useful to kick off your planning proper with the collected wisdom of some super talented people with years of experience honing their skills.
What follows is a helping hand from a range of brilliant, trusted wedding professionals who have used their considerable experience and insight to craft a series of ‘top tips’ for perfect planning. Feel free to download and explore them to banish the ‘unknown unknowns’ and set a course for the perfect wedding day.
Flowers
Top tips from Faye at Rural Floral
Read the tips below or download them here.
No. 1: Get on the Socials to Find a Florist who fits your Ethos & Style
Your venue will be happy to make recommendations of florists who have experience of working there. Visit the social pages and websites of local florists to get a feel of different floristry styles. This should help guide you towards a florist who can deliver your concept and create the atmosphere you would like for your wedding whilst sharing your ethos. Instagram is usually a great place to start researching, you will find it is where most wedding florists are particularly active!
As with most suppliers, florists are often secured far in advance of the big day, so it’s always a good idea to make an enquiry early on in the process, once you have booked the venue.
No. 2: Share your Ideas & Inspiration and Agree the Process
After your florist has confirmed their availability, they will usually send you an outline of their individual working practice and the process for planning florals, often accompanied by an enquiry form and idea of basic costs. Some florists have a minimum spend so this is important to bear in mind.
Most florists will then organise a call or consultation to chat through your ideas and inspiration and to get a feel for one another. Some florists will meet in person, however this can be tricky during a busy wedding season, or if you are planning your wedding from afar, so virtual meetings are usually the way to go.
Once you have secured your florist and paid a deposit, they will guide you through the next steps in defining and designing your vision, and outline payment deadlines.
No. 3: Budget for what’s Right for You (10-15% of the Total Budget as a Guide)
The budget each couple may have in mind for flowers can vary dramatically from wedding to wedding and is completely individual, just as every wedding is unique.
Most couples will typically spend 10-15% of their overall wedding budget on flowers but the final cost very much depends on whether you are having large installation pieces, number of tables, floral choice/look and the amount of personal flowers such as bouquets you require.
Do check whether your florist has a clause in place on reducing floral spend.
No. 4: Focus the Budget for Best Effect – for the Space & for You
Flowers really do help to set the mood for your big day, they will feature in pretty much all of the photos and can enhance or transform a venue dramatically.
Almost all couples will require personal flowers i.e. bridal and bridesmaid bouquets, and buttonholes, so these are usually the non-negotiables.
Large scale, unique feature pieces such as sweeping staircase florals, arches, flower pillars and urns will add impact to ceremony spaces or an area where you plan to have lots of photos taken throughout the day, providing magnificent backdrops. Of course these will be the costliest items on your invoice, but most will agree that investing on bigger pieces is far more visually effective than dotting multiple small arrangements throughout a venue. Some items can be moved and repurposed too for added value.
No. 5: Explore the Beautiful Options for more Sustainable Florals
Choose a florist who uses sustainable practices such as using locally grown flowers and avoiding the use of floral foam. British flowers bring a more whimsical, natural look and often add incredible scent to your big day too.
A good florist will be able to advise you on which flowers are naturally in bloom around the time of your wedding. Choosing seasonal flowers will have far less environmental impact than asking your florist to source Peonies or Sunflowers in December.
Think about using plants for your wedding too. Pots of flowering spring bulbs topped with moss make beautiful table centres, as do foliage plants such as ferns and aromatic herbs. These can be enjoyed for years after your wedding or given to guests as gifts.
Dried flowers are a good sustainable choice too, particularly during the winter months. Try to steer away from dyed or bleached stems as these are not environmentally friendly to produce or dispose of.
No. 6: Don’t Worry if you don’t know where to Start – it’s a Collaborative Journey
Whilst some couples may have very set ideas of what they would like for their wedding flowers, these are not always be possible or practical for multiple reasons and a level of flexibility is often required.
Being open to seasonality and colour palettes is far more important and will produce the very best outcomes. Your florist will listen to your likes and dislikes when it comes to flowers, colours and textures and can suggest ideas to enhance your venue and work with the colours of your wedding attire and table dressing.
Florists understand that wedding planning is a journey, and your ideas are likely to evolve throughout the process. They will advise you on any dates that final decisions need to be made by.
No. 7: Add a Personal Touch
Florists are often asked to add sentimental pieces to a bridal bouquet such as a vintage ribbon, family keepsake or locket of a loved one; we understand that these little touches are special and meaningful and will be attached with care when your bouquet is delivered.
Some details may need to be incorporated in advance to your arrangements. Your florist will advise you on how far ahead they will need the items.
No. 8: Make the Most of Floral Arrangements on the Day
Can floral arrangements be moved between the ceremony and reception spaces? The short answer is yes, although some very large arrangements such as sprawling arches can be tricky, especially if attached to a building structure.
Your florist will be able to advise you on the practicality and logistics of moving items between spaces where possible. They will work closely with your venue or event organiser to work out the best timings and safe route to relocate arrangements.
Repurposing arrangements is an excellent way to gain more value from your flowers. Aisle arrangements may be used as table centres, ceremony urns can double up as a striking entrance for your reception and a ceremony table arrangement can form your top table floral display.
No. 9: Plan for the Preparations the Day Before & Morning of Your Wedding
Depending on the type of arrangements you opt for, set up could be early on the morning of your wedding, or possibly the day before.
Please bear in mind that large installations may involve several hours of work, more than one florist and a certain amount of mess during construction! The results will be worth it, I promise.
Your florist will communicate with the venue and yourselves to work out a delivery and set up time. Most florists will aim to have everything in place and immaculately cleared away at least 1-2 hours before your first guests are expected to arrive.
Your personal flowers will usually be delivered to you in the Main Suite. Bouquets often arrive in a water source to keep them fresh and perky until required. We advise taking them out of water and drying the stems gently half an hour before leaving the room to avoid any drips on dresses or ribbons.
Your bridal bouquet will look more full and floriferous for photographs if you hold it at hip level with the stems facing towards you. Most florists will cut the stems short to allow for this.
No. 10: Make the Most of Florals After the Day
Your wedding flowers are yours to keep, so deciding what to do with them after the big day needs consideration beforehand.
Your wedding florist may need to return to the venue the next day to deconstruct large arrangements and collect any containers or props you have hired. If this is the case, ask your florist for advice on appropriate containers to decant the flowers into for transportation home.
Many couples choose to gift table flowers and more portable arrangements to guests to enjoy after the wedding.
For larger arrangements, your florist will factor in a clear-down time for deconstruction. Any stems which have wilted or broken will usually be taken away for composting or disposal and the remainder can popped into buckets or wrapped up for you. Some couples choose to donate larger volumes to a hospice or care home or may place flowers on loved ones graves.
There are several options for preserving your bouquet – pressing, drying, setting in resin or ceramics. Your florist may be able to make suggestions and recommendations for trusted craftspeople to do this for you.
Photography
Top tips from Marta at The Mays
Read the tips below or download them here.
No. 1: Focus on Meaningful Moments, not a ‘Must Have’ List
I’m sure you’ve heard about wedding photography lists – the lists of ‘must have photos from your wedding day’, like a picture of your shoes or your bouquet etc. Many couples give those lists to their photographers and this results in a frustrated and nervous photographer on your day. What do I mean by that? As a photographer I want to know what pictures you want to have, and we will definitely have a chat about it. But if you gave me the list of “must have photos” – that I take anyway in a natural way – I’d have to stay focused on that list and I would miss many real and meaningful moments as a result of that.
Sure if your photographer is only beginning to photograph weddings, you can give her/him the list just to be safe. But if your photographer is a professional (like us, shooting weddings since 2012), let him/her stay creative on the day. That way you will not only get the pictures from those typical ‘must have the photo of this’ lists, you will also get the story of your day told in a beautiful, creative way.
No. 2: Make Proper Time for Golden Hour on the Day
You probably know by now that the golden hour (sunset) is the most magical light for your wedding pictures. Now try to apply that knowledge to your wedding day to actually get those pictures. And the key thing to do is to see what time the sun sets on your wedding day. The best time for pictures is 30 minutes before the sunset. You also have to see, depending on the time of the year, if there is anything blocking that light. It could be a tree, a hill – in which case the best light for your couple pictures might actually be a bit earlier. And the most important thing is – don’t plan your wedding speeches around that time. You don’t want to sit in the room listening to the speeches and at the same time seeing the most beautiful golden light that will be gone before the speeches end.
No. 3: Make a New Friend in the Planning
If your photographer allows it, stay in touch with him/her as often as you can. You don’t want them to be complete strangers on your wedding day. What do I mean by that? The biggest compliment we get from wedding guests is that they very often ask us how we know the couple, where we met them. They assume we met somewhere else, not during the wedding planning process. They assume we’re friends with them maybe from work or from uni and we’re just shooting their wedding as their friends. We love that and this all is a result of a relationship we build with our couples. Because we don’t want to be strangers, we want to be a part of their wedding day and document their story, not a typical wedding story. You have to remember that EVERY WEDDING IS UNIQUE – you are unique, so you want your pictures to reflect that, to capture what matters to you most, your most important people, most important moments. That’s why you stay in touch with your photographer, meet up with them if possible, catch up. And you become friends, and the best part is – when your guests see that you’re friends with the photographer, they relax too. As a result we can get closer to everyone and create pictures that FEEL amazing, not just pretty typical pictures that look nice.
No. 4: Have the Chat about Food Plans
One of the most frequent questions we get during the planning process is ‘do we feed the photographer’? It is a very necessary question. Some photographers have this in their contract and we don’t. The reason we don’t make it a compulsory thing is the fact that food is expensive and we don’t want to add to your costs. But there is another thing to consider, and that is the length of photography coverage and the location of your wedding. If it is only a short coverage, a few hours, it doesn’t make sense to feed your photographer. Well, this is what we think. We’d much rather spend that short time focusing on every moment of the time we have with you to get you the best pictures and we won’t starve, will we? On the other hand, if you’ve booked a photographer for the full day, then have a think about feeding them at some point (especially when your venue is far from any restaurants, food shops etc.), usually when your guests are having the main course as well. Nobody likes being photographed when they are eating, so a photographer won’t miss any pictures and he or she will also feel good. You really don’t want a hungry and frustrated photographer shooting your best dance floor moves on an empty stomach. And if you really can’t afford to feed your photographer, at least try to chat with them about it and let them know in advance, so they can buy their own sandwiches and snacks to survive the day.
No. 5: Be Kind to the Group & Your Cheeks – Planning Group Photos
Group pictures. Really have a think about the number of group pictures you’re planning to have on your wedding day as this is something that quite often surprises our couples on their wedding day. We always suggest the short list of the most important key groups and if the list gets longer we suggest splitting it into two shoots throughout the day. Why? Because wedding guests want to have fun! And the last thing they want is to wait for their turn in a long list of group combinations whilst others have the best time enjoying the reception drinks. The other thing is – the more group pictures on your list, the more your cheeks will hurt because of smiling. So make sure you get the most important key pictures first and then enjoy the rest of the day. And if any pictures are missed or somebody wants a random group picture and your photographer is there with you for the full day, you can always grab that quick group picture later. Everybody will thank you for that!
No. 6: Your Photos Are your Memories – Choose the Right Style for you
How to choose the best photographer for you. First of all, think about the style of pictures you like. If you prefer posed, pretty, perfect images – look for a portrait wedding photographer with an editorial style. If you prefer pictures that evoke emotions and tell the story of the day – look for a reportage photographer. And if you look for something in between – many photographers, including us, also offer that. So it depends how you want your memories to look, because pictures are your memories. If you prefer to remember how your day LOOKED – go for perfect/portrait/editorial, if you prefer to remember how your day FELT – go for authentic/reportage/documentary. And if you prefer to remember both the beautiful side and how your wedding day actually felt, and how much fun your wedding guests actually had – have a look at our portfolio and see if this is how you’d want to remember your day. And then chat to your selected few and see how they make you feel during the initial chat, and pick the one that in your opinion ticks the biggest number of boxes FOR YOU.
No. 7: Focus on how it will Feel…
There are so many things to think about when planning a wedding and choosing your photographer is one of the biggest decisions because these are your memories. This is how you’re going to remember your wedding day. That’s why it is important to select a photographer whose work you really like and who you feel comfortable with. Also remember – if somebody is trying to tell you to buy a certain pair of shoes or a certain dress design because that will make you look good on your wedding pictures – think twice. Many times I’ve seen brides changing into their comfortable shoes just after their group pictures were taken. I really don’t believe you should suffer to get the best pictures. And if you don’t feel comfortable in your shoes or your dress – you WON’T LOOK comfortable on your wedding pictures. So I want you to remember this – always think about how something makes you FEEL – because if you FEEL amazing and happy and comfortable – you will look amazing, happy and comfortable in your wedding pictures!
Cakes
Top tips from Bec at Home Farm Kitchen
Read the tips below or download them here.
No. 1: Start Early!
It’s never too early to start looking for a wedding cake designer. Don’t leave it to the last minute or you may be limiting your options.
No. 2: Decide When You Will Serve The Cake
I know this seems like a silly thing to start with, but it’s so worth it. Maybe you will keep things quite traditional and serve the cake in the evening along with other savoury foods that guests can help themselves to? Maybe you would like to make the cake part of the wedding breakfast and serve it as dessert alongside some other options that can be laid out beautifully on a dessert table? Or maybe you will serve it with welcome drinks straight after the wedding ceremony? Either way, once you’ve planned when you will cut the cake and serve your cake, you can then get help to plan the size of cake you will need.
No. 3: Decide How Much Cake You Will Need
Depending on your answer to the previous question and depending on your numbers your cake designer will be able to suggest the perfect size cake for you. I have a guide in my wedding cake guide with examples for finger portions.
No. 4: Consider Your Style
Choose a cake designer whose cakes you love. Are you looking for traditional, super modern or maybe something a bit different? Consider the important style elements in your wedding day. Think about the icing finish on the exterior of the cake – are you a fan of fondant, American buttercream or a meringue buttercream? Would you like to incorporate flowers on your cake and if so would you consider sugar craft flowers, pressed edible flowers or maybe fresh flowers? What colour would you like your cake? Will you go for a traditionally white cake, or maybe opt for adding colour somehow? How about linking design details from other aspects in you day – from your dress, your bridesmaid’s dresses, your wedding stationery, etc. If you choose me to make your wedding cake I will design a totally bespoke cake taking all this elements into account.
No. 5: Set a Realistic Budget
Know how much you are willing to spend on your cake early on. Remember that bespoke cakes often come with a higher price tag due to the amount of work that goes into each design.
No. 6: Ask Yourself – How Important Is It That The Cake Tastes Good?
We all know that there is cake, and then there is delicious cake! Remember that a cake that tastes great will leave a lasting impression with your guests.
No. 7: Know What’s In Your Cake
Knowing where our food comes from is so important to so many of us these days and so if using a baker who is transparent about ingredients, sustainability and values is important to you, consider this too.
No. 8: Ask Questions
Trust the expertise of your cake designer. If they are experienced they will probably have been asked every question under the sun, so even if it seems a little silly to you, ask anyway, they’ll be happy to help – after all that’s what they’re there for.
Trust your cake designer and enjoy the process – and obviously enjoy eating the cake!
Hair & Makeup
Top tips from Natasha at Margot & Lace
Read the tips below or download them here.
No. 1: Find a Team You Connect With, Not Just the Right Skills & Experience
Hair and makeup is more than just hair and makeup. Your wedding hair and makeup artist isn’t only there to make you look beautiful – they’re with you during one of the most intimate and emotional parts of your day.
While skill and experience are essential, having a great rapport with your stylist makes all the difference. You want someone who makes you feel comfortable, at ease, and truly listened to. We always recommend having a call with potential stylists to get a feel for their personality and see if they’re the right fit for your wedding morning. A calming, supportive presence can turn your getting-ready time into one of the most memorable and enjoyable parts of your day.
No. 2: Plan The Timings Carefully for a Relaxed Start to the Day
One of the most common questions we get is, “How long does hair and makeup take on the wedding morning?” To keep things running smoothly, we allow 45 minutes per bridesmaid/ family member and 1 hour for the bride.
Your chosen stylists will ensure the entire wedding party is ready at least one hour before you meet with the registrar or celebrant. This extra time isn’t just about logistics – it gives you the chance to get dressed without rushing, capture those beautiful final photographs, and, most importantly, share precious moments with your loved ones before the big moment. A well-planned timeline means a relaxed start to your wedding day.
No. 3: Ensure Their Style Matches Your Vision
When selecting a hair and makeup artist, it’s essential to also find someone whose style aligns with your vision.
We always recommend looking through their website and Instagram – can you see yourself in their work? A great stylist will have a signature aesthetic, so choosing someone who specialises in the look you want is key. For example, if you’re dreaming of soft, undone boho waves, a stylist known for sleek Hollywood waves may not be the best fit. Likewise, if you prefer a fresh, natural makeup look, a high-glam specialist might not align with your vision.
Take the time to explore their portfolio, read reviews, and even book a consultation call to ensure they understand your style and can bring your bridal beauty vision to life.
No. 4: Book Early to Avoid Disappointment
If you fall in love with a hair and makeup artist’s work, don’t wait to secure your booking! Many wedding directories suggest booking suppliers around six months before your big day, but for hair and makeup, that’s often when trials are being scheduled – meaning many artists will already be fully booked.
We always recommend reaching out as soon as you’ve found someone whose style you adore. Stylists can be booked up a year (or more) in advance, especially for peak wedding season. By securing your date early, you not only guarantee your date but also have plenty of time to plan your trial and perfect your bridal looks together.
No. 5: Remember Pinterest Does Not Always Reflect Reality
We love Pinterest for gathering ideas, but when it comes to bridal hair and makeup, it’s important to approach it with a realistic mindset.
Many images circulating on the platform are heavily airbrushed, filtered, or even AI-generated, which can create unrealistic expectations. Instead of relying solely on Pinterest, we always recommend looking at real work from your chosen stylist. Their portfolio will give you the best insight into what’s achievable and how their style translates onto real brides. This ensures that your expectations align with what’s possible for your hair type and skin tone.
No. 6: Get the Details Right for the Wedding Morning Essentials
A little preparation goes a long way in making your wedding morning run smoothly. Here are some things wedding parties might want to consider:
Natural light is key! Good lighting is essential for hair and makeup. If possible, choose a space with plenty of natural light near a window.
Hair styling tools require multiple sockets, so check there are enough plug points and a mirror.
A large table or countertop will help keep products and tools organised, ensuring your stylist can work efficiently without clutter.
If you need to move rooms before getting dressed, allow extra time to relocate without feeling rushed.
No steaming on the wedding morning – steam and humidity can affect hair and makeup, so try to steam dresses the night before to avoid last-minute issues.
Prepare your details for photos. Gather your wedding detail such as invites, shoes, jewellery, and perfume – so your photographer can capture them without interrupting your styling time.
A well-thought-out space and schedule will make all the difference in keeping your morning running seamlessly.
Styling
Top tips from Kirsten at The Little Wedding Helper
Read the tips below or download them here.
No. 1: Take Inspiration from Your Venue
Let the beautiful and historic features of your venue be the starting point for the look & feel of your wedding day. I love visiting venues with my couples, walking through the flow of the day, noticing the textures, colours and details of rooms, exploring all the areas inside and out. Sometimes though, a venue visit can be overwhelming. Where do you start in deciding where the decorating should be and how much?! This is where the experience and creative eye of a stylist is invaluable. I love to think outside the box, work with your ideas (even when you don’t think you have any!) get creative together and ensure that the styling journey is an exciting and stress free one. To create a wedding style that is as unique as you are.
No. 2: Let The Seasons Guide You
Working with nature’s designs can make decisions on colours and details easier. Be inspired by your venue’s outside spaces in the warmer months; in the autumn and winter months take the opportunity to bring the seasons in.
No. 3: Use Pinterest Wisely
Pinterest can really help with how you may want your wedding to look. It should come with a warning though… you can go down a Pinterest rabbit hole with so many ideas being shown that you’re not sure what will work and what is actually realistic in the spaces you will be in. As an experienced stylist I can offer suggestions, advice and share tips about what would work well for the space (and also be honest about what wouldn’t work so well!).
No. 4: Use All Your Senses to Plan the Creative Aspects of Your Day
Pinterest and social media will focus heavily on what it can all look like, but what about how your day will feel?
What will you hear throughout the day – what music will you hear? Whether it’s a Spotify playlist or a harpist to a full band or disco, tailor the sounds to the atmosphere that you want to create.
What will you smell? Having your own signature scent will bring back memories of your special day for years to come. From a carefully chosen scented candle, to reed diffusers where a naked flame is not allowed.
No. 5: Layer Up The Details
This is where I really get into the finer details of how your day is going to look. From the linens to the cutlery to the glassware to the stationery to the candles and so much more. There are so many ways to add a little something more and all within your budget. I have an ever growing collection of props and decor that are all included in my styling service so no buying items that you’ll never use again or have to sell afterwards. Being environmentally aware and more sustainable is never a bad thing.
Children at Weddings
Top tips from Sarah at Little Guests
Read the tips below or download them here.
No. 1: Safeguard the Children
Start by consulting your venue about any specific restrictions or policies regarding children under 18. Enquiring whether there are age limits for supervision within the venue, will allow you to keep parents informed and prepared. Additionally, ask the venue to clarify any potential safety concerns, such as unsupervised areas, fire pits, or water features. By gathering this information upfront, you can address any additional requirements or fees and ensure that all parents are well- informed about the safety measures in place for the children at your wedding. This proactive approach will help you create a risk-proof environment, allowing everyone to enjoy the celebration with peace of mind.
No. 2: Plan Safe Walking Routes for Parents with Pushchairs
A thoughtful way to support families is by asking your venue for recommendations on safe walking routes that are suitable for pushchairs.
Enquire if the venue can provide information on paths or areas that are away from the main proceedings, allowing parents to take their little ones for a stroll without feeling overwhelmed or distracted by the festivities. This not only gives parents a designated space to calm or entertain their children but also ensures they feel comfortable and secure in navigating the venue with a pushchair.
Be sure to communicate these walking routes to parents ahead of time, so they can plan accordingly and make the most of your special day.
No. 3: Photo Sessions – Balance Fun & Formality
To ensure that children are included and the photo sessions run smoothly, it’s helpful for all involved to have a plan in place. Start by consulting your venue for their advice on managing children during this time. They may have valuable insights or strategies that have worked well in the past.
Ask if the venue can recommend a nearby room or designated area where children can play or be entertained while the adults are busy with photos. This space could also serve as a comfortable retreat through the day, allowing children space to relax and engage in fun activities.
Additionally, enquire whether the venue offers any outdoor toys or games or can recommend a company that can keep children entertained during the formalities. Having these options available can help distract and engage the kids, making it easier for parents to focus on the photography without worrying about their little ones.
By proactively managing the experience for children, you can create a more enjoyable atmosphere for everyone and ensure that your photo sessions are efficient and inclusive.
No. 4: Ensure Children are Well Fed & Hydrated
One of the key factors in keeping children happy and content during your wedding is to make sure they have access to food and drink throughout the day. Start by discussing with your venue about the availability of water stations to keep children hydrated. This simple addition can go a long way in preventing meltdowns.
Enquire whether the venue can provide children’s canapés or snacks that are suitable for young palates. Planning a designated time for children to be fed can also help manage expectations and avoid any hangry moments.
Coordinate tactical snacking with the venue to establish meal times that work for both the children and the overall wedding schedule, ensuring that children are not left waiting too long for food.
By proactively addressing their food and drink needs, you will ensure a smoother experience for everyone.
No. 5: Designate Safe Areas for Children to Play and Relax
When planning your wedding with children in attendance, it’s very helpful to have safe and comfortable spaces to play, relax, or even nap. Ask your venue if they have a designated area specifically for children, where they can engage in activities or unwind away from the main festivities.
These areas can serve as perfect spots for children to sleep later in the evening and as a quiet breastfeeding area.
No. 6: Enquire about Childcare Facilities
To assist parents preparing to attend a wedding with their little ones, it’s helpful for the couple to ask their venue about the availability of child care equipment to ensure a comfortable experience for families.
For example, check if the venue provides essentials such as high chairs, cots, and baby changing facilities.
Additionally, it is helpful for parents to know in advance whether the venue can assist with heating bottles or baby food. Knowing that these services are available can alleviate some of the stress for parents, allowing them to relax and enjoy the celebration.
No. 7: Discuss Family Seating Arrangements
Consider arranging seating that provides enough space for children to get down from the table and play and gives parents the ability to leave the room easily when needed.
Ask your venue about how high chairs will fit into the main dining room setup and how this might affect your table plan having them included in the seating arrangements.
Based on past experience, it’s also wise for the couple to speak with the venue about how to handle any situations where children may become noisy during the ceremony or wedding breakfast. Ask your venue for recommendations on how to politely request that parents take their children outside if needed, ensuring that the atmosphere remains relaxed for all guests.
No. 8: Discuss Entertainment and Party Bags with the Venue
It’s beneficial to everyone to consider how to keep children entertained throughout the event. Ask your venue if they allow the couple to provide their own garden party games or activities for the children or if the venue can provide.
Additionally, if the couple is considering providing party bags for the children, it’s important to discuss with the venue what items they are including. For example, while fun toys and snacks are great, should they avoid including items like wax crayons that could potentially ruin white tablecloths or other surfaces?
No. 9: Discuss Children’s Dining Arrangements with the Venue & Caterer
Enquire About Child-Specific Meal Options. For example, does the venue offer child-specific meals or if children can have smaller versions of the adult meals.
When planning your wedding and considering the needs of children, it’s essential to have a clear conversation with the venue about dining arrangements for the little ones. If you plan to have the children eat in a designated creche room with their nannies instead of at the main wedding breakfast, be sure to ask the venue if they can provide a buffet or a choice of meals specifically for the children.
Additionally, since the children will not be dining in the main dining hall, enquire whether the venue can reduce the cost per child for their meal. This not only helps with budgeting but also ensures that the children receive meals that are appropriate for their age and setting.
No. 10: Coordinate Children’s Accommodation with the Venue
When planning your wedding, it’s important to consider the accommodation for any children staying at the venue overnight. Be sure to ask the venue if they can arrange for the children’s rooms to be located next to each other. This setup will facilitate easier babysitting.
No. 11: Enquire About Local Wedding Childcare Services
When planning your wedding, it’s crucial to ensure that children are well taken care of during the celebration.
Make sure to enquire about essential minimum level 2 qualifications, highly experienced Nannies, insurance, and enhanced DBS checks.
Event & Catering Equipment
Top tips from Joe at Hampton Hire
Read the tips below or download them here.
No. 1: Work Closely with Your Caterer
We have a wide range of colours and styles of plates and cutlery but it is so important to check anything you’re ordering for your wedding breakfast with your caterer. Different menus require different styles and depths of plates.
The size of the plate matters in ensuring that portions are presented appropriately. If the plate is too small, the food may appear overcrowded; if it’s too large, portions may look skimpy.
A key part of a meal is visual presentation (second to the taste of course). A mismatch between the plate and wedding theme or catering style can detract from the overall aesthetic. Ensuring the plates match the style of your wedding helps maintain a cohesive look.
No. 2: Go to Your Maximum Numbers
We cannot stress this one enough! If you have invited 110 people and expect 100 to attend, order 110 covers of everything. Quantities can always be reduced closer to your event once you have a better idea on how many guests are attending. This ensures that enough stock will be allocated for your event – last minute additions cannot always be accommodated.
Also, bear in mind you may have breakages, especially during reception drinks. We always say order 5/6 extra glasses to cover yourself!
No. 3: Triple Check Your Linen Requirements
Check, double check and triple check! Let your equipment hire company know the sizes of your tables and they will recommend what tablecloths to hire and let you know what the drop will be. Ordering the wrong cloths can cause a stressful delay as no tablecloths means you cannot lay up your tables!
No. 4: Elevate your table settings
Changing to a different style of glassware and cutlery can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic of your wedding breakfast setup. By selecting elegant or coloured pieces that complement your wedding theme, you can instantly elevate the look of your tables without the need for major decor changes. Opting for unique glassware or stylish cutlery is a more affordable way to transform the room, making your wedding more unique and making your table settings feel more personalized.
This small adjustment can create a big impact on the event, all while keeping costs in check.
No. 5: Work with Local Suppliers
Using local suppliers for your wedding offers several advantages. First, it supports local businesses and ensures that you’re working with vendors who are familiar with the area and its logistics.
Another major benefit is the convenience – if you forget something or encounter an issue, it can be addressed much more quickly. Local suppliers are often just a phone call or short drive away, making it easier to resolve any last-minute needs or changes.
Ultimately, using local suppliers adds a personal touch to your event while making the planning process smoother and more flexible.
