Local suppliers from various specialisms share words of wisdom to get your planning off on the right foot “WE DO” AMBER PACKER-HUGHES, SOMERSET REGISTRATION SERVICE www.somersetweddingservice.org.uk We’re engaged! Now what? Location, location, location! Finding your venue is the essential first step. You need a time and place pencilled in so we can book your registrar team. Our online directory is a great place to start, as it lists every single venue that can hold civil ceremonies in the area. What is giving notice? It’s just as important as the actual wedding day, so don’t forget to do it! Giving notice of marriage or partnership is the essential face-to-face meeting with your local registrars, where you’ll take in your ID documents and start the legal process at least 28 days before your big-day. It does the same job as having your banns read in church. How can we make our big day totally us? Contrary to popular belief, civil ceremonies can be personalised. There’s only a couple of sentences you need to say to make it legal, so you can get super-creative with your personal vows and readings. You don’t even need to exchange rings if you’d rather not. How about necklaces, books or a handmade memento? We’re happy to tweak things to make it all the more you. What’s your top planning tip when it comes to the ceremony? Get your documents ready early. Expired passports, missing birth certificates or lost divorce papers are not something you want to discover the day before your notice appointment. There’s no shortcut to some of the paperwork, so make sure you have everything you need just in case you have to order new copies. SOS Planning LET PLANNING COMMENCE! SAMANTHA SMART, WEDDING REGENCY www.weddingregency.com We’re engaged! Now what? Tell everyone! All the family and friends will want to know and be part of the celebrations, no one will want to feel left out. Can we have a wedding planner to manage the day only? Yes! You can enjoy your day knowing everything is being cared for. You can plan and prepare everything yourself and we can manage it all for you. How can we make our big day totally us? Design your own wedding rings, choose a theme, plan the song list, personalise the invites and so much more. You can make every element totally you. What’s your top planning tip? Decide on a budget and stick to it. It’s so easy to overspend, but this is something a wedding planner would be able to help you with. www.deanwardphotography.co.uk www.jamesandkerriephotography.co.uk WEDDING PLANNING 55
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