HOT TOPIC Local experts offer stellar advice on wedding dilemmas SETTING THE SCENE We’re looking for the perfect venue and are attending a few open days, what advice can you share to make the most out of the experience? Plan ahead and keep an eye out for your favourite venues, as they will most likely announce their open days in advance. Ensure you have the date booked in the diary and register your attendance online. This means the team will expect you on the day, allowing them to prepare for your visit so you’ll have a smooth welcome to start you off right! The middle hours of any open day are usually the busiest, so it’s a good idea to arrive early and beat the crowds. This will give you plenty of time to meet the suppliers exhibiting and explore the venue in your own time. It will also give you the best chance to ask questions before the crowds. If you’re at the start of your wedding planning, it’s best to enjoy and take it all in. However, if you’re in the midst, we suggest a more tactical approach. Write a checklist of the key areas you must focus on in your wedding planning. Do you have any missing gaps or things you’re not sure of? This is the prime opportunity to ensure you have a reasonable amount of time with your interested suppliers or to ask any helpful questions – you’re spending the afternoon in a room full of experts, so make the most out of it! Take advantage of the opportunity to meet the venue’s wedding team. Building a connection with them early on will mean they’ll get to know you better and be in the best position to help and advise on your wedding day plans. If you’ve only met with one team member, this is your chance to meet everyone else as hosting a wedding is a team effort. If you haven’t booked a private show round, this may be the perfect opportunity to ask those key questions to ensure the venue is ideal before proceeding. It’s always nice to see a familiar face during the next meeting! Bring the family! Wedding planning is a big project and if you have only visited the venue yourself, this is the perfect time to bring your family and wedding party to show them what it’s all about while getting them even more excited for your day. Nazlee Sabahipour | Offley Place | www.offleyplace.com www.laurenjuliette.com EXPERT ADVICE 67
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