FIND YOUR SUPPLIERS With the all-important wedding date in your diary and vision firmly in your mind, you can start assembling the rest of your W-day team. “Start early,” Becky from Waves Weddings and Events says. Good suppliers are often booked up one to two years in advance, if not longer, so if you have your heart set on someone or something specific, make sure you get into their diary in good time. Choose carefully, work with those you connect with and who really get your vision to ensure you get the day of your dreams.” While Natalie Skingley from Bradbourne House adds, “We recommend starting with your venue’s recommended supplier list, as they know the venue best.” Another route is to look for a full-service company that allows you to book as much as you can in one place. Jennifer at Powder Mill Productions says, “This takes the stress out of the organisation and helps you concentrate on the nice things! We can provide everything from the bar, to entertainment and décor. You’ll even have your own bookings manager to guide you every step of the way.” Whoever you decide to bring on board, make sure you’re booking quality. The last thing you want is to be let down on the most important day of your life. Check out the company’s reviews online. Great suppliers will be proud to share what other couples have said about them. Also, be sure of their credentials. Jennifer says, “Ensure your suppliers have public liability insurance, and for any catering check that they have the relevant hygiene or alcohol licenses in place. Powder Mill Productions will take care of any temporary event notices if you want to use our hire bar in a venue like a village hall or a marquee.” www.raygoodwinphoto.co.uk GettyImages Touchays Event Caterers © https://pierragphotography.com FINE TUNE THE THEME With venue booked we recommend at this point you start to fine tune your vision in order to narrow down the suppliers to those specialists who can help. Jennifer at Powder Mill Productions explains, “Think about your guests’ experience from the moment they arrive, to the welcome drinks, seating, dining, speeches and evening entertainment. We specialise in creating a delightfully rustic feel for your wedding. Our wooden illuminated letters, candy cart, hessian-covered selfie frame, whisky barrels and authentic iron postboxes are all designed to work in harmony, creating that sought-after rustic effect.” Powder Mill Productions OH SNAP! While you’re researching your dream team, we’d recommend putting your photographer towards the top of that list. These talented folk get booked up further ahead than you’d believe. So, when you find the one, don’t delay. Find someone whose work you adore and suits your style and get in touch. If you click with them and believe you’ll feel comfortable having them document your day, snap them up. Local wedding photographer Ray Goodwin says, “Choosing your photographer can be a confusing and expensive task, this is because a professional may offer album print, parents’ albums, or even prints in frames. My advice would be to go for a package to include an album it’ll probably work out better value in the long run.” THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT Childcare is also something you’ll need to think about early on. Carole Cassidy from Carousel Creche says, “If you have children attending the day or evening and know you’ll want childcare to keep them safe, happy and entertained, book the date and pay the deposit early on to avoid missing out. Someone else will always want the same date as you! “Once you’ve narrowed your list down to a preferred supplier, meet with them and at least one of the staff members who’ll be attending on the day. It’s important that you bond with them and feel comfortable with the person who’ll be looking after your precious littlest guests. While you’re there ask for qualification, DBS and insurance certificates and find out what activities they’d provide throughout the day.” 58
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