An Essex Wedding - Mar/Apr 2020 (Issue 91)

eps-photography.co.uk LAYER MARNEY TOWER ❤ Whether you have an exact number or a ballpark figure, a budget can help you negotiate realistically with suppliers. The last thing you want is the stress of not knowing where you’ll find the money to pay your final balances. ❤ We live it England, so it can rain all day in July and be gloriously sunny in January. Choose a setting that works equally well in sunshine or showers. Remember, different seasons and days attract different prices, so consider a mid- week date to save money. ❤ Having an overall vision is a helpful starting point because so many things flow from it: décor, styling, number of guests and the season you marry in. However, remain flexible and visit venues that don’t fit your idea, as you may be surprised. Nicholas Charrington | Layer Marney Tower | layermarneytowerweddings.co.uk PLANNING We get the wed-min lowdown from some of Essex’s most sought-after suppliers OMG you’re engaged! After all the excitement of the proposal, there’s the dawning realisation that you have to plan a spectacular event for more than 100 people – oh, and you’re the centre of attention. Do not fear! We’ve asked some of our favourite Essex wedding companies to give us their top tips for what to consider before booking your suppliers and parting with your well-earned cash. We’ve even split them up into three handy rounds, so you know in what order you should be booking each type of business. Starting with… SOS ROUND ONE. THE VENUE. LITTLE EASTON MANOR ❤ This is arguably one of the biggest days of your life, so try to find a venue that can comfortably accommodate all of your ideas with a wedding coordinator to ensure it runs smoothly throughout. ❤ Be sure your venue is forthcoming with all the necessary information and is transparent about pricing from the start so you don’t get any nasty surprises as the planning evolves. ❤ Always check for last-minute availability and ask whether bespoke packages can be tailored for your exact needs – so you don’t pay more than you should for the wedding you want. ❤ Consider what accommodation your venue has to offer and whether you and your loved ones can stay on site together, making the most of the celebration. Sarah Wells | Little Easton Manor | littleeastonmanor.co.uk THE COMPASSES AT PATTISWICK ❤ Look for a location with neutral and understated décor, which can tie in with your colour scheme. Couples see it as a huge positive that we have rustic stripped floors and earthy, natural interiors offering a blank canvas. ❤ Think about whether the venue will split your guests. Our layout means people can relax into the evening with full view of the party, which makes for a more sociable affair than if the dancefloor is in a separate room. ❤ Make sure you have a good connection with the staff. We’re a family-run team who believe in welcoming couples and guiding them through the whole process relieving some of the stress and worry. Claire Everitt | The Compasses at Pattiswick | compassespattiswick.co.uk pureimagephotography.co.uk PLANNING SOS 65