Wedding bells We chat with a local wedding planner and celebrant about the benefits of booking both services SOFIA GALLO Founder, Weddings and Events by Sofia based in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. “Congratulations! You’re newly engaged and it’s time to plan your special day. Whether you’re considering an intimate celebration or a wedding extravaganza, the process may seem a bit daunting. With the average wedding taking 12 months to organise, it’s common for couples to hire a wedding planner. But what are the advantages? ♥ It’s a time-saver Organising a wedding can be very time-consuming. The wedding planner will ensure all aspects are taken care of, whether you book a full wedding planning service or just some assistance in the final months leading up to your wedding day. They will be your personal assistant, sourcing suitable additional services to create your dream day without you having to sacrifice your time. I always aim to secure the most important suppliers within three months from the beginning of the planning. ♥ They can solve any problems It’s important to select a wedding planner with experience. There shouldn’t be situations that haven’t been solved before but they will become a mediator in unexpected circumstances. ♥ They can help with your budget The budget is always important and I gift my clients with a budget tool to help keep track of the expenses. A good wedding planner will work with suitable suppliers in line with the budget discussed at the beginning of the consultation but I would advise always keeping a contingency in case of last-minute changes. ♥ Create your vision Couples are often drawn to Instagram for wed-day inspiration but with flair, creativity and the right suppliers, the wedding planner can help to create a personalised look for your wedding. ♥ Wedding day management An order of the day is the secret to a smooth celebration. The wedding planner will ensure all suppliers’ logistics are organised and that guests are exactly where they need to be and when. Following a tight schedule previously discussed in the weeks leading up to your wedding will ensure that all of the details are thoroughly planned.” BOOK SOFIA: 07511 143 992 | www.sofiasweddingsandevents.co.uk www.facebook.com/Sofiaweddingsandevents www.instagram.com/sofiaweddingsandevents ALISON CARTER Founder, Springwood Ceremonies based in Reading, Berkshire. “Why choose an independent celebrant for your ceremony? Well, a celebrant-led wedding allows you both to create a unique celebration without restrictions. There are no set rules to follow and it enables you to choose personal elements including promises, poems, readings, prayers and blessings from literature, religious texts or custom-written ones. You can also have music playing from any genre, a sing-along to favourite tunes, symbolic gestures such as the lighting of candles or a hand-fasting, unity ceremony and your guests can be involved too. I would suggest meeting and getting to know your celebrant ahead of the ceremony because they help to craft the right words for the occasion and deliver it in the tone that you want.” BOOK ALISON: 07766 750 446 http://springwoodceremonies.co.uk www.facebook.com/springwoodceremoniesuk https://victoriaamrose.co.uk Photography courtesy of: https://victoriaamrose.co.uk; www.whitneylloydphotography.com; https://amycutliffephotography.com www.megandaisyphotography.com 61 CELEBRANTS AND PLANNERS
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