Your East Anglian Wedding - Dec/Jan 2019 (Issue 40)

FIVE-POINT PLAN I said ‘yes’, what now?!! Caroline and Victoria say: Firstly congratulations, you’re about to embark on an exciting journey planning your wedding. Here’s our top tips to help get you started: 1. Set a realistic budget You may have already put money aside for your special day, now is the time to think about how much you feel is reasonable to spend on all the different elements and keep at least five per cent back as a contingency. It may also be worth setting up a dedicated bank account for your savings. If you set your budget right from the start, it will be much easier to stick to. 2. Draft a guest list It’s difficult to book a venue (and ultimately set a date) if you don’t know how many people you want to invite. Some venues may only be licensed for a limited number and you don’t want to cram everyone in. Likewise, you wouldn’t want 60 guests to be lost in a room big enough for 300. 3. Must haves You’ll both have ideas on what you want for your wedding day. Now is the time to talk and agree on a few ’must haves’; things that are important to you both so you can prioritise. 4. The theme The best way to pick your theme is to scour bridal magazines and research online for inspiration. Start collecting pictures of the things you like, don’t worry whether they match or not. Create files of your favourite cakes, dresses, flowers, colours and other details. Once you’ve started to build a collection, a theme will soon start to emerge naturally. 5. Get help Planning the big day is a LOT of work, you’ll need some help either from a professional wedding planner or friends and family. So assemble your wedding team now and spread the workload. One final bonus tip! Communication is key, if you don’t tell your suppliers what you want, they can’t provide it. Be up front and clear about your budget and do your research to find the right suppliers for you. Caroline Gould and Victoria Ewing | Wedding planners thewedplanners.co.uk WITH THIS RING I’m planning to propose to my partner on Christmas Eve and want it to be a surprise. I’ve no idea what kind of ring to choose, what size to get or how to go about it, without giving the game away. Laurie says: A surprise proposal is a wonderfully romantic thing to do. However, if you’re considering a bespoke engagement ring it’s not always a good idea to create a one-off piece without your other half being involved; after all they have to wear it every day! We have a great solution for this dilemma, our ‘Proposal in a Box’. For a small deposit, you receive a beautiful presentation box with handwritten cards inside showing your consultation date, your jewellery designer and even suggestions of places to stay over if you want to make a weekend of it. We may have already hand-drawn a sketch to start off your design or sold you a beautiful gemstone, which can all go in the box too. Then once you’ve popped the question, you and your partner can start your newly engaged life by designing your own bespoke engagement ring together. Laurie McGrath | Senior designer | hkjewellery.co.uk jonnymp.com 92