Congratulations on your engagement – now what?

First off, congratulations!! What an exciting and also possibly daunting time. Engagements are as unique as every couple; some want a long engagement and others prefer a short one. Whichever one you choose to go with, make sure you have a word with yourself to realise that you are in control of this day and that the day does not control you, it’s an easy trap that many fall into! Here we have put together our top-tips for planning the first steps of your big day.

Start with the date

Right, before you get too ahead of yourself, we need to set that date. Are you thinking garden party or romantic ballroom? Or neither? The season is just as important as the venue. What works in the summer might not work in the winter and vice versa. Once you have your date set then you can really start to hone in on what you want for your wedding.

Create a strategy  

Now comes the romantic part of wedding planning, the strategy.  Carve out some time for you and your fiancé(e) to sit down (pen, paper and all!) and go over what you both want out of this day. You are about to embark on a lifetime of partner-hood, might as well give it a go early. If you are able to set out some outcomes and goals you want from the wedding you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to achieve them.

Goal: Guests to have a part in our wedding album

Strategy: Place disposable cameras on every table to capture memories

See? Not that hard! Making the intangible, tangible can really help you figure out what is truly important for the both of you on this special day.

While we are on the topic of partnership and teamwork, DO NOT FORGET, wedding planning is not an exclusive job for just one partner. Both sides need to work together and working together means less stress and more fun!

Finding the perfect venue

Getting the right venue is essential because pictures last a lifetime, and you need a place that will properly accommodate all your guests. Picking a venue with a wedding coordinator can be a life saver, they want the same outcome as you, the perfect day, as well as offering you their expertise and years of experience. That is why at The Derby Conference Centre, our personal Wedding Coordinator Jessica Wood is on hand to make sure you get the perfect day!

At The Derby Conference Centre, we offer an extensive wedding portfolio as well as  catering, 8 acre grounds, your own personal Wedding Coordinator and onsite accommodation.

Save the dates

After we have found the perfect venue and perfect date it’s time to tell the world! Save the dates are always important, especially if you want the guest list in full attendance. Just like venues, people book up just as fast. Your save the date doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should include the date (self explanatory?) and if possible, the location. This allows your guests to book accommodation if need be or even take time off work. Better to be over prepared than under.

Dress

Depending on when the big day is, your dress could be on the top of the to-do list (or the bottom). Dress orders can take around 6 months from start to finish, so if you’re planning to wed within a short time frame, this should definitely be at the top of the agenda.

If you are looking to save money or have a short engagement period, try shopping in the sale section! Dresses on sale are available with as little as a week’s notice. Even if the size is too big, you can always have your dress altered to fit you perfectly.

 Take a break!

• Date picked?
• Venue Chosen?
• Dress try-on?

 

If you’ve answered yes to the above, it’s time to take a well-deserved break. You’ve earned it!

Yes, there is still more to do, but you’ve knocked the big tasks off. Decompress for a couple of days and then jump right back on that horse.

Planning your wedding can be a truly bespoke, once in a lifetime experience, make sure to take the time to enjoy it as well.

If you need any help with planning your big day, we’re only a phone call or message away! Get in touch with us today for advice, tips and to learn more about our wedding packages.