Wedding advice
Discussion
So after getting engaged and booking a wedding for the tail end next year, i'm looking for the tips and tricks from people who have gotten married (that isnt "don't get married").
What do you wish you had known or been advised before going through the ceremony? What budget savings were you able to make, things to avoid, etc.? Any advice welcome!
What do you wish you had known or been advised before going through the ceremony? What budget savings were you able to make, things to avoid, etc.? Any advice welcome!
Got married in September-19
Don't get flowers - we didn't (beyond the bide/bridesmaid bouquet's and buttonholes) and didn't regret it.
Choose a venue that allows you to supply your own drink, without corkage - saved me a packet!
Pick somewhere that does great food - its the one thing that ours has been commented on most
If you're the groom, have a few pints before the ceremony, you'll speak a lot clearer and be a bit more relaxed
Limit the number of formal photos you want to as few as possible <10 - they take ages!
Get a good photographer - its your lasting memory of the evening
If near London/major city order a big Uber eats McDonalds delivery of nuggets/cheeseburgers/Chicken mayo's for kicking out time - your guests will thank you - compensate with less (more expensive) evening food
Don't get flowers - we didn't (beyond the bide/bridesmaid bouquet's and buttonholes) and didn't regret it.
Choose a venue that allows you to supply your own drink, without corkage - saved me a packet!
Pick somewhere that does great food - its the one thing that ours has been commented on most
If you're the groom, have a few pints before the ceremony, you'll speak a lot clearer and be a bit more relaxed
Limit the number of formal photos you want to as few as possible <10 - they take ages!
Get a good photographer - its your lasting memory of the evening
If near London/major city order a big Uber eats McDonalds delivery of nuggets/cheeseburgers/Chicken mayo's for kicking out time - your guests will thank you - compensate with less (more expensive) evening food
1. Do as much as you can yourself. You may well end up traipsing around wedding fairs and venues to check out, and what you will find, is lots of people offering things for sale which you probably can do yourself for less money and not that much effort. My wife spotted some very ornate looking boxes for wedding favours, being sold by someone at something like £10 per 10. You could by the same boxes flat-pack at £5 for 50 and spent a few evenings earlier in the week folding them up in front of the TV and filling them up.
2. Chat with the venue about their various packages and what options can be substituted, or add ons they can do at a lower cost than might be in the brochure. Yes, they are there to make money but they also can be there to give you the perfect day. Do they let you buy drinks at a discount rate rather than just "money behind the bar" at full price.
3. Remember it is your day. There are only a few things you actually "have" to do to make the wedding official. Don't feel you have to bow to pressure from other people to make the day how they expect it to be. Most weddings do follow a reasonably traditional line, but you don't have to. Make it your day.
4. Congratulations
2. Chat with the venue about their various packages and what options can be substituted, or add ons they can do at a lower cost than might be in the brochure. Yes, they are there to make money but they also can be there to give you the perfect day. Do they let you buy drinks at a discount rate rather than just "money behind the bar" at full price.
3. Remember it is your day. There are only a few things you actually "have" to do to make the wedding official. Don't feel you have to bow to pressure from other people to make the day how they expect it to be. Most weddings do follow a reasonably traditional line, but you don't have to. Make it your day.
4. Congratulations
Photographer is the main one, a decent one will make the day much easier. Get round their house/meet them a couple of time, look through portfolios and online for review etc (preferably one that has done your wedding location before, they will know where to go and when to get decent shots).
It's going to be a long day and you'll be exhausted (like seriously), so get a hotel or somewhere close.
Plan your photos well in advance and make sure they are agreed and write them down. Also get someone who is loud and shouty for organising them on the day.
Again giving someone else the list will leave you with one less thing to think about and don't plan too many.
Flowers are a waste of time as previously mentioned.
Don't get hung up on expensive things. My wife spent £100 on her dress, and I bought my suit from Primark. No-one could tell on the day that they were cheap.
It's going to be a long day and you'll be exhausted (like seriously), so get a hotel or somewhere close.
Plan your photos well in advance and make sure they are agreed and write them down. Also get someone who is loud and shouty for organising them on the day.
Again giving someone else the list will leave you with one less thing to think about and don't plan too many.
Flowers are a waste of time as previously mentioned.
Don't get hung up on expensive things. My wife spent £100 on her dress, and I bought my suit from Primark. No-one could tell on the day that they were cheap.
As this is a car forum, I'll add one more don't.
Don't waste money on hiring an expensive wedding car. They cost a fortune, and you really don't the time to enjoy it.
If a friend or family member has something interesting/classic they are willing to drive you around in, that's great otherwise just use an ordinary car.
At my wife's family's insistence (non of them wanted to have the responsibility of driving her to the church), we did have a wedding car of sorts with a driver. Rather than the usual classic Rolls Royce though, this was a Vauxhall Insignia from the local minicab firm!! They took the Taxi sign off the roof, gave it a good wash and hoover and fitted some ribbons to it.
It was fine for the 15 minutes or so we were in it going from church to the reception at about a 10th of the cost. Obviously it didn't feature in any of the official photos though......
Don't waste money on hiring an expensive wedding car. They cost a fortune, and you really don't the time to enjoy it.
If a friend or family member has something interesting/classic they are willing to drive you around in, that's great otherwise just use an ordinary car.
At my wife's family's insistence (non of them wanted to have the responsibility of driving her to the church), we did have a wedding car of sorts with a driver. Rather than the usual classic Rolls Royce though, this was a Vauxhall Insignia from the local minicab firm!! They took the Taxi sign off the roof, gave it a good wash and hoover and fitted some ribbons to it.
It was fine for the 15 minutes or so we were in it going from church to the reception at about a 10th of the cost. Obviously it didn't feature in any of the official photos though......
Congratulations!
The day is about the 2 of you remember that.
A friend of mine used to be an events organiser and recounted many times where the couple were so busy rushing around getting photos done, being there for the guests, organising things etc that they were too tired to enjoy the day. Plan in time for a walk around the garden just being a newly married couple.
Don't be pressured into doing things because "thats how they are done" or inviting your dogs uncles dad because he is family.
There is going to be be a lot of waiting around - people get tired and hungry, canapés go well!
It does not have to be a boozed up affair, ours was a bring your own booze and most people only had one or 2 if they had any at all. Also do you really want a loud disco with everyone sitting around looking awkward, but you have a disco because "wedding".
When I got hitched we did not have a top table, instead an open plan seating arrangement and a selection of small bowls of food so I could grab some food and spend time talking to my friends who have travelled to come and see me. This did not go down well with SWMBO's parents, but when they actually sat down and could chat to their daughter they really enjoyed it.
I would also say give yourself a fairly strict budget and keep to it, no point in starting married life with a huge debt.
Your attire does not have to be 50 inch pointed heels, dresses that mean you cannot move, etc. keep it more comfortable in my opinion.
The day is about the 2 of you remember that.
A friend of mine used to be an events organiser and recounted many times where the couple were so busy rushing around getting photos done, being there for the guests, organising things etc that they were too tired to enjoy the day. Plan in time for a walk around the garden just being a newly married couple.
Don't be pressured into doing things because "thats how they are done" or inviting your dogs uncles dad because he is family.
There is going to be be a lot of waiting around - people get tired and hungry, canapés go well!
It does not have to be a boozed up affair, ours was a bring your own booze and most people only had one or 2 if they had any at all. Also do you really want a loud disco with everyone sitting around looking awkward, but you have a disco because "wedding".
When I got hitched we did not have a top table, instead an open plan seating arrangement and a selection of small bowls of food so I could grab some food and spend time talking to my friends who have travelled to come and see me. This did not go down well with SWMBO's parents, but when they actually sat down and could chat to their daughter they really enjoyed it.
I would also say give yourself a fairly strict budget and keep to it, no point in starting married life with a huge debt.
Your attire does not have to be 50 inch pointed heels, dresses that mean you cannot move, etc. keep it more comfortable in my opinion.
Another vote here for not getting hung up on expensive cars/suits/flowers. Your bride might have something to say about the dress though!
Make sure you enjoy the day. Take time to take it all in, it's a long day but will go quickly. Delegate as much as possible to your best man and ushers, it's what they are there for. I personally don't agree with having a few beers before you speak but everyone is different.
Best wishes for the day!
Make sure you enjoy the day. Take time to take it all in, it's a long day but will go quickly. Delegate as much as possible to your best man and ushers, it's what they are there for. I personally don't agree with having a few beers before you speak but everyone is different.
Best wishes for the day!
Well in Trendsetter! 
We had our party in a barn in Surrey which we set up and decorated ourselves the day before. Bit of graft but if there are a few of you who can get stuck in it’s done in a day, and extremely satisfying once complete.
To be honest the biggest costs were the food followed closely by the venue. But like I say if there’s a venue where you effectively set up tables etc it’s likely to save you a pretty penny.
Photographer was around 1100 sheets IIRC, but the chap was worth every penny as not only was he a top bloke, but the pictures were outstanding.
We had our party in a barn in Surrey which we set up and decorated ourselves the day before. Bit of graft but if there are a few of you who can get stuck in it’s done in a day, and extremely satisfying once complete.
To be honest the biggest costs were the food followed closely by the venue. But like I say if there’s a venue where you effectively set up tables etc it’s likely to save you a pretty penny.
Photographer was around 1100 sheets IIRC, but the chap was worth every penny as not only was he a top bloke, but the pictures were outstanding.
SkodaIan said:
As this is a car forum, I'll add one more don't.
Don't waste money on hiring an expensive wedding car. They cost a fortune, and you really don't the time to enjoy it.
If a friend or family member has something interesting/classic they are willing to drive you around in, that's great otherwise just use an ordinary car.
At my wife's family's insistence (non of them wanted to have the responsibility of driving her to the church), we did have a wedding car of sorts with a driver. Rather than the usual classic Rolls Royce though, this was a Vauxhall Insignia from the local minicab firm!! They took the Taxi sign off the roof, gave it a good wash and hoover and fitted some ribbons to it.
It was fine for the 15 minutes or so we were in it going from church to the reception at about a 10th of the cost. Obviously it didn't feature in any of the official photos though......
This, I get married next year.Don't waste money on hiring an expensive wedding car. They cost a fortune, and you really don't the time to enjoy it.
If a friend or family member has something interesting/classic they are willing to drive you around in, that's great otherwise just use an ordinary car.
At my wife's family's insistence (non of them wanted to have the responsibility of driving her to the church), we did have a wedding car of sorts with a driver. Rather than the usual classic Rolls Royce though, this was a Vauxhall Insignia from the local minicab firm!! They took the Taxi sign off the roof, gave it a good wash and hoover and fitted some ribbons to it.
It was fine for the 15 minutes or so we were in it going from church to the reception at about a 10th of the cost. Obviously it didn't feature in any of the official photos though......
We've chosen a venue where we're getting married and staying at for the 3 days so a car wasn't needed, having looked at the price and how long I'd have the car I'm glad I'm not getting one!
Advice I've been given by others in relation to the honeymoon. What ever you book, try and go as soon after the wedding as possible, staying in that wedding bubble is bliss apparently (we go 4 days after, first stop Sri Lanka! )
ZOLLAR said:
The honeymoon. What ever you book, try and go as soon after the wedding as possible, staying in that wedding bubble is bliss apparently (we go 4 days after, first stop Sri Lanka! )
This, we went the day after - also Sri Lanka, lets hope you have better weather than we did! hahaSkodaIan said:
Don't waste money on hiring an expensive wedding car. They cost a fortune, and you really don't the time to enjoy it.
If a friend or family member has something interesting/classic they are willing to drive you around in,
Adding to this, don't get one of those dreadful Beauford '30s style' kit cars. They 're awful. If a friend or family member has something interesting/classic they are willing to drive you around in,
I contacted somebody who ran the owners' club years ago and managed to get a black Facel Vega HK500 for our wedding and it wasn't a lot of money.
I didn't have a disco - as i couldn't stand the thought of generic white tables in a room with people straining to hear one-another over some crappy music.
I hired in a fake casino and gave everyone some play money - not particularly original nowadays, but was over a decade ago when i got married.
Beforehand my parents didn't like the idea, but on the night you couldn't get my dad away from tables.
I hired in a fake casino and gave everyone some play money - not particularly original nowadays, but was over a decade ago when i got married.
Beforehand my parents didn't like the idea, but on the night you couldn't get my dad away from tables.
kiethton said:
Got married in September-19
Don't get flowers - we didn't (beyond the bide/bridesmaid bouquet's and buttonholes) and didn't regret it.
Choose a venue that allows you to supply your own drink, without corkage - saved me a packet!
Pick somewhere that does great food - its the one thing that ours has been commented on most
If you're the groom, have a few pints before the ceremony, you'll speak a lot clearer and be a bit more relaxed
Limit the number of formal photos you want to as few as possible <10 - they take ages!
Get a good photographer - its your lasting memory of the evening
These are all very good suggestions.Don't get flowers - we didn't (beyond the bide/bridesmaid bouquet's and buttonholes) and didn't regret it.
Choose a venue that allows you to supply your own drink, without corkage - saved me a packet!
Pick somewhere that does great food - its the one thing that ours has been commented on most
If you're the groom, have a few pints before the ceremony, you'll speak a lot clearer and be a bit more relaxed
Limit the number of formal photos you want to as few as possible <10 - they take ages!
Get a good photographer - its your lasting memory of the evening
We hired a village hall for a pittance and hired outside caterers - the food is still commented on as the best any of our friends have had at a wedding by a mile!
In the evening we hired a mobile pizza van to come, they had a wood-fired oven and just blazed away until everyone was full. I think all-told their bill was about £700, much less than the caterers wanted, and again it was absolutely delicious.
kiethton said:
ZOLLAR said:
The honeymoon. What ever you book, try and go as soon after the wedding as possible, staying in that wedding bubble is bliss apparently (we go 4 days after, first stop Sri Lanka! )
This, we went the day after - also Sri Lanka, lets hope you have better weather than we did! hahaWe are heading to the Maldives after so hoping for a bit dryer weather!
You don't say if the wedding is a church jobby or not. You say it's a winter wedding.
If you are having a best man and ushers then make sure they are well briefed on what's needed of them.
Plenty of umbrellas's may be needed,especially for the Bride getting out of the car and elderly folks etc..
If you are having a best man and ushers then make sure they are well briefed on what's needed of them.
Plenty of umbrellas's may be needed,especially for the Bride getting out of the car and elderly folks etc..
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