1. BE ORGANISED. Keep everything in a wedding planning book or folder so everything is in one place. This will make finding paperwork and contact details fast and easy and will also serve as a memento down the track. It’s also very handy when the next person planning a wedding asks you for advice, recommendations and contacts.
2. WATCH THE TIME. Keep a calendar purely for wedding-related tasks you need to complete. Mark the dates when payments are due, when suppliers need final details, when items will be delivered and when you have appointments with suppliers. Time flies, so having an overview will mean no surprises when something is due or you have an appointment-filled week.
3. BOOK NON-NEGOTIABLES EARLY. If you have a specific idea about what you want, you’re more likely to get it if you secure your preferred date, venue, celebrant or photographer as early as possible. Once your priority components are locked in, be prepared to be flexible with the rest of the aspects that need to fit around them.
4. ASK THE EXPERTS. Most wedding suppliers are pros – they’ve done this many times before and can often recommend other good suppliers they’ve worked with. Take their advice on planning details such as times – they’ve seen what works best on the day and can help you turn vague ideas into detailed plans. A wedding expo is a great place to get lots of quick insider advice from multiple suppliers.
5. SAY YES TO HELP. When people offer to help, accept! People like to feel like they are contributing and giving them a task, such as managing RSVPs, confirming appointments or even doing research on suppliers and presenting a shortlist, can save you a lot of time and your efforts can be directed to other tasks on your ‘to do’ list. Those in your wedding party will be happy to help and be involved – it’s what they signed on for.
6. HAVE FUN. When you start dress shopping, pick a few you know are not your style to try on just for laughs. Take your time with the cake tasting. Turn the task of having to tie 100 ribbons on the bonbonniere into a fun girls’ night in with your bridesmaids
Cue piano, guests rise. In walks the flower girl and bridesmaids. As the groom stands nervously waiting, all eyes are on the smiling bride in her perfect dress as she walks down the aisle. The enormous amounts of time and energy spent planning every minute, every detail come down to this moment.
Alana Richards
Once the announcement has been made and an engagement ring firmly set in place, vague wedding plans begin to formulate.
But let’s be honest, wedding preparations can be overwhelming once you actually get into the details.
Where will the reception be? What flowers will be showcased? How will the invitations be designed? What will be on the menu?
Add the guest list, music, photographer, the where, the when, the how – the list keeps growing!
With so many questions to ask and decisions to make, it seems as though setting the date is the only easy part.
Brides-to-be can rest easy – help is at hand thanks to the Italian Sports Club of Werribee, which will host its annual bridal expo on Saturday, July 9, from 10am-3pm.
At this year’s expo, professionals and suppliers will come together to offer solutions and advice, ensuring those in the wedding planning zone get all the information and help they need.
Club functions and event manager Lisa Arrigo says brides and grooms will find everything they need at the expo to make their special day perfect.
“This year, Italian Sports Club of Werribee will come alive with bridal fever and it’s only a gold coin donation,” Lisa says.
With the expo featuring premier wedding suppliers from local and surrounding areas, the specialist wedding knowledge on offer is the obvious starting point for anyone planning a wedding.
“The suppliers love meeting and advising partners on all wedding needs,” Lisa says.
“Some partners even bring their whole bridal party along to help with decisions.
“There will be live entertainment and canapes throughout the day and exhibitors will offer specials and discounts only available at the expo.”
Tickets are available on the day at the door. Children under 15 are admitted free.
The Italian Sports Club of Werribee, 601 Heaths Road, Werribee. Inquiries: 9741 1225 or www.iscw.com.au
