Five ways to start your wedding planning

Don’t know where to start with your wedding planning? Archant Bride shares five top tips to set you on the path to success.

jay-castor-set a budget

1. Set a budget

 First and foremost, come to an agreement with your partner on your budget. Once you have settled on a total amount, you can start allocating your supplier costs accordingly. This will allow you to start speaking to suppliers with a set proportion of the budget in mind and will also help suppliers to detail exactly what they can offer for that price – or tailor a package to meet your proposed costs.

freestocks-org-attend shows

2. Attend shows, fairs & events

 An invaluable resource of ideas and information, large-scale shows such as The National Wedding Show and more regionally focused events, such as Bride: The Wedding Show, offer the perfect place to plan your wedding. Featuring suppliers, catwalks and competitions, you can glean inspiration in-person while connecting with the people who can bring your wedding vision to life.

CBR 17

3. Read Bride magazines

Bride offers 13 regional magazines, including Cheshire Bride and London Bride, which are the ultimate resource for planning your wedding at a local level. Comprising real weddings, expert articles, fashion features, event listings and advice from fellow brides, the annual titles are awash with inspiration and contacts to plan your big day from the comfort of home.

use planning tools

4. Use online planning tools

Sign up to an online account at BrideMagazine.co.uk and start using the intuitive planning tools to simplify your wedmin tasks. From the Budget Tracker, To-do List and Seating Planner, to the Invite Tracker, Supplier Finder and Guest Manager, the comprehensive suite of planning tools is free to use. You can even set up your own personal website to host information and images pre- and post-wedding.

kyra-preston-create a pinterest account

5. Create a Pinterest account

 Pinterest is the go-to social media platform for brides-to-be, bursting with beautiful images to help make your dream wedding a reality. Compile moodboards which collate all your wedding ideas in one place – a useful way of sharing and communicating your vision to friends and family, as well as your wedding suppliers.

Pick up your copy of Bride magazine at The National Wedding Show and for more information about Archant Bride, visit www.bridemagazine.co.uk.