Dreamsaver's top tips to planning your 2020 wedding
27th November 2019 by Natasha Goldstein
As we say goodbye to 2019 and head into the new year, many couples are eagerly awaiting to start planning their 2020 or even 2021 wedding, if they haven't started already that is. Dreamsaver Wedding Insurance present a handful of useful tips when it comes to planning your wedding. From the guest list, the food to the venue, we're here to help
Start Planning Early!
Your Wedding day may seem like a long way away. Whether it's in 6 months, 12 months or even 2 years away, start planning now and make life a little easier for yourself. Starting earlier will make it easier and less stressful when your wedding day comes around, and it'll come around quick!
Having a clear plan before you start of what kind of wedding you want will help you keep on top of things, not get swept away in the moment on impulse purchases or bookings and remind you of any little things you may forget amongst all the excitement, such as your Wedding Insurance.
Remember, If you're paying out deposits, you should make sure you've arranged your wedding insurance to protect you and your deposits against the unexpected. Don't forget that you can buy Dreamsaver Wedding Insurance up to 2 years before your wedding day, so it makes sense to get insured as soon as you start planning your wedding!
Wedding Fund
Don't over stretch your budget or spend way more than you intend to. You can create a beautiful and unique day whether your budget is �6,000 or �30,000.
If there are certain things you want such as a luxurious stately home wedding venue, think about how you could afford that with the budget you already have.
For example, book the venue in the 'off peak' wedding season or opt for a mid-week wedding instead. Either of these will reduce the cost compared to a wedding on a weekend or in the summer season.
The Food
Food is an undeniably important aspect of your wedding day for you and your guests. No one wants hungry or even 'hangry' guests or small portions, especially when the celebrations can last all day and all evening.
Put together a rough list of timings for when you are to serve your guests. If there are more than 4 hours between each meal-time then you may want a re-think or have a re-shuffle on timings. Hungry guests are not happy guests!
The food doesn't have to 'eat' into a majority of your budget either! Consider lower cost options instead of a sit down three-course wedding breakfast such as food trucks or perhaps a BBQ, depending on the weather.
The Decisions
Never feel pressured to pick the first photographer, florist or wedding supplier you speak to. Take your time, read plenty of customer reviews, check out their portfolios and most importantly, understand if they can give you exactly what you're looking for.
Also, don't be forced or persuaded in to decisions either. If your vendor tries to upsell a service or a product and you don't want it, just say no. This is your wedding day and no one else's, do it how you want to do it.
The Guest List
Selecting the guest list early on in the planning process is important so you can find a venue that will be the perfect size to cater to your guests. For example, you wouldn't want to hire a whole manor house if you only want to invite 20 people, a more intimate venue would create a much cosier and romantic atmosphere.
Costs per head for food and drink will most likely be one of your biggest expenses when planning your wedding, so don't be guilt-tripped into inviting people you don't really want to come. You can't make everyone happy, so make sure you at least make yourself happy!
The Wedding Party
This is a big one. Pick the wedding party YOU want.
You may feel like you have to include your distant cousin in the wedding or another extended family member but you don't want to look back at your wedding photographs in the years ahead not be in touch with them or regret your decisions. Instead, just select a few of your long-term best friends and close relatives only.
The Groom's Responsibilities
As difficult as it may be to pass some responsibilities over to your partner in the worry things may not go right or may be different to what you personally envisioned, let them help.
They may have their own ideas on the wedding to throw in to the mix and will actually want to have their input on the big day too. Ask for their help with something they have an interest in such as the food, the transport or the music.
The Paper Trail
Be sure to keep a paper trail. Any discussions you have via telephone, follow up by sending an email asking for confirmation of what has been discussed. You never know when you may need to use it or look back on it closer to the wedding day.
For example, you may have agreed with the venue to extend their opening times or had a last-minute meal change. When the wedding day comes, you don't want any mishaps as the staff on the day may not necessarily be the people or person you have worked with throughout the planning process.
Don't just assume that everything is all set as that's when things can sometimes go wrong.
The Wedding Coordinator
Whether you've opted for a wedding package at a venue where you have an on-site wedding planner or you've gone down the DIY route and planned and designed everything yourself, on your wedding day the best gift you and your partner can give yourselves is the day off to actually enjoy your wedding day.
If you have gone down the DIY route, you can hire someone just for the day. Provide them with all your information on timings, contact numbers and the plan for the day and then let them take care of the rest. You don't want to spend the day running around, worrying or double checking orders!
Remember What's Important
Last but by no means least, remember what is most important on your wedding day; yourself and your partner. Enjoy your day and try to be present and enjoy every single moment without worrying or trying to take control. Before you know it the day will be over, so it's important to relax and have the day of your life.
Don't forget your Wedding Insurance
No matter where you decide to hold your fabulous wedding, beforehand you'll be needing wedding insurance to protect your wallet and peace of mind on your special day.
Dreamsaver Wedding Insurance policies start at just £27, offers cover for both UK and overseas weddings and civil ceremonies, can be purchased up to 2 years before the big day AND provides financial protection for deposits paid even before you have purchased your wedding insurance policy!
There is also optional public liability cover extension for the guests, optional public liability extension to £5,000,000, optional Marquee, Mobile WC unit and Event equipment extension and optional ceremonial swords.
This article is for information and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute advice in any way. The information provided here is correct at the time of writing however please check the latest policy wording for the latest policy terms, conditions and exclusions.
Please Note: Policies must be purchased a MINIMUM of 14 days before the ceremony date.
Please Note: This Article refers to an historic version of Dreamsaver Wedding Insurance policy. Policy Terms, Conditions, Exclusions and Prices may have changed. Please see the latest policy wording for more details