Planning a wedding is a big deal. It requires
multi-tasking, negotiating and major organisational skills. This may be the
first time you have ever had to plan a large event and it can be quite
daunting. Do not panic, we are here to help!
This post will guide you through the process of managing
wedding suppliers so you can get the most out of the people you are working
with. With such high stakes, it is important that each element of your wedding
planning goes as smoothly as possible.
Communication is key. There will be a lot of moving parts
on the lead up to your wedding, and on the day itself. By making sure you are
in frequent contact with your suppliers, and informing them of changes straight
away, you will feel more in control and the people you have hired will have no
last minute surprises to deal with. We always recommend creating a Running
Order of your day which details when and where each element is happening. You
can then forward this to all your suppliers so they know exactly what will be
happening.
Get organised. The more organised you are, the easier it
will be for everyone. We would recommend creating spreadsheets for all aspects
of your day. Start with your guest list, which can detail when each individual
has RSVP’d, any dietary requirements or special requests (e.g. high chair
needed). You can then forward this to your caterers so they can plan
accordingly. It is also a good idea to create a spreadsheet detailing all your
suppliers, their contact details, and when payments are due. You can add
notifications to your diary so you don’t miss a date.
Mutual respect is hugely important and will ensure that
your suppliers are as excited about your wedding as you are. You may be
thinking, “Well I am paying them, that should be enough?” but I can assure you
it isn’t. Simple things, such as making sure they are fed and watered, will
help your suppliers feel appreciated and will create the best atmosphere on the
day.
Above all, try and enjoy the planning process. Although
it may seem stressful at times, this will (hopefully) be the only wedding you
will organise and it is an incredibly special time. Remember, ask for help from
friends and family who will probably be dying to get involved, and your wedding
venue should always be on hand to offer that extra support.
To see 'behind the scenes' photos at Berkeley Castle, head to our Instagram page @berkeleycastle
