From the Professionals... Top Ten Wedding Tips!

Each month we delve deeper into subjects with the help from our trusted Whitewed Professionals! This month we've asked ten of our vetted and approved suppliers to share their finest top tips with you, to help you make your planning journey and wedding day the very best it can be. When planning your wedding there are things that are ‘good’ to know, and then there are the little gems of information that are ‘amazingly useful’ to know, and we think we’ve got ten of them covered below! We reckon you’ll be pretty pleased you’ve been told these golden nuggets of advice...!

*Photo credit: Rachel Jane Photography

1- The perfect bouquet

For the perfect bouquet, focus on “The 5 F’s”

1st - The focal flower. Think of this as your “A list celebrity”. This is the show stopping flower, the star of the show!

2nd - The fellow flower. This is the supporting role, the main co star. This flower is there to compliment and bring a different element to the bouquet.

3rd - The filler flower. These flowers are like the extras in a production. They are needed to make the bouquet feel full but are not what your eyes are immediately draw too but hold a huge amount of importance.

4th - The foliage. The scenery of any film is important - this is the same with a bouquet. Foliage is so important to act as a backdrop to make the flowers pop and also to help build the perfect shape.

5th - The fluff. Special effects! These flowers pop out and add that wow factor. I like to use unusual flowers in the fluff to make all bouquets unique and memorable!

Kirsty Newell of Fall Into Flowers

2 - Cake!

Your wedding cake will likely be on display before it's cut and eaten (it should be - it's a work of art, and a beautiful showcase of your style and efforts). Make sure your cake table is positioned with thought to allow the most elegant presentation possible, maximum exposure to your guests eyes, and importantly away from direct sunlight so it stays looking its best!

Sharon of Bella Cakes by Sharon

3 - Timings

Walk through your wedding day in your mind and ensure you’ve allowed the perfect amount of time for everything. As a rule of thumb, allow 90 minutes for a drinks and canapes reception with photographs, 90 minutes for a three course Wedding Breakfast and no less than 30 minutes for your speeches…it’s rare they run to time! One that brides seem to often forget is factoring in the time it may take to get dressed - consider the complexity of your dress, and make sure you have help in hand for doing up buttons, zips and anything else!

Natalie Lovett of Love to Plan Ltd

*Photo Credit: Alexandra Jane Photography

4 - Music

Where possible, have the bar in the same room as your band in order to make the most out of both. Bars have a magnetic attraction at your evening reception!

The DeciBelles

5 - Food and Drink

Never underestimate the power of a canape! It is your first taste of food as a married couple and the first thing you guests will try, so make them good, and have a lot. Sweet canapes are also amazing. Any chance your guests get to mingle and chat to friends is always a bonus, and so let them get up and wander around instead of sitting for dessert!

Hey Pesto Catering

6 - Dress fitting

Go to your bridal appointment with an open mind. It’s good to look through magazines and online for dresses or styles you like, however be prepared to try on dresses you may not necessarily have chosen or picked off the rail. You may be surprised and find that they suit you better and be ‘The One’! When you’ve found your dress, order it in the dress size you are now, not the size you intend to be by your wedding. The dress can be altered down by two dress size’s, so you don’t need to pressurise yourself into losing weight. After-all, you need to lose an average of 15lb in order to drop a single dress size!

Nicola Gill of Fairytale Occasions Ltd

*Photo Credit: Barefoot Photography

7 - Shoes

The big secret to happy feet on your wedding day is... keep it comfortable! Your wedding day is not the time to wear a brand-new pair of shoes, try new trends or wear heels for the very first time. If necessary, break them in during the weeks leading up to your wedding so there will be no fear of uncomfortable or painful shoes on the day. Grooms should take note of this tip too, not just the ladies!

Cece of Dymond's Shoes & Accessories

8 - Venue Styling

Picking out just one or two colours of inspiration will make sure that everything looks coherent for your special day, from your stationery to chair covers, styling and clothing inclusive. Bridesmaid dresses and your flowers of choice are usually key deciders for you colour choices.

Stephanie Hobbs of Venues Covered

9 - Photography

Arrange an engagement shoot with your photographer. It's a great way to get used to being in front of the camera, gives you time to relax within each other's company, and most importantly allows you to make sure that you are happy with the photographers style, approach and ultimately their images.

Elizabeth Donovan Photography

10 - Guest List

In order to be able to choose a suitably sized (and in budget) venue, you'll want to have an idea of your guest numbers first. Last thing you'll want to do is fall in love with a venue that cannot accommodate all your nearest and dearest.

Carissa Jones of Capture Every Moment

So, there you have it, our top ten tips on planning your wedding!

Why not check out our blog contributors over on The Whitewed Directory, showcasing their offerings, real wedding inspiration and current special offers! You'll also find the pink 'Get in touch' button which you can tap if you'd love to find out more about their services and availability.

Happy planning!