• Before you start making any appointments with suppliers, you should have a plan/vision of what you want for your Wedding. Talk between yourselves (bride & groom to be) about the style, theme and format of the Wedding YOU want. Advice and referrals from family and friends are very important, but remember that it is Your Day!
• Prepare an extensive Budget for your Wedding, and consider all those little extras like spending money for your honeymoon.
• When considering a Wedding Supplier:-
• Ask lots of questions. You need to know what is and is not included in the package you are looking at.
• Ask for testimonials, photo’s and referrals from past clients.
• Make sure the work you look at is the work of the person who will do your Wedding.
• Read all Contracts carefully! Make sure everything is in writing.
• Always seek 2 to 3 quotes in writing, to compare.
• Most importantly, make sure you feel comfortable with them and confident that they know what you want.

Reception

• Decide on the general location, budget, style, and environment you are looking for before you start looking.
• Call Venues first and check if they can provide the main items you require in a reception venue. If they can, arrange a Viewing (ask when the room will be next set up for a wedding and ask if you can have a look).
• Allocate a MC who is confident and will control the flow of speeches. Also allocate time limits to your speeches as it keeps your night on track time wise.

Photography

• Seek referrals from family & friends who may have used a photographer for their Wedding. Make sure they are experienced and specialized in Weddings.
• Look at their work and check that it is their work you are looking at. Only book the photographer whose work you liked.
• Make sure you feel comfortable with the actual photographer; you will be spending a lot of time with them!
• When you have chosen your photographer, ask them how much time is needed to take the photo’s you want, and then base the rest of your Wedding around those times. Timing can be a big problem if it isn’t planned out well.

Bridal Attire

• When choosing your dress, make sure you take at least one person who will give you an honest opinion. Most Bridal houses will make sure that the dress does look good on you, but they are also out for a sale.
• Make sure you feel comfortable in the dress; you are in it for a while and will need to move around in it fairly easily.
• Some Guidelines to consider:-
• If you are tall, go for a straighter dress that doesn’t flare at the bottom (it will make you look taller).
• Shiny material makes things look bigger.
• Some guidelines to consider when choosing where and how you obtain your wedding dress:-
• Hire – these days the choices are more varied and usually up to date with trends. This is the most cost-effective way to obtain a dress.
• Off the Rack – these dresses are made in bulk and are usually cheaper than designer gowns. They will come in various sizes, but usually will need to be altered.
• Designer Gowns – these dresses are on show and are the made to fit the buyer. Great way to get a well fitting dress.
• Couture – these gowns are designed especially for each individual bride. The fit should be perfect and the design unique, which is what you are paying for.
• If you are hiring any Wedding attire, try to pick it up 1 to 2 days prior and try it on in the store if possible. If there are any problems they can be fixed quickly if found quickly.

Transportation

• If you are paying someone to Transport you around, check that they are a Licensed Limousine vehicle and are fully insured. Just in case!
• Consider the length of time you will need the transport.

Flowers

• When choosing flowers, remember that some flowers are seasonal and some don’t do well in some climates. Check with your florist.
• Look at the work of the florist, their style and the detail they put into their flowers. Make sure that any photo’s you look at are their work.

Cake

• The price of a Wedding Cake is dependent upon the quality of the actual cake and the quality and time taken to decorate the cake. Ask for a taste.
• Let the supplier know about the overall theme of your Wedding.

Stationery

• With the development of computers, most stationary these days are designed and printed on home computers.
• Remember to make it blend in with the overall style/theme of the Wedding.
• Generally you send your invitations 2 months prior to the Wedding Date.
• RSVP’s should be returned at least 1 month prior to your Wedding Day.

Music

• Consider what you want for the ceremony and reception (Live versus DJ)
• Go and listen to their work or ask for a demo CD.
• Make sure that they can perform the songs you want.

Decorations

• Consider what you have available to work with. Some venues may require a lot of decorations, others may not.
• Decorations can tie the whole style or theme of the Wedding together, but don’t over do it.
• Ask the Venue for the decorator who does the best work in that particular venue.

Jewelry

• Shop around, look for quality.
• Consider a Jewelry designer, who will design something unique for you and it can be less expensive than a Jewelry shop.

Beauty

• Hair and Make Up is best done by Professionals, for the sake of the Photo’s. A different style of make up is used when photo’s are to be taken. Have a trial a few weeks before, as a test.
• Formulate a beauty program for yourself leading up to the Wedding.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get ready. Find out how much time will be needed.
• Put together a touch up kit.