Wedding Planning & Styling: Twenty Steps To Success
Credit: Silk & Willow
Step 1: Wait, you’re just jumping right into this? No warm up or soft launch? I didn’t even have my notes app opened yet. Give me a second.
I heard a laugh, so, that means you’re smiling and we can start now!
So, your significant other has finally popped the question you’ve been waiting on (finally),“Will you marry me?” Just like that you’re wrapped in a bubble of newly engaged bliss and you’ve now become an honorary leftie for everyday tasks! Enjoy this moment, for it is the most innocent time you will have as a couple. You will look back in 20 years time, and smile softly at how this moment represented such simple times in your life!
Time to take a deep breath, like how that one Hot Yoga Class taught you to do (that you definitely didn’t practice and now you’ve realised it might have been rather helpful), and start thinking about planning your wedding! We know it can seem daunting, but, we also know that if you have a dream, then there is always a plan that can be put in place to make your dreams a reality. Or so my hairline told me before it disappeared.
Let’s break each step down logically and help you get started on one of the most important days of your lives. Let’s go old school for the next 5 minutes, I want you to take out a notepad and pen and actually write down your answers. You might find reconnecting with yourself without a laptop will give you insightful inspiration!
ONE
Find Your Vision
We can get to the juicy stuff later, right now I need you to think about what do you envision your wedding to look like? With my couples, I recommend you sit down with your partner and start imagining what you both want in your dream wedding day. This is the start of the planning phase where you define your boundaries.
Do you want an intimate wedding, with a hand selected, exclusive guest list or do you want a wedding to land you on the front cover of Brides Magazine? What is the overall theme and aesthetic which you’re both drawn to? Remember there are no right or wrong answers and that is the beauty of wedding planning! It is your day. I am going to say that one more time, but a little slower because I saw you checking notifications on your phone... It. Is. Your. Day! Your dream is soon going to be your reality and you will be able to plan your day out how you want to!
At Latha Na Bainnse we believe that your wedding day should be about celebrating your individuality, through creating bespoke ceremony’s and celebrations that reflect who you are as a couple! Your vision for your day is self-inspired and what will make your wedding so special for you both!
TWO
Set Your Budget
You now have your vision but the finish line still seems so far away. Everyone gets a participation prize, don’t worry, you’re past the start line now so really it’s just a few more hurdles and then you’re walking down the aisle to your True Crime podcast, wait, sorry, wrong playlist…you’re soon going to be walking down the floral filled aisle to Cannon In D.
For now, channel your inner Alan (if you know, you know) and start crunching those numbers! It’s important to start with setting a budget and aligning your monetary boundary against your priorities. What aspects of your wedding day are most important to you?
Your venue - Do you want an old, historic and timeless Victorian Estate or Irish Castle?
Picture Perfect - Do you value having high quality, bespoke content creation, videography and luxury photography to really capture those “soft smiles” you promised yourself you would do on your big day?
Catering - Do you want Gordon Ramsay himself to perform an exorcism on parsnips to create the perfect buttered parsnip or do you want to have a cake so artistic Picasso would be put out of business?
Latha Na Bainnse’s Top Tip: Colour code your potential expenditure against your priority vendors to create a ‘traffic light system’ in order to visually map out and track your spending.
Whatever you choose, because remember, there are no right or wrong ways of planning your perfect wedding day, keep things realistic and within your budget. For my couples, I am in spreadsheet heaven and I have budget planners and projections against vendor quotations to track every potential purchase and expense.
THREE
Set A Date
It sounds so simple in theory. Our advice is to set your date as soon as you can, so you have a firm goal to work towards and can shortlist your potential vendors against your chosen date (not so fast there, we will get to your vendor shortlisting in good time, we aren’t there yet!)
Do you have a date that has personal importance to you as a couple, or maybe you want to choose a date that is your lucky number? Whatever date you choose, this will become the biggest decision you make in your wedding planning so far, so take your time in finding the perfect date for you, your significant other and your priorities which you identified in Step 2.
Time of year is incredibly important as the seasons will impact your overall theme and aesthetics, so be sure to choose wisely; in addition to this, venues offer a variety of rates and specific contractual commitments, (such as minimum guest numbers) depending on the season and day of the week, so once you have your date set this will allow you to choose a venue which aligns to your theme, aesthetics and budget, for your dream day.
We typically recommend having a few dates in mind during your planning phase, as there may be unforeseen circumstances which can impact your chosen venue and vendors. For example, your chosen date might already be taken (how selfish of someone else to take your date, don’t they understand how long it took making my spreadsheet??) or the majority of your guests are unable to attend on your chosen day.
Once your date(s) are picked, you’re now closer to the finish line than when you started! It isn’t shaping up to be as scary as everyone made it out to be, if you just give it a chance!
FOUR
Venue Selection
Research, Research, Research... and then maybe do some more research just to triple check the numbers, then book your dream venue! “I thought this was supposed to be like window-shopping but it’s grown into unanswered emails and I am pretty sure I slept on my laptop last night..”
This is where the fun starts and you get to labour the fruits of your meticulous planning! After conducting enough research in three days to earn a PhD in Events Management, you have now shortlisted your venues against your priorities and budget. You get to go on venue tours and start building relationships with the event coordinator teams who will be making your day so special!
Latha Na Bainnse’s Top Tip: Your chosen venue will probably be in high demand and incredibly popular with other excited couples who are hoping to recreate their perfect day too, so make sure your venue shortlisting is executed swiftly and early on in your planning phase to avoid any disappointment!
Choosing the perfect venue means choosing what tone you’re setting for your day, so make sure this matches your dreams and visions that we wrote down when we first started wedding planning. I know you have your handwritten notes in there somewhere! Your venue is where you will experience your first moments as a married couple, all of your guests watching on as you profess your love for one another on a day that is specially cultivated for you and your dreams.
Credit: Adare Manor, Co Limerick
FIVE
Hire A Wedding Planner
Ta-Da! This is where the magic really starts for you, as you now have now found your very own Fairy Godmother who will be there to allow you to enjoy the lead up to your wedding, soaking in your newly engaged bliss without any of the stress! “Is this where you try to sell your own services to me now…” Maybe, you might be right, OR, maybe this is just some really solid advice to give you a helping hand!
If your budget allows for a wedding planner, I would highly recommended that you book their services. Depending on the planning services your chosen Superhero provides, you will find there are numerous ways for your planner to help: full planning services are one of the most popular options at the moment, as your planner will be with you guiding you every step of the day from the “Will you marry me” to “I Do”.
Secondly, planners often offer “On The Day” services which typically start around 6 weeks out from your big day. Even when you have mastered the art of planning a whole wedding by yourself (kudos to you, it isn’t easy!), having someone experienced there on the day to ensure that when you are busy getting ready to walk down the aisle, and tell yourself not to trip, you know the final touches are being perfectly curated by your trusted planner behind the scenes! *And end scene* I have a sense of humour sometimes, you can laugh if you want to, I won’t be offended if you didn’t…
Planners are full of life experience and will have some nifty tricks up their sleeves to ensuring your vision becomes a reality, and truly capturing the essence of your individual love story. Bring out the tissues, I am already welling up! Even with a planner there to guide you, I would recommend having yourself organised to help keep you on top of your wedding tasks on the lead up to the big day. A trusty Google Spreadsheet can come in useful, to allow for collaboration and seamless task delegation, or if numbers are your worst nightmare, there are fantastic options out there now with a variety of Task Management Apps that can help you with your specific organisation needs.
SIX
Book Your A - Team
Vendors. They really will make or break your wedding day and the lead up to it. The professionals. The people who truly are Angels on this Earth. They are the A - Team who will bring your vision and your love story to life! We are talking about the photographers, videographers, florists, wedding stationary artists, caterers, and musicians. “I really thought I was getting to grips of this wedding planning thing, now you’ve just gone and made it sound impossible again, thanks!”
Big deep breath, I promise it really isn’t that bad. Or is it? No, I am joking, this is SO do-able, so grab that pen and paper again as we deep dive into vendor management!
Start by writing a list of all the vendors that you think you will need and create a priority allocation to each vendor too, some of them might be necessary for your day and your vision, whilst others may be nice to have’s but we aren’t going to let the stress of another email give us any more wrinkles! If you have a planner on hand by this point, they will provide you with Vendor Shortlists from a list of recommended suppliers they have carefully vetted to ensure they’re bringing only the A -Team to your wedding day.
If a planner isn’t workable in your budget, or you really just want to plan your day, your way, then fear not! You’re going to get sick of me saying this BUT, vendors will fill their schedules quickly, with many vendors having limited availability two or three years ahead of time, so you will need to take action fast! Read all the reviews, have a cuppa over vendor portfolios and start to make a list of which vendors fit your style and personality best. Reach out, let them know your vision and allow your chosen vendor to bring their magic touch! All suppliers in this industry are amazing people, who will be so excited to hear about your love story and what vision you have so don’t be nervous to pick up the phone and make that call!
SEVEN
Now we’re down to the Guest List and Wedding Party
Invitations will take careful consideration, compromise and a prayer to Wedding Gods that Aunt Karen doesn’t expect you to bring her entire street because they remember you from when you were five.
Latha Na Bainne’s Top Tip: This is your day! There are no rules you have to follow, even if Aunt Karen would make you believe there are! Invite who YOU want to have on this experience with you and your partner!
The guest list is something you have already given a lot of time and attention to, and you already know the key figures you will want there to stand by your side! You still need more advice on guest lists? Only because you asked so nicely!
Ah, I see what you’ve started! Don’t start listing out every one of your Instagram followers, let’s break you in slowly. First start with any VIPs and must-have’s. You already know who they are for you, they will likely be your inner circle of people you just couldn’t imagine NOT being at your wedding: parents, siblings, grandparents, close friends. After you have gotten your VIPs, if your budget and venue will allow for the extra love and support from more of your loved ones there are the extended family, mutual friends and work colleagues.
Another crucial step to decide will be whether you are inviting Plus One’s and children. I said it. The elephant in the room. If you are inviting Plus One’s and children, start to create strong boundaries around specific circumstances where this will be the case, or if not, come up with rules and stick with them for every guest.
For example, children may have a dedicated cut-off age, so anyone that is 16 or older will be invited. The more common route would be opt for an adult only wedding. And, because I am the gift that keeps on giving, (yes, you can write that down in your notepad too!) here is our favourite example of what you could put down on invitations:
“Little ones are so much fun, but maybe today is not the one, to allow a drink (or 2 or 3), and celebrate the night with revelry, we ask that today you come alone and leave the little ones at home”
Another popular boundary setting with Plus One’s is to specify that if the invited guest is married, engaged or in a long-term relationship then this will be the principle upon which you extend the courtesy of a plus one. We will remind you one more time before Aunt Karen tries to steal my thunder on this blog, this is YOUR wedding, so you can make this day exactly how you see fit for you.
Lastly, it may become impossible to invite everyone, so if you do have to skip a few names or re-prioritise your initial guest list, don’t feel guilty! Set your priorities and boundaries early to reduce any friction you may anticipate and remember you are in control over who you do or don’t invite.
EIGHT
Choose Your Wedding Party Carefully
Before we begin, a wedding party isn’t an essential part of your day, so don’t feel guilty if you don’t want a traditional wedding party to escort you both down the aisle; however, many couples I have spoken to do appreciate the extra support and love by those they hold dearest on the special day. Not only should these individuals be supportive of you and your vision, but they should also be able to handle the responsibilities bestowed to them for the run up to the wedding and your big day! We don’t need a human version of the leaning tower of Pisa when it comes to pre-wedding events, logistics of hen parties, stag do’s and standing by your side on your big day.
One factor that people can get caught up in during the moment is wedding party sizes. The more the merrier isn’t necessarily the wrong answer, as sometimes a larger group is exactly what you always dreamed of, just keep in mind that the larger the wedding party the higher the expenses, so ensure this has been accounted for in your overall budget (look up from your notepad for one second just to take in how far we have came already in such a short space of time! Is it time for a water break yet? I am parched!)
I hear wedding bells in the distance! Does this make it sound so real yet?
NINE
Save The Dates
The traumatics and dramatics of whittling your guest list to a final version has finished and you can get yourself a refill of that glass of wine now. This is the time where you get to make it official! Ideally, as soon as you have set your date and finalised your guest list, aim to send your save-the-dates as soon as possible. Why you might ask? You will want to give your guests as much time as possible to plan for your wedding. This is extremely important if you have opted for a destination wedding, or if your date will fall on a busy season (we are saying a Christmas wedding or right in the middle of Summer Holidays) so that your guests are able to make their plans to attend with a clear schedule, so you have your nearest and dearest by your side celebrating your Big Day.
Latha Na Bainnse’s Top Tip: Go digital! Yes, it’s that simple. Will this be better for the environment with less production materials? Absolutely. Will this reduce your overall budget and printing cost? Yes! Digital save the dates will allow your guests to also add your Big Day to their digital calendars, whilst making distribution of any unforeseen changes seamless for all your guests.
TEN
Ceremony Details… They Count!
The Ceremony. I think we already need the tissues, I can hear some stifled tears coming from the back! It’s intimate, emotion-driven and where your relationship sentiments are shared with each other and your loved ones. Oh, we may as well say it! Your ceremony is the heart of your celebration and experience.
Firstly, ensure that your ceremony venue is available on your chosen date (I can see you panick flicking through your notes, fear not, this is a gentle reminder from waaaaay back in Step Four that you got this, we got this together). Some planners and experts may suggest to make sure that when you’re selecting your ceremony location, that it is close to your reception venue for ease of logistics. We agree. There’s a but coming though, BUT, if you have hand selected a specific location that draws sentiment to your love story then absolutely go for it! There may be additional logistics involved to ensure your guests are able to be transported from the ceremony venue to the reception venue, all in good time, but the impossible becomes possible in our expertise. (Another little self-reflection never did anyone any harm!)
Secondly, ensure that your officiant is someone that you trust and are able to develop a relationship with, so that you both feel comfortable and at ease during your grand entrance and first look with your families. Choosing an officiant that works with your look, feel and style of wedding will ensure that your ceremony is one to remember! Use this opportunity to personalise your ceremony with traditions, rituals, readings or sentiments that resonate with your values and beliefs.
Thirdly - Your chosen A Team are crucial for ensuring that your elegant, intimate and beautiful ceremony is exactly that! Pay particular attention to your musician and music choices, in addition to your vows and transitions from readings. You want this part of your day to be soft, natural and beautiful. Yes, you will be able to walk down the aisle without tripping, I promise (and maybe skip to Step 20 if you want pre-game advice).
And, as smooth as your ceremony transitions will be, we are onto your vows! Allow your vows to show you and your partner’s personalities, your unique love story and the raw emotion that comes with the intimacy of love. Keep your vows short, we recommend anywhere from 60 seconds to 3 minutes as a general guideline, and personal to your love story. Above all else, we recommend that your words come from the heart. Trends will come and go, viral quotes will not be remembered in 50 years but your love will last. Reflect on your unique love story and what you are promising to your partner and to your new marriage.
Latha Na Bainnse’s Top Tip: When drafting your vows, we recommend getting your officiant to check over each partner’s vows to ensure that you are both channelling a commonality amongst your words; ensuring a holistic feel for both of you, and your guests on the big day.
Last but not least….PRACTICE! Standing up in front of all your loved ones should be considered a sport, for public speaking is not for the faint hearted! And, in even more nerve-racking style, declaring your love in front of so many people, you’ll want to get it right first time. The surefire way to ensure the start of your celebrations kick off without a hitch, will be practice, practice, practice
ELEVEN
The Reception
Okay, so now we are warmed up and on target for hitting the twentieth step, I think we can introduce the Multi-Day Events. As multi-day wedding celebrations are becoming increasingly popular, with more couples wanting to extend the experience to make the most of having all the people they care about together, beyond just one day! And we have to admit, every experience is beautiful and now we are crying again. Thanks. Pass us the tissues please!
The Rehearsal Dinner: I promise it isn’t as scary as the movies made it out to be. This is a night to invite your closest friends and family to relax, unwind and shake off the nerves. If you know Aunt Karen will be the talker of the group, maybe give her the microphone on the Rehearsal Dinner to say her bit, so everyone doesn’t have endure a 20 minute long summary of your life during the Reception Dinner!
Latha Na Bainnse believe that the wedding celebration is beyond just one day, we believe that the guest experience is the whole picture. Your wedding day is an experience, for you and your guests to embark on together. Your guests should have the best time possible, feeling relaxed, comfortable and seamlessly transitioning from one event to the next throughout your day, without feeling rushed. You know the feeling don’t you? Chasing your tail, confused and timelines are unclear. Not very demure, not very mindful. Instead, work towards curating an experience where you and your guests are treated well and leave your celebration feeling like they have thoroughly enjoyed your experience.
Then after the big day, many couples opt for an experience delivered to their guests to remember, whilst allowing you to spend that extra quality time with your guests before they leave. The best part about a multi-day wedding is there are no strict rules! You can mould these days into an experience that is tailored specifically to you and your interests / hobbies / activities, so you have the creative freedom to plan these days into one holistic experience for you and your guests to remember!
Do you want to immerse yourself in Irish culture and bring your guests for a tour of the Guinness Factory? Tour Croke Park? Or maybe you have always wanted to share your passion for rock climbing with your loved ones? The Recovery Experience is just, if not more important than the events leading up to your wedding day. Allow your guests to immerse themselves in your lives and leave your multi-day celebration in awe of the experiences you have skilfully curated for them to enjoy.
TWELVE
Dress To Impress - Vintage is Back
My passion outside of making your day an experience to fully immerse yourself in, is embracing the beauty and essence of all things vintage. Did I give our age away?? Age is a made up concept anyway, so never you mind! I see you reaching for Google. What you don’t know wont hurt you!
You get one day to live out your childhood dream. The one where you are able to spend your adult money and transform yourself into one Princess Mia Thermopolis Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldi. Now is the time to book your Fairy Godmother and drive your pumpkin to the Boutiques you have had your eye on for years! Finding a gown which suits your vision, style, aesthetic and budget may take some time, especially if you require a dress that will need to be pre-ordered. Many Bridal Designers require a lead time of approximately 8 - 12 months, with some horror stories of bridal gowns requiring up to 18 months. It’s the Midnight on Elm Street Wedding Edition. I still have nightmares. Moving on swiftly before we scar your dreams worse than dear old Freddie’s face. Moral of this parable? Don’t wait, don’t walk but RUN to the start line of your Bridal Gown experience and get shopping!
For the dapper gentleman amongst us, your tailored suits will, as a general rule of thumb, take significantly less time than a made to measure gown. Suits, made to measure, generally require 6 - 8 weeks, whilst bespoke outfits can take as an average, 8 - 12 weeks. See, there are more silver linings in this process!
For our 2025/26 brides, grooms and wedding fanatics, we are coming in stronger than Barra Best, bringing you a forecast of vintage-inspired classics, paired with textures and layers. The early 1900s is back! I could sit and recommend exceptional boutiques all day, but that is a blog for another day. Looks like you will have to return and keep your eyes peeled for another exclusive! The style: think captivating blends of draped fabrics, textures, ribbons, pearls and of course our favourite, unique stationary.
Credit: Pnina Tornai,
Collection: Love By Pnina Tornai 2024 Style 15092
THIRTEEN
Invites and RSVPs
The time must come for us to trust the postal system with the most important date of our lives. The majority of your wedding day, sorry, experience, now planned, organised, in your binder and out of sight out of mind, we can now get your invites and RSVPs sent out. The experience is starting to feel real now isn’t it!
By now, you should have your nearest and dearests’ contact information already captured in your wedding tracker. Oh, you haven’t? It’s okay, this is your reminder now to get your guests information as soon as you set your guest list! Trust me, it makes your planning experience seamless and enjoyable. Don’t worry, you can thank me later! Okay, take a break, get caught up.
Anddddd, we’re back. Wedding invites - be sure to include all the important details such as ceremony time, location, and dress codes. Be clear, concise and precise with your wording, so your guests have all key information. On the lead up to your big day, the last thing you will need are hoards of phone calls from confused guests asking questions.
Latha Na Bainnse’s Top Tip: Keep your invitation suite clear and concise. If you have important information to distribute, consider using a Details Card in addition to your invite, or alternatively add important details to your wedding website so your guests will always have access to FAQs.
As a Type A Wedding Planner, I love a spreadsheet. To make tracking RSVPs easier, keep all your guest information organised in one tab within your Wedding Planning Spreadsheet. Some couples have also used a Wedding Website to seamlessly track RSVPs; however, I think we can establish that I love a good spreadsheet so this is how we double capture all guest information.
Finally, be open to new concepts and designs. Who doesn’t love personalised, bespoke stationary so I am team Paper Invites, but for the environmentally conscious couples, you can explore the options of Digital Save The Dates, Invites and RSVPs. After all, be the people and influence you want to be, not what the industry tells you to be.
FOURTEEN
Timelines
Remember the holistic wedding experience, not just a ‘day’? This is why I am talking hot and heavy on the experience! For your wedding day to seamlessly flow and transition from one event into the next, you need a perfectly curated and crafted plan and timeline. I am not one for sticking with the norm for the sake of it, so although traditional formates are familiar for guests and vendors alike, why not mix some things up for unexpected experiences, that will make your wedding celebration unforgettable. Further, breaking away from industry norms will allow you, as the couple, to curate an experience that reflects your style, vision, aesthetic and personalities.
We are working from three separate timelines. I can teach you to juggle, I promise.
Your Timeline - The Couple
Your Guests Timeline
Vendor Timelines
Your timelines are important. So is communicating your intentions with your venue, your vendor A Team and your guests. Thankfully I’m not your toxic ex that just refused to text you back, so we have a mini celebration for that achievement in life, but on a serious note - Communicate. Your. Intentions. With. Vendors. If you keep your A Team in the dark about your intentions on your big day, they will not be able to provide you the level of service you were hoping (and paying them) for. I can only bring your visions, ideas and experiences to life when you communicate with me. Scolding over. I don’t like being an authoritarian.
Your A Team will also be able to provide you with approximate timelines of their work. For example, your Hair Stylist and Make Up Artist will be experienced in their field, so they will be able to craft a timeline of beauty works for the morning of your wedding. Ultimately, you can now communicate with your photographer and videographer a start time. And then the ball starts rolling and all of a sudden you’re walking down the aisle for the first and last time as a fiancé!
From this, you can curate a detailed timeline of where you, the couple, need to be, where the wedding party needs to be and where dear old Aunt Karen needs to be and when. This allows for a seamless transition throughout the day and ensures your guests know important times and locations so they can celebrate with you at all times throughout the day!
FIFTEEN
Always Have a Plan B
I think I can confidently make this one short, to the point and not relive our Freddie Krueger Wedding Disasters again. From a lifetime long ago, my old boss recited this mantra as if it was January 1st all day, every day. “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail”. Always ensure you have a Plan B. Maybe even a Plan C. To avoid disappointment, whether this is poor weather conditions for an outdoor ceremony, or your Officiant is stuck in traffic, always have an alternative written into the plan. This will also reduce the stress on the lead up and on the day of your event, especially if you are flying solo without a Wedding Planner.
SIXTEEN
Remember your A Team
If you have managed to make it this far, I seen a few of you with heavy eyes and yawns, you weren’t that quiet about it, and you’ve remembered all the vendors then remember to include them in the feeding plan. Your photographer who has been tirelessly running around capturing the perfect shot 600 times over, and the florist who has worked their magic once again to create a floral haven fit for royalty - well, they are your A Team. The superhero’s who have delivered above and beyond to bring to life an experience that you dreamt of, and more. But, your A Team are still human beings, and they need to rest and eat, just like you. Trust me, you will be tired and hungry the day of your wedding, and you will be grateful for some good food and a seat to rest your legs. Remember to factor in your vendor team within your meal plan with your caterer. When your A Team are fed and watered, they will be fighting fit to deliver above and beyond the experiences you briefed them.
SEVENTEEN
The Final Details
By the time you have reached step number 17, you’ll be almost ready to walk down the aisle! With two to three months to go, the finishing touches can commence. The most significant final confirmation will be to your venue and caterer for your seating plan. Yes, it’s now time to decide if Aunt Karen should be sat next to Cousin Jessica. I tried to hold this off for you, but now it’s time to rip the band-aid off and tackle the seating chart head first.
Latha Na Bainnse’s Top Tip: Use table numbers both on your seating chart and on each table to allow guests to easily identify their nominated seat for the evening. If you want to use quirky table names, marry each table number to a table name to reduce foot traffic and guest congestion around your reception space (pardon the pun, we just couldn’t help ourselves!)
Ensure that your seating plan is easy for guests to navigate. Trending Table Names are fantastic in theory, but incredibly difficult for guests to find their assigned seating with ease. What happens when guests are stockpiled like the M5 on a Friday afternoon? Your schedule starts to slip away and those fun little five and ten minutes you had planned with your significant other now starts to slip away.
Don’t forget to plan out your wedding favours and / or welcome gifts. Take the time now, yes I mean now, to finalise your thank you gifts to each of your guests, as this is a simple way to show your guests the appreciation you have for them taking time out of their busy schedules to be there for you on your special day. Try to think of wedding favours / gifts that will tie in seamlessly with your chosen theme and decor of your day, to bring a holistic approach to your finishing touches. The seemingly ‘little things’ can often get overlooked as the stress builds for your big day, but it’s these little things which will allow your guests to fully immerse themselves in your day, encapsulated in your vision and aesthetic.
EIGHTEEN
Your Registry
Have a think about what items you and your partner need / prioritise. Some people are moving into a new house together for the first time, so you might want to build your registry around home essentials. Remember - guests won’t be able to read your mind, they aren’t the next Psychic Sally. They would much prefer clarity to ensure that they are contributing towards items you really want and need (sorry Aunt Karen, but those Salt and Pepper Shakers just weren’t on the list).
Latha Na Bainnse’s Top Tip: Utilise a website, such as Zola, which allows you to build your Wedding Registry into the guests web interface, so that you can easily communicate your registry wish-list with your guests and track gifting easily all in one place.
If you are saving for a honeymoon fund or down payment towards your new house, let your guests know politely that you would prefer the cold, hard cash over physical itemised gifts. Highlight the purpose behind your funds, clearly communicating how you intend to use the funds by creating that layer of transparency and understanding between your generous gift givers and your wish-list. For example, if you are hoping to have a honeymoon fund, share these details about destinations, specific experiences you were hoping to enjoy whilst you were away and highlight if there are any sentimental aspects to your trip for that added layer of personalisation.
For instance, if the funds are intended for a honeymoon, sharing details about the dream destination, specific experiences or activities, or even a particular aspect of the trip that holds sentimental value can resonate with guests. Chances are you and your partner already have something in mind, so start building your gift registry. Think about what you really need or want as a couple — whether it's home essentials, vintage items, unique devices, fun experiences, self-care products, or something totally different. A wishlist makes gift-giving super easy for your guests, since they'll know they're getting you something you’ll actually enjoy.
My advice and hot take on requesting monetary funds over physical gifts is to keep this information for your Wedding Website, and not on your invitation suites. Navigating the delicate matter of requesting cash requires a tactful and respectful approach. Convey your message with warmth, appreciation and entirely at your guests discretion as a wedding gift requires a tactful approach to ensure guests feel comfortable and respected. It's essential to convey this message with warmth and appreciation, emphasising that their attendance is the primary gift, and any additional contribution is entirely at their discretion.
NINETEEN
Be Present & Make Time For You
The day has arrived, you are nervous, excited, emotional but most of all, grateful the planning is finally over! By the time your wedding day arrives, all major decisions will have been made. It’s now time to relax, and soak in a once in a lifetime moment. Don’t be afraid to delegate any last minute concerns to your A Team and Wedding Party so you can focus on being present with your partner and loved ones. If you have hired a Full Service Planner or “On The Day” Coordination, your Superhero will ensure that your day runs smoothly and stress-free.
I will say it once and we will say it again, so listen up! SLOW DOWN. Take a moment with each other after the ceremony to understand the enormity of your day, and maybe sneak some extra appetisers and cocktails with you for good measure!
TWETY
Walk The Walk
Finally, before you walk down that aisle and dance the night away, make sure you spend a few hours walking around your house in your wedding shoes to break them in. We will not be having any blisters on your wedding day to slow you down. Whether you opt for flats or heels, practice walking in your dress, especially if you have a long train to get used to the sheer volume of material you aren’t typically used to walking around in. Like a Princess, we will take small, deliberate steps walking heel-to-toe and posture perfect with shoulders back and relaxed. Oh, before I forget, smile! Don’t worry about practising your ‘soft smiles’ for photographs - beam from ear to ear, you’ve just got married to the love of your life! Candid’s are where memories are made.
Credit: Hannah Rosser Photography
Okay, I am boring you now and we are FINALLY finished Tip 20? I had a lot to say, and a lot to share with you beautiful people. What can I say, I was feeling generous and now you’ve got TWENTY top tips to make your wedding day the experience we knew you could pull off. I just helped a little along the way.
Lots of Love,
Latha Na Bainnse x