Right, so, as a Northern Ireland wedding photographer, I'm at loads of weddings, so I know the craic – planning it all can be a proper headwreck. From the dress to the venue, there's just so much to keep on top of. To help you keep your cool, I've put together a handy wedding checklist for brides at the bottom of this blog. It'll make sure you've got everything sorted, so you can actually enjoy your big day without the stress of forgetting something. You can download and print it off at the bottom of this blog, and tick things off as you go. I've also popped in a few tips below on the must-dos, and you'll find some of my favourite Northern Ireland wedding suppliers on my website too. Enjoy the big day!
First things first, sort out a budget and dates: Let's face it, most folks only do this wedding thing once, so it's easy to get a bit overwhelmed by the costs. Grab your other half and have a wee sit-down to figure out roughly how many people you're inviting and what kind of wedding you're after. Some couples like to have everything paid up front, others are happy to use the credit card – whatever works for you, just get a plan in place! And think about the time of year too. Winter weddings (November to March) can be brilliant, but I always tell couples to have an earlier ceremony, as it gets dark earlier, and we need that daylight for the photos!
Venue: Getting the venue sorted is usually one of the first things you'll do. Northern Ireland's got some of the most gorgeous wedding spots going, like, anywhere. With all the green fields, wild coastlines, and those amazing castles, you'll be spoiled for choice, no bother. If you're having your ceremony somewhere else, like a church, give the parish secretary a bell to see if they're free. Double-check the price is fixed, or if it might change, and see if you can hold some rooms for your guests.
Photographer: You'll want a good, experienced Northern Ireland wedding photographer to catch all those special bits. Don't just go for the cheapest, mind. Have a look at a few, and pick the one you click with (pun intended). You'll be looking at these photos forever, so make sure you love their style. Most photographers are happy to meet up for a wee chat over a cuppa. They might even bring along some wedding album samples if you're thinking of getting one. And if your dream photographer's booked, ask them for some recommendations, they'll know a few good ones. Check my availability HERE
Alright, Videographer: If you fancy a video of the day, your photographer probably knows someone they work with a lot and can point you in the right direction. Videographers do all sorts of packages – highlights, the whole ceremony, speeches, wee reels – so make sure you know exactly what you're getting before you say yes.
And these days, a lot of couples are looking for a Wedding Content Creator too. They're the ones who'll capture all those behind-the-scenes, candid moments on your phone, perfect for social media. If you're wanting to keep your guests in the loop and have a digital record of all the fun, a content creator can be a brilliant addition. Have a wee look at their portfolios, see if their style matches your vibe, and make sure you're clear on what kind of content you're after.
Florist: When you're picking a florist for the wedding, you need to think about the style, how good the flowers are, and the price. Have a look around for florists near you, especially ones that do loads of wedding flowers. Ask your mates, family, or a wedding planner if they know anyone good, to get an idea of the quality. Once you've got a few you like the look of, book a chat to talk about what you want, how much you're spending, and all the details. Bring along pictures of your dress, the bridesmaids' dresses, and even the venue, so they can see the whole picture. Ask to see photos of weddings they've done before, and make sure they get what you're after. And definitely get a proper quote, with the price of each flower, delivery charges, and any other bits and bobs.
Wedding Dress: Picking your wedding dress is dead exciting, isn't it? To make sure you find the perfect one, here's a few things to think about. First off, set a budget and have a wee browse online or in magazines to see what styles, shapes, and fabrics you like. When you're trying on dresses, don't be afraid to try on stuff you think you'd hate. You might surprise yourself! Make sure you bring the shoes and underwear you'll be wearing on the day, so you can get a proper feel for how it'll look and fit. And most importantly, pick a dress that makes you feel absolutely amazing, comfy, and like you can take on the world. Oh, and definitely have a wee walk around the shop in it, you'd be surprised how many brides nearly take a tumble walking down the aisle because their dress is too long! I have compiled a list of bridal boutiques in Northern Ireland that you read on my blog HERE.
Wedding Dress Seamstress: Wedding Dress Seamstress: Now, getting a good seamstress for your dress is crucial. You want someone who knows their stuff and has a good name about the place. Ask your mates or family if they know anyone good, or have a wee look online for reviews of seamstresses near you. Make sure you tell them exactly what you want for your dress, and don't be afraid to ask them loads of questions about what they've done before. If you can, bring a friend or family member along to the meetings, just to get another pair of eyes on things. And a good seamstress in Northern Ireland gets booked up quick, so you'll want to get them sorted around the same time you pick your dress, if not before! I have compiled a list of Northern Ireland bridal seamstress HERE.
Choose Your Bridal Party: So, picking your bridal party, you want folk you can trust and rely on, people who'll have your back through all the wedding planning madness. Think about your closest mates and family, the ones who've been there through thick and thin and will be buzzing for you on your big day. Pick people you know you can trust to help with the planning, give you straight-up advice, and have a good laugh with. And think about how big your wedding is and what you can afford. You need to make sure your bridal party fits the bill, and that they can cover any costs. At the end of the day, it's your day, so pick people you feel comfy with and who make you feel like a million dollars.
Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist: Now, getting your hair and makeup sorted, you need to figure out what look you're after and how much you're willing to spend. Have a wee look around, get recommendations from friends, family, or other brides you know. Check out their portfolios, ask for references, and get a price list. Definitely book a trial run, so you can make sure you love the hair and makeup, and that you get on with the person doing it. Once you've found the perfect hair and makeup artist, get them booked in ASAP, or you'll be kicking yourself if they're already taken! Check out the team at J'adore Wedding Specialist for all your hair and makeup requirements!
Evening Band/DJ: So, getting your evening entertainment sorted, you want to find a band that's just right for you. First off, think about what kind of music you're after and how big a band you need. Have a wee look around, find a few that might fit the bill, and then meet up with them to chat about their song choices and how they'll approach the night. Sort out the budget and check when they're free, and once you've found the perfect band, get them booked sharpish. Don't forget to ask for references and listen to some of their tunes before you say yes. Loads of Northern Ireland wedding bands will do a DJ set after the live music, so that might be something to think about too.
Celebrant: Now, picking a celebrant, you want someone you feel totally at ease with. Do your homework, find someone who's done loads of ceremonies, and have a wee read of what other couples have said about them. Meet up with them face-to-face to go over all the details of the ceremony, and make sure they get what you're picturing. Ask about their fees, and don't be shy about asking any questions you've got. And most importantly, double-check they're actually allowed to marry you in Northern Ireland! You don't want any surprises on the day.
Wedding Decor: So, getting your venue looking the part, you need to think about your whole wedding theme and style, and how many folk you're having. You want a decorator who can help you pull it all together and make your vision a reality. Someone who knows their stuff about wedding decor and what's in fashion can be a real lifesaver. Ask for references and have a good look at their past work. When you're checking out venues, pay attention to the lighting, the layout, the background, and just the general feel of the place, to make sure it'll work for your big day.
Transport: Now, getting everyone to and from the wedding, there's a few things to keep in mind. First off, think about the logistics. How far apart are the ceremony and reception venues? How many people need a lift? That'll help you decide what kind of transport you need. Then, think about the style you're after. Fancy a classic car, a horse and carriage, or a stretch limo? Whatever floats your boat! And of course, think about your budget. Some transport can be pricey, so stick to what you can afford. And don't forget about safety and comfort. Make sure the vehicles are well looked after and have enough space for everyone to travel comfortably.
Wedding Invites: So, getting your invites sent out, you'll want to do that about 10-12 weeks before the big day, depending on what kind of wedding you're having. If it's a wee intimate do, or if folks are travelling a long way, you might want to send them out even earlier, to give them plenty of time to sort themselves out. And don't forget to put the RSVP date on the invite. You'll usually want them back two or three weeks after you send them out, so you've got time to sort out the catering and seating plan.
Wedding Rings: Now, picking your wedding rings, that's a big decision, isn't it? You want to get it just right. Think about the style, the metal, and the size. Do you want something classic and timeless, modern, or a bit vintage? Then, what kind of metal are you after? White gold, yellow gold, rose gold? Once you've got that sorted, get your finger sized properly, and pick the right size ring. There's loads of options out there, but with a wee bit of research, you'll find the perfect rings no bother.
Wedding Favours: So, picking your wedding favours, there's a few things to think about. First off, who's coming to the wedding? If it's mostly family and close mates, you might want to go for something a bit more personal and meaningful. If you've got a wider group, then wee scented candles, boxes of chocolates, or a bottle of wine with a personalised label are always a good shout. Think about how big and how much you want to spend on the favours, and what colours and designs you like. Tie it in with your wedding theme or colour scheme. And remember, buying in bulk will save you a few quid and a bit of hassle. With a bit of thought, you'll find favours that everyone will love.
Wedding Cake: Now, getting your wedding cake sorted, you need to think about what it'll look like and what flavour you want. Have a good look around at different bakers, check out their past work, and see what you think of their style. Think about the cost, and if they offer any extras, like delivery and setting it up on the day. Have a wee read of reviews from other couples, and see if they've won any awards or anything. And definitely book a tasting, so you can make sure the cake tastes as good as it looks!
I hope this blog helps with your planning and if you'd like to chat to me about being YOUR wedding photographer just complete my contact form and we'll get the ball rolling!
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Guide to Planning a Perfect Wedding
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