Remember, if you are feeling the pinch then chances are others are too, keep this in mind when you contact your venue. Their published rates can always be challenged and by just asking for a reduction or a more budget friendly option you’d be surprised at how easily they can change their packages in order to secure your booking.

Don’t be afraid to tell them where else you are looking at and be honest about other rates you have received - let them challenge it to give you a better rate and beat their competitors.  Most of all be confident enough not to take their prices at face value and remember that your booking is important to them too.

ERWD TOP TIP! - Pay attention to the service you receive  from your venue contact throughout the enquiry process with your venue as this is usually a very good indicator of how smoothly they will handle your wedding day when it arrives.

1. Your Top 5 Wedding Wishes.

        Sit down with your partner and make a list each (no peeking!) of what your five most important aspects of the day are. For example they might be venue, family, flowers, fireworks and booze! Whatever they are make sure you are honest and these are the things you really want! Then once you are finished compare lists and pick out the ones you both really think matter (you can compromise on the rest later…..) Keep this list in the front of your wedding file/box/diary - whatever it is you are using to help you plan and refer to it as and when necessary to remind you what is important.

      Throughout the planning process you will attend what feels like a million wedding fairs - trawl through hundreds of websites and spend hours debating over whether to go for a full 25 dove release or forget that and go mining for the gold for your wedding bands….. These things add up - fast -  and if they aren’t on your agreed list are they that important to the day and to the both of you? If you keep this in mind then you won’t stray from your ideal day or your budget….. Happy Planning!

Many thanks