How to plan a wedding

Cupid’s arrow has struck, romance has blossomed, and the proposal has been made. Now the time has come for the bride and groom to plan their wedding day. It’s certainly not an easy task with so many decisions to be made on subjects ranging from dresses to cakes, guests to photographers and for some it can seem like a military exercise. One of the biggest decisions to make is which wedding venue with so many diverse options available, from hotels to stately homes. It can become somewhat overwhelming but here’s some guidance on how to choose the venue which will be perfect for your special day. Visit your venue A brochure or website might show a lot about a wedding venue but there’s nothing quite like visiting it to get a feel of the atmosphere (and to see what hasn’t been shown). No website will show there’s a kebab shop or sewage works nearby and you don’t want any unpleasant surprises on your wedding day. You can also find out about the venue’s accessibility and assess practical issues such as parking and accommodation. At St Osyth Priory, we offer the most beautiful combination of historic buildings set in 350 acres of stunning parkland. Simply beautiful. Budgets and packages There’s no getting away from it, weddings are expensive. There’s so much to pay for but by fixing a budget, you can ensure finances don’t get out of hand. After all, you don’t want to be paying for your wedding on your fifth anniversary. One of the biggest outlays will be the day itself – the venue, the wedding breakfast and reception and all are so important in making your special day perfect. Many venues offer a selection of wedding packages but find out exactly what is being offered and make sure there are no hidden costs. Find out what rooms are included in the cost such as how many bridal rooms or if there a lounge area for guests to relax. Check if there are any other events being held at the venue on the same day and details such as when you can get in to decorate the rooms. Ceremonies, wedding breakfast and reception At the heart of a wedding is the ceremony, the exchange of vows and commitment to a life of love and support. Check if the venue is licensed for civil ceremonies which will allow the whole wedding to take place at one location. Religious ceremonies can be hosted in the church of St Peter and St Paul next to the St Osyth Priory estate. When visiting your venue, see where the ceremony will take place and work out how many guests it can accommodate and whether it has disabled access. Then comes the celebration when family and friends unite to wish the couple well in their future life together. Take a good look at where your wedding breakfast and reception will be held and make sure it tallies with the number of guests you want to invite and the vibe you want your wedding to create. At St Osyth Priory, we are blessed with magnificent buildings which have been lovingly restored so they offer the beautiful aesthetic of historic surroundings but are equipped with everything needed for a special wedding day. Food and accommodation A wedding feast is the perfect celebration for a special day, friends and families coming together to toast the happy couple. Don’t be afraid to give your views on what you would like and ask questions including if food is prepared by staff at the venue or outside caterers. It should be a full conversation, not just being presented with a pre-prepared menu. Also ask about the level of staffing, is there is a Master of Ceremonies and bar staff - in essence, what you will get for your money. You should check on the shape and size of the tables so you can draw up table plans and double check if you need to pay for crockery and cutlery or if that is included in the cost. You might be able to taste some of the food in advance but again check if there is a charge for this. Most venues have an alcohol licence but it pays to make sure and also if you can supply your own alcohol and if cash is accepted at the bar. Similarly, find out what accommodation is available for the bride and groom and their closest family and friends. Also ask about costs, facilities and timings of checking in and out. Dates, dancing and photographs Wedding venues notoriously get booked up years in advance so if you want a specific date, it’s advisable to book as soon as possible. Check if there are big events on that day as you won’t want your wedding to clash. Once you have picked your day, ask how much of a deposit you will need to secure your date. If you are choosing a summer wedding, you might prefer to have your ceremony outside but check if there is an alternative if the heavens open. Also check what scope there is for photographs and if confetti and fireworks are allowed. The formalities of the day will fade as the evening celebrations begin. Along with these come more considerations and more questions to ask. Can you have a DJ or a band and are there places where they can plug in their equipment? What sort of catering will be provided in the evening and at what cost? What time must the music stop and are there cleaning up costs to be considered? Insurance and payment Hopefully with careful planning and using wedding professionals, your day will go perfectly. However, it’s worth just checking if a venue has public liability insurance just in case… Most will but it is a question which should be asked. Also check when the final payments need to be made and what is their cancellation policy should anything go wrong on either side. Set up a check list and tick these questions as you get your answers. Then just one more thing… enjoy!