Wedding Planning Tips from the Experts

Planning your wedding day can be a huge challenge!

You want the perfect venue, the Pinterest-inspired theme, the stunning decor and memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’re currently planning for your special day, our Mere Wedding Fayre is the perfect place to
gather inspiration!

Whether you’re just starting out, or have been dreaming of your wedding for years, it’s always good to ask the experts for a little guidance.

So, we asked Cheshire’s finest wedding specialists their top tips for ensuring your special day goes smoothly…

PICTURE PERFECT

Gavin Tomkins, of Gavin Tomkins Photography suggests adopting the three ‘P’s!

Price, because everyone has a budget.
Pictures, because you of course need to like the images they produce. And…
Personality, because your photographer will be with you for a long time on your special day… You need to be sure you’ll get on with them!

Lynzi and Ant from Icon Studio recommend going with your instinct when it comes to picking the perfect photographer to capture your special memories. They say you’ll meet many photographers along the way, so take the time to see which feels right.

Michael, from Capture My Big Day says “Your big day will fly by so it’s important to enjoy every moment. Many couples who did not record some of the special moments have regretted it. Hearing those vows and reliving your story is important, so having your big day captured with more than just stills is a good investment.”

ARRIVING IN STYLE

Tony Horgan, of Horgans Cars advises booking your transport early to avoid disappointment.
“As soon as you have your venue, start thinking about how you’ll arrive there in style!”

Armaan of People To Places advises you view your wedding car before making a booking.
“You want to make sure you get what you’ve paid for.”

Mike of Mi Create says;
“Don’t forget the all-important entrance! As you walk down the aisle, a focal point such as a striking wedding arch will be a little taste of your style that will stand out in photos for years to come.”

UNIQUE TOUCHES

Marise from Bloomsbury Cakes says;
“When choosing your wedding cake, ask for a consultation to give your cake maker an overview of your wedding theme, your design ideas and your favourite styles. These days, it’s not just about a great tasting cake… it’s about beautifully crafted, edible works of art!”

Mere Wedding Co-ordinator Kim suggests:
“Not everyone loves dancing, so include some unique features to keep your guests entertained. Vintage sweet carts, photo areas with props or giant Jenga games will keep the fun flowing (and they make great photos too!)”.

“Use photo booth key rings instead of a favour at your wedding party. Much more fun and something for everyone to treasure from your wonderful day! Or use a photo booth guestbook to replace or complement a traditional one.  You will want to look at it again and again!”
Lee of Happy Pigeon Photo Booths

Planning a Christmas wedding

YOUR WEDDING DAY LOOK

“If you are having a veil make sure if your hairdresser is not attaching it there is someone who knows exactly where it will go before your hair is done.”
Johanna Steward of Johanna Steward Photography

“Consider having a bespoke wedding dress made for your big day: You will have exactly what you want and won’t have to compromise on style and colour. A bespoke dress will fit you perfectly – flattering the parts you least like and flaunting the bits you love… and of course you will have a dress like no other bride!” Erica – Erica Stacey Bridalwear

Mere Spa Therapist, Charlotte advises…
“A make-up trial is crucial to ensuring you get the look you’ll love on your big day. Whilst it’s not necessarily the time to start testing out a bold new look, it is the time to try out new products that will bring out your best features.”

Gaynor David, of GD Flowers says…
“The finishing of your bouquet is just as important and meaningful as the choice of flower. If your dress has any pearl, crystal or diamante detail, add a little of the same into your bouquet. Any alterations to the Bride or Bridesmaid dress leaves off cuts of material. Keep hold of these so that the stems of the bouquets can be bound in the material to complement your look.”

PLANNING TO PERFECTION

Our Wedding Planner, Wes says;
“Everyone will have their own opinion on what your day should include. Don’t feel obliged to choose what everyone else wants. Go with your own gut instincts and elements that are personal to you!”
“Research has found that wedding guests rate the venue, food and entertainment as the most memorable factors at a wedding. So be sure to put your focus into the perfect surroundings, impressive food and entertainment that has the ‘wow factor’.”

“Approach your wedding planning like you approach your relationships. If you fall in love with it, go with your instincts and book it! Don’t go searching for second best!”
Craig, of Memories By Victoria Holden

“Be organised! Order everything (flowers, bridesmaids dresses, invites… ) well in advance… and then some! No matter how much time you think you have, you’ll be surprised at how fast the wedding creeps up on you”. Lauren, Moments & Memories

Trevor, of The Perfect Getaway says…
“The perfect wedding day deserves to be followed by a perfect honeymoon. Choose a honeymoon expert that you feel completely comfortable with and allow them to craft a unique experience, whilst you focus on your big day. Multi-Centre experiences are ideal for the bride and groom who have different tastes and a romantic Mini-Moon can be a great way to relax if you’re marrying in the summer but need to wait until the winter for the best weather in your dream destination.”

Our Wedding Planner, Katie suggests creating a moodboard of pictures and samples you love.
“This will help you see the bigger picture and ensure you have every detail just the way you want it.”

If you’re tying the knot and need a little help from some of Cheshire’s finest wedding specialists, we’d be more than happy to introduce you to a few of our favourites! Join us for our next Mere Wedding Fayre to meet with the very best wedding suppliers and gather plenty of inspiration for your big day.