Running one of Cornwall’s largest exclusive-use wedding venues, Scorrier House, Caroline Williams has found lost bouquets, fixed broken straps, provided forgotten catering ingredients, and mopped up nervous tears for literally hundreds of brides-to-be. So let’s hear her top wedding planning tips for a stress-free day…
Sort your venue
Once you’ve got engaged and have a wedding date in mind, start looking around for a venue. Good ones often get booked up months in advance so don’t leave it too late. The same applies to the church and the caterers. Being flexible and thinking ahead are key.
Weekend event
You want your wedding to be as memorable as possible so why not consider making it a weekend event? The day itself can pass in a flash – having an extra day for an informal barbecue with close family and friends afterwards can make it even more special.
Whatever the weather
Don’t worry about the weather. Rain creates an atmosphere of its own, so expect it – after all, we live in the UK! Sun, if it appears, is a bonus. Just arm your bridesmaids and groomsmen with umbrellas and go with the flow.
Short and sweet
Keep wedding speeches short. Long ones can kill momentum and cause all sorts of problems for your schedule. Also, consider saying your speeches before the wedding breakfast if your father, groom or best man are particularly nervous.
Learn to delegate
Make sure you’ve got a good team of friends to help out on the day. Give them a list so they know what’s happening and don’t be afraid to delegate jobs. On the day, all the bride should be doing is relaxing and enjoying herself.
Do your prep
Get as much prepared as possible the day before the wedding but don’t work late. Give yourselves a cut-off time and stick to it. Make sure you get your seating plan organised well in advance, too. It’s rarely easy but don’t put it off. Definitely a job to do with your husband-to-be – don’t tackle it alone.
Get crafty!
What could you do yourself? DIY details are often a great way to keep costs down, so play to your strengths and the strengths of your friends. Is your mum a whizz on the sewing machine? Is your dad a baking genius? Is your sister-in-law a dab-hand on the piano? Rope them all in – after all, it’s your big day, how can they refuse?!
Simple food
Don’t over-complicate your wedding breakfast menu. Plain food is often the best and simple, seasonal produce will suit even the fussiest of eaters. Scorrier House can cater for 160 guests for a wedding buffet or 120 for a formal sit-down meal.
For more top planning tips visit our Planning section today. And remember you can download our free wedding planning spreadsheets right here, to help you organise your budget, guest list, hen night and more.
