Once the initial euphoria of becoming engaged subsides, it’s time to start planning your wedding in earnest. But some industry experts advise waiting at least a few weeks before you get to work on the logistics of your big day. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to plan, but the early excitement of your engagement will have died down, and you’ll be feeling happy but calm and clear-headed and ready to make all the big decisions. 

During this time, you can discuss your vision with each other, and perhaps start thinking about some potential themes. Once you’re in a position to start firming things up, it makes sense to kick off with the big decisions first. So, for example, you’ll want to decide on a date and venue, as well as your wedding dress, if you’re having one, before anything else. 

Other early considerations are likely to include the hiring of suppliers, from florists and cake-makers to make-up artists, caterers and hair stylists as well as your photographer. After you’ve sent out Save the Date cards, you can start planning everything else. 

Stay on track of your organisation 

You’re likely to be planning your wedding over an extended period of between a year and 18 months. One way of keeping on top of everything could be to use a wedding planner, who’ll be with you every step of the way. 

But if you prefer to plan your wedding yourself, you’re certainly not alone. What’s more, there are plenty of tools to help. You could, for example, set up a website or use a spreadsheet (which we know sounds rather clinical for such a personal and romantic occasion!). Alternatively, you could just keep everything together in a digital or actual folder. 

Appy couple? 

Another idea is to download a wedding planning app. The best ones have various useful features including budget, guest list and checklist of things to sort out. You and your partner will both be able to access the app and make changes. 

Equally, an app such as Bridebook (there are many others) comes into its own when you’re searching for specific suppliers. So, for example, if you’re looking for something like minibus hire in Oxford an app can be really helpful. 

The devil is in the detail 

As with anything else, when it comes to wedding planning, the devil is all in the detail. Once the big things – date, venue, dress, honeymoon – are in place, you may be surprised at how many extras remain to be covered, from dietary requirements to bridesmaids’ shoes and wedding favours, plus how everyone will get between venues if you’re tying the knot and celebrating in separate locations. 

Don’t forget the little touches

When planning you wedding it is easy for personalised touches to be overlooked. Consider what will makes your day special to you. Do you want every member of your family even the furry kind to attend the wedding. If you find yourself in this position make sure to look for dog friendly wedding venues. 

These personalised touches extend further into the day. Do you want a wedding photo QR code, to capture every moment of your big day by getting guests to scan the QR code and upload their images to your personalised web page? (It’s cost-effective, sustainable and easy.) The little touches make the day unique to you and this is important because it is your day. 

With so much to consider, you may well find that a tool such as like an app is the best approach for keeping on top of everything. That way, all the seemingly minor matters get the attention they deserve – and everything will come together so that you and your guests enjoy a well-organised occasion in which even the smallest detail has been beautifully thought through.