How to plan your perfect wedding day

The first look is normally an American tradition but with so many couples living together before their big day, does it really matter? Share the morning of your wedding day together and help each other get ready. Or meet just before your ceremony for a first look. It’s such an exciting moment and something that you can share together.

Since working at a wedding in Boston, USA, I’ve suggested this to a few couples more are choosing it as an option. Plus, I can capture a lot of your special moments then, so you can enjoy more of your time with friends and family during your reception drinks.

Find somewhere that suits you. You can have the fancy hotel, the cutesy barn, or something completely different. But just remember that you don’t have to pick a ‘wedding venue’. Not only are there more places getting marriage licenses every day, but you could choose a simple Registry Office and focusing on the wedding reception. In London, many couples choose the Chelsea Old Town Hall Registry Office, so keep it in mind.

Maybe you and your partner went on a first date to a lovely restaurant, or even your local. You know the food’s great, the drinks are top notch, and it’s a place you will feel comfortable. That’s always important. If you feel out of place somewhere, do not book it, despite what others might think. Remember, it’s all about you.

I could speak for hours about confetti. Whatever you do, take some time to focus on this. There’s always the shop bought confetti. It’s small, no one can see it, and you’ll need a lot of it to make any real impact on your perfect wedding day. Confetti can be a part of some of your most amazing photos, so do not miss the chance to enjoy it.

I would suggest choosing something that is big and fun to throw. Big flower petals are a firm favourite. I had one bride this year tell me that she had started drying flowers that her fiancé gave her ever since they got engaged. It made for a great basket of confetti on the day and those flowers have been there throughout their engagement. Another option is the big party poppers – the canon variety. Get them aimed high and you’ll enjoy a shower of confetti.

If you’re not allowed any confetti, biodegradable or not, then go for something that will disappear, like bubbles. Or something big, like paper planes and cranes. Kids can colour them all the way up to the day and you can keep them afterwards as a beautiful memento of your day.

Before you start to worry about this one, remember that there are a very minute number of people out there who can actually dance. And I’ll be the first to raise my hand to let everyone know that I can’t. I’ve perfected the ‘dad dance’ – shuffling on the spot and pointing in random directions. For your first dance, you can sway, jump around, or have a full routine. But whatever you do, make sure that you feel comfortable. Maybe even consider not having one. It’s your day, just get everyone up and dancing together – then there’s no spotlight on you.

As I opened with, I believe that music can have a huge impact on your day, so do take your time to make sure that it suits you both. This is for everything, including bridal prep. You don’t want the news on in the morning or kids shows. You need something for you and that should continue, right through to the last song. Speak with your DJ, give them a few tracks that really get your heart racing and trust them to keep that up throughout the night.

Trust me, a good DJ or band can make the night. Find someone that you can see play listen to before your day. When we found our DJ, he was playing another wedding, great music all night and no Radio DJ voice. We were sold on him and booked the next day.

There’s always the option of a Silent Disco with a choice of channels. They might seem odd but if you’ve ever tried them, they’re a great laugh and your guests can find tunes that keep them moving.