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For the busy bride and groom-to-be, weddings can be very time consuming, confusing and stressful. Sydney Wedding will provide you with a step-by-step guide to planning your wedding, but you might decide that you would like additional help with the organising...
This is where Professional Advisors, the internet and Co-ordinators come in. The concept of using an advisor or wedding co-ordinator has long been popular in the U.S.A. - as seen in the movies 'The Wedding Planner' and 'Father of the Bride', starring Steve Martin. (If you haven't yet seen this movie and the sequel, get it out on video - a must for engaged couples!)
In Australia, advisors and wedding co-ordinators are becoming more popular. The advantages of using them are many - you can benefit from their experience and professional advice as well as their contacts in the industry. They can transform your dreams into reality and give you lots of extra ideas - many of which you may never have thought of.
In addition, the advisor can do all the running around for you which saves lots of time and hassle.
Ask the co-ordinators and advisors how they charge. Some are free to the engaged couple - they make their money from the suppliers they use (in the form of commission), others charge the couple a fee and some have a combination of commission from suppliers plus a fee from the couple. A good way to investigate the advisors is to ask them about the weddings they have done in the past and, if possible, to view the photos.
getting organised
Even if you are using an advisor, before you do anything, it's a great idea to get all the people who are going to be involved in planning your wedding together for a meeting. The etiquette of 'who decides' and 'who pays for what' in the Receptions chapter will be great guidelines to get your discussions started.
Once you've agreed who is organising each activity then you can draw up a plan by month or by week, up to your wedding date.
Keep one folder with all your wedding paperwork together and make sure you get all quotes and bookings in writing. In addition, it is wise to confirm and remind all companies of all your wedding arrangements, even when you have the details in writing.
At the back of the magazine you'll find a complete countdown to your wedding day. Use this as a checklist to make sure you remember everything and don't forget to book each service at the appropriate time.
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