Planning your wedding starts here!
Just engaged? Adding the finishing touches to your wedding? Or are you somewhere in between? Don’t panic!
Wherever you are in your wedding planning, you will find all the inspiration and expert advice you need to turn your big day into an unforgettable one at the Moray Wedding Show in September.
Free to attend, think of the Moray Wedding Show as your in-person wedding hub! There will be over 30 curated exhibitors including venues, caterers, florists, bridal, occasion wear and more, who you can meet one-to-one, and a bridal fashion show too. We’ve collaborated with a fantastic collection of local suppliers and specialists who have years of experience bringing wedding dreams to life. Looking for some pre-show inspiration? Here are a few ideas…
Let’s get this wedding party started!
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming! So where to start? Make a schedule. You can download a schedule template online.
Your schedule is your friend. It will help you break down the planning into manageable chunks with key dates and recommended timescales for booking the important elements of your day such as the venue(s), legal requirements, attire, entertainment, photographer, flowers, the cake and more.
Don’t budge on your budget
Budgets are not romantic but they are important to a happy wedding day so agree a budget with your partner from the outset and stick to it. Remember to include an emergency contingency fund and also wedding insurance. Policies vary but can include cancellation/rearrangement due to accident or illness, lost or stolen rings, or your venue or suppliers falling through.
Save the date – and venue
Weddings are often booked up to two years (or more) in advance so if you have your heart set on a particular hotel, church or other venue, you should put it at the top of your planning schedule.
In Scotland, you can hold a wedding ceremony almost anywhere (provided you have any necessary permissions from land or property owners of course!) so outdoor ceremonies on the beach, by a loch, in woodlands are all options. But given the north-east’s changeable weather, consider booking a venue with beautiful grounds and the option of a marquee.
Timing is also a key consideration. High season weddings in the summer months or around important dates such as Christmas and Hogmanay or Valentine’s Day are popular and will often be booked well in advance.
But many venues also have off-season (spring, autumn and winter – out with the festive period) and midweek availability if you want to tie the knot earlier or you are flexible about the timing, so it is absolutely worth asking your preferred venue what they can offer you.
That’s entertainment
If you’re planning a live band or hiring a DJ to keep the tunes coming and floor filled, book early. Today’s weddings are also more immersive for all guests. You will likely have children and older guests at your reception so consider age-appropriate fun such as magicians or other performers in addition to your music who will entertain wee ones and senior guests in a dedicated area at your venue. They will still feel a part of your celebrations when the dancing and banging tunes get a little loud!
Finding ‘the one’
Choosing your gown – or chic three-piece ivory trouser suit – is often the first thing every bride- to-be imagines after the engagement (usually long before the engagement!) And rightly so! Attire will often require fitting and adjustment to ensure it is perfect on the big day. You’ll be wearing it for hours so it needs to be super comfortable as well as sensational. Top trends this year and into next year include Wuthering Heights vibes – think romantic full skirts, lace, corsetry, Victoriana and Gothic high necklines and long sleeves. And for brides favouring a more contemporary than classic look, halternecks and asymmetrical lines will keep you fashion-forward and fabulous.
I themed a theme
The overall look and feel of your wedding; from your décor and colours to your flowers and cake should always be the fun part of your planning. But it can be overwhelming too with so many trends and styles that can be tailored to any budget.
Mood boards are a great way to help you gather ideas and create your vision. Free digital mood board templates are available online for you to store away ideas or photos – anything that inspires you.
For more inspiration, watch out for our monthly features in the run-up to September’s Moray Wedding Show at the Alexander Graham Bell Centre for Digital Health, UHI Moray, Elgin, noon to 3pm, on Sunday, September 20.
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