Looking after your wedding suppliers.

Planning a wedding is a big deal. It requires multi-tasking, negotiating and major organisational skills. This may be the first time you have ever had to plan a large event and it can be quite daunting. Do not panic, we are here to help!

This post will guide you through the process of managing wedding suppliers so you can get the most out of the people you are working with. With such high stakes, it is important that each element of your wedding planning goes as smoothly as possible.

 

Communication is key. There will be a lot of moving parts on the lead up to your wedding, and on the day itself. By making sure you are in frequent contact with your suppliers, and informing them of changes straight away, you will feel more in control and the people you have hired will have no last minute surprises to deal with. We always recommend creating a Running Order of your day which details when and where each element is happening. You can then forward this to all your suppliers so they know exactly what will be happening.

 

 

 

Get organised. The more organised you are, the easier it will be for everyone. We would recommend creating spreadsheets for all aspects of your day. Start with your guest list, which can detail when each individual has RSVP’d, any dietary requirements or special requests (e.g. high chair needed). You can then forward this to your caterers so they can plan accordingly. It is also a good idea to create a spreadsheet detailing all your suppliers, their contact details, and when payments are due. You can add notifications to your diary so you don’t miss a date.

 

Mutual respect is hugely important and will ensure that your suppliers are as excited about your wedding as you are. You may be thinking, “Well I am paying them, that should be enough?” but I can assure you it isn’t. Simple things, such as making sure they are fed and watered, will help your suppliers feel appreciated and will create the best atmosphere on the day.  

 

Above all, try and enjoy the planning process. Although it may seem stressful at times, this will (hopefully) be the only wedding you will organise and it is an incredibly special time. Remember, ask for help from friends and family who will probably be dying to get involved, and your wedding venue should always be on hand to offer that extra support.  

 

To see 'behind the scenes' photos at Berkeley Castle, head to our Instagram page @berkeleycastle