You’re ready to plan your epic wedding day. You know what you like and what you don’t like and you definitely know you don’t want your wedding looking the same as everyone else’s. But how do you plan an alternative wedding day?
Where have you always dreamed of getting married?
A Church, a Manor House or a Registry Office? How about in the woodlands, a bluebell field, on the beach, where your partner proposed, or on top of a mountain. With a celebrant led wedding the possibilities are endless where you can get married. And it only costs around £50 to make it legal before or after your wedding day.
How much are you willing to spend?
Do not get yourself into debt over a wedding! I repeat do not get yourself into debt!!! This is an amazing day for you and your partner yes… However it is only the start of your marriage. You certainty don’t want to kick that off with the stress of maxed out credit cards and loans against your home, you’ll be paying off for the next 5-10 years! Sit down together and work out how much you can put away each month. What you already have in savings and what/if any of your family members are putting anything towards it and BAM there’s your budget.
Pick a date
It can be a non-negotiable special date for you both. Like the day you first met, the day you started dating or the moment you knew they were the one. It can be a date that works with the venue or celebrant you have your heart set on. Just remember some weekdays will be cheaper than a Saturday so if you can be versatile you could end up with a bargain.
Invite who you both actually want to be there!
If you have never met your cousins 50 times removed by marriage, why on earth would you want to spend time and money on them on your wedding day? It is going to be very personal and fun and you. Therefore if they don’t know you, they just will not get it. Above all, spend one of the most special days of your lives together with people you love, cherish and actually want to spend time with.
Hire the Suppliers
Now is the time to get those suppliers booked! The earlier the better, because some suppliers get booked up years in advance. Make sure they are aligned to you and your partner and your vision for your day. And that they have all the relevant insurance policies, that they need.
Pick Your Bridal Squad
When picking your family or besties for your bridal squad, don’t forget you can have absolutely whoever you want, whatever gender they identify as. You could even have your faithful dog, cat or rabbit. You could even not have anyone! It’s your call.
Wear the dress, suit and the colour you want?
If you’ve ever heard someone say ‘well how are people supposed to know who the bride is, if she’s not wearing a white dress?’ Erm…. If they don’t know who the bride is in any colour outfit they chose to wear why are they at the wedding in the first place? (See invite who you both actually want to be there, above.)
Have the most epic day!
So to round up… To plan an alternative wedding day, is to have it exactly how you and your partner want it. Not what your family or friends wants. It’s all about you, your likes, your values and priorities.
It’s your day, so do it your way!
Thanks for reading
x Jodie x
Read my blog on how to legally get married here.