Wedding Services | Local Services

If you are currently planning a wedding then you will probably have found out by now that there are more things to think about then you ever thought possible. Trying to coordinate the numerous separate wedding services can be a nightmare and you will always have a nagging feeling at the back of your mind that you have forgotten something really important. With this in mind, we have composed a list of the top ten services that you will need to organise as part of your wedding preparations.

Location
Many locations that hold an official licence to perform wedding ceremonies are booked months and even years in advance. It is thus important to book your date as soon as you find a suitable venue. If it is to be a church wedding then you will also need to find a location for the reception, should you decide to have one. An increasingly popular option is the all-in-one venue that will cater for the ceremony and for the reception afterwards.

The Officiate
The person that you choose to officiate over your wedding will depend on the venue for the ceremony. More and more couples today are choosing to have civil ceremonies rather than a religious ceremony in church and so they can choose the official that they want. If you intend to get married on a popular day, such as Valentines day then you will have to book your official well in advance and be prepared to compromise on the date if necessary.

Stationary
Even the smallest weddings will have guests and it is always a nice touch to have personalised invitations. If you have a tight budget then you can always make the invitations yourself however for those who are splashing out, hand made bespoke invites really add a special touch to the occasion. Ask potential service providers for samples of their work and if they offer any discount for ordering well in advance of the date they are needed.

Transport
Your choice for this wedding service will depend to a large extent on your budget. Classic cars are a popular choice and so again, they will need to be booked well in advance of your wedding date. Alternative choices include horse drawn carriages, exclusive cars that belong to friends and if the venue is close enough you can even walk to the ceremony. Remember to take the seasonal weather into consideration and the fact that cars do occasionally break down � always have a back up plan just in case!

Flowers
The wedding flowers usually include the flowers at the ceremony venue, those at the reception, the bridal party flowers and any corsages and buttonholes you want to give to close members of your family. You can choose to have fresh flowers or artificial flowers however if you choose fresh flowers then you may be limited with regard to availability because of seasonal variation. In addition, artificial flowers can be kept as a memento of your big day.

Catering
Wedding party caterers differ quite dramatically as to what they offer -- so you need to be specific about your needs. If you want a sit down meal for a hundred guests for example then you will have to let your catering company know your menu and any special requirements as soon as you can. If on the other hand you want a running buffet for a smaller party then it may be possible to leave it a little bit longer to book and you should be able to make changes to the menu right up to the week before the wedding.

The Cake
Most companies who specialise in wedding cakes will have a portfolio of ideas that you can look through to give you inspiration. The amount of notice that you need to give a company will depend on the complexity and size of the cake however you should try to decide at least a few months before it is needed.

Bridal Party Wear
Again this will depend on the budget for your wedding. If you are on a tight budget then you might want to consider hiring the wedding dress and groom's outfit so that you can still have the extravagance without the huge bill. Alternatively you might want to dress in something less formal, especially if you aren't getting married in church. Remember that if you are having a traditional wedding then it is your responsibility to dress all of the members of the wedding party which includes bridesmaids, ushers, page boys, the best man and even the flower girls if you have them.

Make up and Hair
A bride and her bridesmaids have to look their best and so you will probably need the services of a hairdresser and make up artist. A good hairdresser will schedule a number of meetings before the big day so that they can try out different hairstyles on you. To save money, use your regular hairdresser and ask around for recommendations regarding a make up artist � you never know, one of your friends might have a hidden talent!

Entertainment
If you are going to have a party for extra guests after the official reception then you are going to need entertainment. This can range from a mobile disco to live bands. However, you should always make a point of listening to bands before booking their services.

Photographer / Video
This will again be determined by budget -- but don't skimp on this. The day is gone all too soon and your memories are best captured by a professional rather than by uncle Frank trying out his latest digital SLR camera and proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is far too complicated for him. Event photography / videography is a science as well as an art form and requires a seasoned professional skilled not only in photography but in diplomacy! Do remember to check with the venue as to any constraints: some will only permit photos or video at certain points in the ceremony.

Creche / Childcare
This may sound like a somewhat unusual suggestion. But we have all been to weddings where we have strained to hear the ceremony above a cacophony of screaming babies and toddlers. Consider hiring a professional childminder and setting up a temporary creche or secure location close to or even in the venue itself if possible. You will of course need to tactfully discuss this with the parents in the group -- not everyone may be willing to leave their offspring in even the best professional hands. Naturally it is essential that you obtain references and perform a police check to ensure that the individual or individuals concerned is / are properly registered, qualified and of impeccable character.

Conclusion
It doesn't matter which wedding service you are trying to arrange, the same piece of advice can be applied to them all � book them as early as you can to avoid disappointment. It might be worth having a second hairdresser and mode of transport on standby in case the worst happens and you should phone each service provider a few days before the wedding to check everything is in place and ready to go. With some good planning and a bit of luck your wedding day should go without a hitch -- and thus be a day to remember for all the right reasons.