Lark’s tips on planning a killer wedding!

May 26, 2018

We’ve lost count of how many weddings we have been involved with here at LARK music. We love each and every one of them and whist our expertise is Live Music, Dj’s and Entertainment, we have picked up some tips on how to plan for your big day that aren’t related directly to the music. Here are a few to think of that we reckon should be prioritised.

GUESTS COME FIRST

After all … they are the ones you love and have shared this amazing journey with you. Start prepping a list and get an idea on how many people there are and sort a venue going off these numbers. Most vendors will need to know numbers and this should lead you to what venue will be ideal.

BLACKOUT IMPORTANT DATES

Choose a date and ensure you take note of any Public Holidays, Charity walks that may close off roads or sporting events that will affect traffic. Even keep an eye on the local council to see if any major road works are sheduled. This factors are super important!

PROVIDE ACCURATE DRIVING AND PARKING DIRECTIONS

Some wedding venues are in obscure areas or private properties so please supply guests and all vendors clear instructions on where it is and how to get there. Also, mention if there will be unsealed roads for a specific amount of time. We’ve done weddings where guests were stranded as their cars couldn’t get to the actual venue! Most venues will have a PDF on instructions so it might be an idea to request this and email / snail mail it around.

A MOTHER (NATURE) KNOWS BEST 

Keep and eye on the weather. This is so important. Always have a rain plan and objects near by to comfort guests should the weather turn. Umbrellas handy for rain or some nice blankets for the winter weddings and handheld fans for those scorching summers. Don’t forget bug spray too and always have water ready!

DESIGNATE A CARD OR ACCOUNT TO FINANCES 

Start saving for it now! Even if you’re single! Why not? It’s a lot easier to budget if you have an account designated entirely to Wedding Costs. If you have to get a credit card ensure you choose one with minimal interest and high rewards. Also, choose one with minimal or no overseas fees so you can keep it for that overseas honeymoon.

CLASSIFY YOUR FINANCES

List all your expenses at the wedding. Music, Food, Venue, Dress, Suit, Flowers, Cake etc and assign a number to each – 1 being important and 3 being the least important. Invest most of your money in the 1’s and cut costs on the 3’s

LET YOUR VENDORS LEAD THE WAY 

All vendors have worked non stop in the wedding industry so they may be able to lead you to some fantastic choices. Flowers that suit their venue. Food that leaves you stuffed and a band that suits all settings and restrictions.

BE SMART WITH FOOD AND DRINK

If you spend all your money on bar costs then there is going to be minimal budget for food options. That is a recipe for disaster. We have seen it many times where everyone’s glass is constantly full and they are starving. You know what that leads too…

ASK FOR HELP 

Friends and Family always love to help out. Why not as for some favours? It helps with budgeting and most of the time they love to be involved. Ain’t no harm in asking

WRITE DOWN ALL DIGITS 

Keep contact numbers for all vendors and send this out in an email. This is the safest way should a vendor get lost and need help. We’re all in this together and want it to run as smoothly as possible.

ALWAYS BE ACCOMPANIED WHEN DRESS / SUIT SHOPPING

Another set of eyes is always better than one. Everything will start to look the same and why not make a day of it with your mates. Start with brekky, go shopping, lunch trip and keep it going into the late afternoon. Mates are always there to be brutally honest.

NEVER LEAVE IT TO THE LAST MINUTE

If you need to plan something … don’t put it off. Keep on top of things! The last thing you want is to be rushing in the lead up week and also, Vendors don’t appreciate being told information very last minute. Everyone’s busy. Respect that.

READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EACH VENDOR

This is important. That is all.

GO OVER THE RULES AND RESTRICTIONS

Be prepared. Ask the venue manager of your reception and ceremony venue of any restrictions. For example; noise restrictions, is flash photography allowed, are bare shoulders prohibited? Even things like are tent pegs allowed to be pitched into the lawn if you’re having an outside event.

KEEP A PAPER TRAIL 

If you have any non-standard agreements with Vendors please keep a paper trail as sometimes when the day rolls around the staff member you were talking to probably doesn’t work there anymore! Always email and have any special requests on paper to save any unnecessary arguments.

Most of all…ENJOY YOUR SPECIAL DAY and don’t drink too much 😉

xx