Mercure Goldthorn Hotel Wolverhampton
There is nothing better than being able to ask someone who knows the business. We were so blown away by your response from this first blog, that we HAD to go back to Focus Hotels for more top tips!
There is so much involved in planning a wedding. What is the one thing that often creeps up on couples when it comes to planning and organising?
- Tewkesbury Park Hotel– One of the main items not thought about is the photographs on the day. Make a list of the photos you definitely would like and having members from each family available on the day to help organise the guests into the groups wanted as this is your one and only opportunity to ensure you make the most of the time allocated to having your pictures taken.
- Mercure Hull Royal – Probably the final balance payments. Most suppliers will ask for a deposit to confirm the booking straight away and then the final balance 6 weeks before. This can mean that a lot of things need paying for at the same time so we would advise a staggered process for example, settle the wedding car balance 1 year before, the photographer 6 months before, the florist 4 months before etc and then it shouldn’t seem too much at once!
- Mercure Stafford Hatherton House – Ensuring you keep to deadlines and timings. The main thing that brides and grooms find creeps up on them is payment. This must be finalised when agreed and when it is stated in your terms and conditions.
- The Royal Victoria Hotel – Table planning and paying the final amount.
- Mercure Swindon South Marston – One word: table plan!
- Mercure Wolverhampton Goldthorn– Exceeding your budget last minute.
- Mercure Telford Madeley Court– Due to fluctuating guest numbers during the planning process, usually the table plan is the last thing that couples organise. Speaking to the wedding coordinator during the planning stage regarding how many guests per table/how many tables will be required can help for when it comes the time to finalise the table plan.
Mercure Bowdon Hotel & Leisure Club
What is a MUST for the bride to have with her when she is looking for her potential wedding venue?
- Tewkesbury Park Hotel – The preferred date AND some backup dates. It is always worth having an idea of numbers to work with, which will help you select your venue. Along with your budget for your special day.
- Mercure Hull Royal – A list of priorities and question for the venue’s wedding planner. Make a list of everything that is important to you in a venue for example does it hold the number of guests you have, is it licensed for civil ceremonies, is the bar inside or outside the room, are there suitable places to take photographs. In terms of taking someone with you, we would advise to take someone who will be honest with you.
- Mercure Stafford Hatherton Hotel – The groom! Make sure all decisions are made between the two of you.
- The Royal Victoria Hotel – We agree: The Groom and/or MOB (Mother of the Bride) and estimated number of guests.
- Mercure Swindon South Marston– An open mind, and a list of requirements and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Mercure Wolverhampton Goldthorn – Camera, take as many pictures as possible so she can go back and look at each venue to make her decision
- Mercure Telford Madeley Court – An approximate idea of the number of guests always helps as each venue has a different capacity is very important.
Mercure Hatfield Oak Hotel
The finer details are often what makes a big day a great day. What are the more intricate questions couples need to ask? Who will be there with them for the day’s events etc?
- Tewkesbury Park Hotel – Detailed outlining of the day with timings, to ensure external companies such as DJ’s, Band’s, Chocolate Fountain’s etc are given enough arrival and set-up time, we like to have as much detail as possible so we are able to ensure the smooth running of the day and leave the happy couple to relax and enjoy the day completely.
- Mercure Hull Royal – Who will announce the speeches? Will the venue set up the table décor for them? When do they need to drop off their bits and bobs?
- Mercure Stafford Hatherton House – To advise us of their external supplier’s contact numbers i.e. DJ, Cake maker, Florist etc. Another detail that is often forgotten by the bride and groom is the order of speeches. This is important to ensure everyone knows what they are doing and when.
- The Royal Victoria Hotel – What are the table decorations? Who decorates the restaurant/tables? We are here for every wedding!
- Mercure Swindon South Marston – Contact for the day, deliveries for cakes etc – all these questions are spoken about on final meeting with wedding coordinator (wedding coordinator checklist)
- Mercure Wolverhampton Goldthorn– Try and take them through the day as best you can by explaining each step where possible. Try to get the master of ceremonies with you when you do your final appointment!
- Mercure Telford Madeley Court – Knowing that there is someone who will be there on the day and meeting them before the wedding does really help couples to relax and takes some of the stress out of the planning.
Mercure Chester North Woodhey House Hotel
A huge thank you to Focus Hotels for these amazing tips! Who knows, there may even be a third part to these… Stay tuned!
