Here Comes the Pride...

Planning a civil partnership can be a very daunting experience, and with an abundance of choice and oodles of options, where exactly do you start? From the Sublime to the, er, Stanford, your wedding can be as subtle or extravagant as you wish. So for an insight into the all important planning tips, follow Bespoken Dreams  guide to Here Comes the Pride! In the words of Julie Andrews, let’s start at the very beginning…


12 Months to Go – RAINBOW!

R EVEL!
Organise your engagement party and show off your bling; it’s celebration time! Tell relatives and close friends and plan your Save the Dates.

A GREE
Agree on the type of celebration you want; relaxed or formal, register office or licensed venue (you can contact your council to receive a full list of venues licensed). But whatever you choose, remember to…

I NCORPORATE
…Incorporate your dreams, aspirations, likes, loves, hobbies, lifestyle or interests into the day of your bespoken dreams. Delicately stamp your unique personal style and flair all over it!

N UMBER CRUNCH
With the average wedding costing £22k, and of course a raging recession to think about, it’s important to sit down and discuss your budget as soon as possible. If family members are contributing, involve them too. What are your priorities and what areas can you cut back on or save? Think about opening up a wedding bank account and don’t forget to include wedding insurance in your sums. Consider a wedding planner; they have friends in high places and can connect super savvy couples with elite suppliers offering wedding planner discounted rates!

B OOK THE REGISTER OFFICE
Book an appointment to give notice at your local register office. Couples must have lived in the district they are giving notice in for at least 7 days. Your notice will be publically displayed for 15 days and anyone who wishes to oppose may do so during this time. Assuming it’s not Corrie or the Dales, you’ll be good to go…

O RGANISE THE VENUE
Decide if you will have the ceremony and reception at the same place. If you have your heart set on a fashionable venue, book it yesterday! Think about seasons. If it’s more popular in summer then why not consider a winter wedding? Also think about topical events; FA Cup finals, the forthcoming Olympics, they all have knock on effects on cost and availability. If you don’t have a venue in mind, shortlist your own venue menu and visit 3-5 until you find your perfect location temptation!

W RITE THE GUEST LIST
Decide on a first draft of numbers and draw up a list with both sets of parents. Of course this won’t be the final cut, but you will need a rough indication before you can confirm your ceremony and venue. Capacity at a particular venue will dictate whether you host dinner for 80 or an evening cocktail reception for 120.


“So! If there’s one thing you take from this planning keepsake, then darhlings please let it be this, today is your beginning of always, a lifetime of happiness and bliss”

Helen Burns For Better or Verse


Much Love and Happy Planning x