So, we know that this year has been full of ups and downs and our hearts go out to any couples planning their big day during a global pandemic. (This certainly is one for the history books – You really could not write this year if you tried!)

Whether you have had to postpone, in the process of trying to reschedule or even just started to organise your big day, it definitely not what you would have dreamed of when you were a little girl. Whilst it is definitely easier said than done you have to try and remain positive! This will all be over, and we must remember that we are (fingers crossed) through the worst of it. Weddings will resume and the world will be a happier place…The saying is true – Love really does conquer all!

We are hopefully here to help (or try our best to anyway) with our top tips to planning your big day…

BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT:

This could not be more important for 2021/2022 weddings! With all the postponements from this year, all of the wedding suppliers will be even more booked up than usual so you absolutely must do your research and find the suppliers you want sooner rather than later. You can never be too organised! Of course, it will feel daunting paying deposits, especially if you haven’t been able to secure wedding insurance at the moment but now is the time to read the small print on cancelations and postponements. Your suppliers will completely understand, and it will make you feel more confident about your booking. Then once you have them secured for your date you will definitely start the feel the excitement you have been looking for!

“Let’s hope dogs aren’t included in the 15 guests!”

LET’S FOCUS ON WHAT WE CAN START PLANNING:

Of course with all the insecurities surrounding the wedding industry we know that you can’t finalise all of the things that you normally would expect to but there is one thing that we can definitely look forward to…THE DRESS! And let’s be honest, that’s one of the main things everyone waits to see (Along side the two of you vowing to love each other forever but it’s debatable which is more important 😉 ).

Now it used to be that we would recommend that you have your wedding venue and other ideas secured before looking for your dress but that is not the case this time. We want to make it all about you and let’s get that excitement flowing! Our advice to you: Choose your dream dress and the rest will fall into place!

“Look at those smiles…That’s what it is all about!”

Our store is completely safe so you can find your dress without worrying or even having to think about the dreaded COVID. We have implemented safety procedures within the Boutique to keep both our brides and our team safe during such a difficult time. Including wearing masks & gloves, temperature checks, sanitising the bridal rooms between brides and limiting the number of people in store at each time to comply with social distancing. Now more than ever we are determined to make your experience everything you have dreamed of and more…you deserve it!

“Were thinking of it as your ‘something blue’…what do you think?”

Once you have chosen your dream dress you can plan your décor and colour scheme accordingly and make it a day to remember.

DON’T PUT IT OFF:

The worst thing you can do is bury your head in the sand. We know that with the ever changing advice it is hard to want to even talk about your wedding never mind think about sorting things or even worse have to look at postponing but trust us, the longer you put it off, the worse it will be. The best thing you can do is stay in constant communication with your suppliers and of course your partner. We know that there may be some bumps in the road but remember why you are doing all this – make sure you lean on your partner and vice versa as you really have to stick together through this. If you have made it so far then its pretty clear that you are made for each other so don’t forget that!

“All of the best love stories have one thing in common, you have to go against the odds to get there”

“Don’t worry ladies, your chance will come and will definitely be worth the wait…Well, he better be!”

BE HONEST WITH YOURSELVES:

Let’s be real, this year has not only been emotionally draining but its likely to have taken its toll on your finances too so let’s take this into account when planning your special day. Again, honesty is the best policy! Firstly be honest with yourselves and make a list of all the expected expenses and how much you are willing to spend, then when you go to look at your suppliers you can tell them your budget and make sure that you are being realistic with what you want to spend. Speaking from experience it is much better to tell us your budget and we are more than willing to help you stay within (or at least around) it. For example, we would hate you to try a dress on and fall in love only to find out that it is twice what you intended to spend on it, it can be really disheartening. We would much rather you be real with us, after all we are here to help, and we are sure that all your other suppliers feel the same!

The day is all about you as a couple so you both need to be comfortable with spending in order for you to enjoy yourselves as much as you should!

LET’S START AS WE MEAN TO GO ON:

So yes, this year has had its challenges but one that seems to be a struggle for everyone at the moment is (yes you guessed it) …The motivation to stay on track with diet and exercise. Let’s face it, with gyms being closed for majority of this year a lot of people have fallen of track on the road to their ‘Wedding Body’ and we don’t blame you.

What we are here to advise is do not put it off! Its easy to have the mentality of ‘Start in the New Year’ but why make excuses, start now because its guaranteed that your big day will be here before you know it. Even if it is just a walk a day or cutting down on the mince pies and mulled wine, you know you will feel better for it and it definitely helps to keep you sane during these crazy times!

We want you to feel your best in not only your dress but in yourself so if you feel like you have let yourself go a little with this year then don’t dwell on it but pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back to it. We are all about body positivity and want you to be the best version of you!