So you’ve found a venue you love and you snatched up that last Saturday in March that was obviously waiting for you to come along. Don’t pop the bottle of bubbly just yet … a wedding is approximately as time consuming as a full time job. No wonder you’re so exhausted in the evening!

My number one tip for all you brides out there is to be resourceful. I’m not suggesting you learn how to turn straw into wedding cake but rather use what you already have. Have you got a friend who recently got married? Or a sister? Maybe even a work colleague?  The best advice you can get is from someone who has been there. It doesn’t matter how minute the issue may seem, you will appreciate it later on. And hey it’s free so what have you got to lose?

Apart from your new best buddy who is going to tell you all her secrets to bridal success, the wedding coordinator is your next best resource.

As a wedding coordinator, I am fortunate enough to experience the venue on a daily basis. Sometimes it’s relaxed and laid back, other times the venue is buzzing with restaurant atmosphere, it could be a rowdy corporate function or even a 21st birthday party. Then I get to see “THAT” wedding that challenges the ‘norm’ in its style and set up of the room…..it might have been a smashing success or perhaps, it was a real fizzer!  My history and experience means I am able to share all this knowledge with you for free … well … we’re just included in your package!

The valuable experience of a wedding coordinator can also lend itself to understanding what palettes and colour schemes work well in the venue, whether or not you need chair covers and how to best position your bridal table so your photos are magnificent. Ask your coordinator how flexible they are, as you want to know you can work with a venue who is pleased to tailor something specific to your requirements.  You also want to look for a coordinator who can suggest ideas outside of the standard function kit.  A function kit should merely be a guideline to some of the options available to you – I like to ensure that each bride has a unique experience.  Don’t be scared to share things about yourself with your coordinator, as they can help develop something that will reflect your personality, After all, I want your wedding to ‘wow’ your guests … and I know you do too!

Feel free to talk frankly about your budget. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed, it means I can tailor something particular for you and recommend a supplier who I know will give you value for your money.

We also know the inside scoop on suppliers. We stay well researched via bridal magazines, our clients and the internet of course. A good coordinator will know the people you can rely on because we rely on them too!

My last tip is to truly, deeply LOVE your venue. Believe in the service, food and ambience of your venue. After all, you’ll spend one of the most important days of your life there with all the people who are precious to you. It is so vitally important to stay true to you. Your style, your way.

Ms Gingham says: “A little insider information never went astray! Thanks to Jennifer Vance from The Old Brewery for these very valuable tips.”

Click here to see Jennifer’s own wedding story.