Expert advice on how to plan a wedding in 2024

Georgie Mitchell, Wedding Planner and Wedding Expert for online fashion destination Silkfred, shares her expert insight on how to plan a wedding in 2024...

1. Where is a good place to start when planning a wedding? 
Georgie suggests: “Figure out your goals! Every wedding starts very differently and couples want different things. Sit together and decide what is the most important part of your wedding day - are you looking for a big party? Therefore drink and music may be key. Alternatively, if the look of everything is the most important thing, then this is where your money will be spent. Ensure you then allocate the budget and start with these suppliers.”

2. What would you say is the most important thing to consider when planning a wedding? 
Georgie reveals: “The most important factor of a wedding is personality. There is no point spending thousands of pounds on a day, if it’s just going to look like everyone else's. Add your own personal touches - for example, maybe you serve pizzas because you got engaged in Italy, or create a monopoly table plan because you love games - it’s these bits you and your guests will remember.”

3. In your opinion, are there any parts of wedding planning that people spend too much time obsessing over? 
Georgie says: “This may be a controversial opinion but I think it’s good to obsess over the things, especially if they are important to you as a couple. Sit down and take time picking songs, make sure you get the flowers exactly how you want them. However, not everything needs to be obsessed over - it’s important to trust your suppliers!”

4. When is the best time to start planning a wedding? 
Georgie reveals: “The best time to plan a wedding is… now. Even if you opt for a slower planning process, if you see suppliers you like, get them secured - because if they’re good, they’ll get booked up and you don’t want to be left disappointed.”

5. In your experience, what is the part of wedding planning that can be the trickiest/create the most friction? 
Georgie reveals: “Honestly, I would say that the trickiest part of the wedding planning process is sorting out transport. Not only can it be finickity, It’s boring. It’s difficult to arrange. It can be expensive. My top tip would be, don’t offer it out freely - allow guests to sort themselves out for some things. If you do need to arrange transport, limit the options!”

6. What is your top tip for couples who want to create a wedding that is unique to them? 
Georgie divulges: “If you want to create a wedding that is truly unique it’s essential that you be a bit selfish and think about yourself. As a couple ask yourselves, what do you love? What do you do for fun? How did you meet? Where did you get engaged? Use this information to think of unique items, ideas and activities!”

7. Are there any celebrity weddings that stand out to you that we can pull inspiration from? 
Georgie says: “To be honest, I think unless your budget matches that of a celebrity wedding, it’s not a good place to find inspiration. I would recommend looking at blogs, social media, suppliers etc.”

“If you do see a celebrity wedding you really like the look of, be realistic about what is achievable and what elements you like- for example it could be the colours which are easily transferable to lower cost items.”