Planning a wedding can be quite the undertaking. Here are some tips to help you along. Photo: Rolling Canvas.
Everyone loves a fairytale wedding. Putting one together requires a certain level of finesse, but it doesn’t have to be stressful.
Sure, there are many moving parts, dates, expenses and emotions to handle. The list is long: venue, cake, guest list, styling, photos, food, dress, suit and more.
Here’s a hot tip: if you or your partner feel overwhelmed by all the little details, it’s probably time to get help from a professional.
Fernanda Souza is the social events manager at Hyatt Hotel Canberra. The venue, defined by its timeless sense of luxury and elegant approach to romance, has hosted weddings beyond compare for more than 100 years.
Backed by the Hyatt’s century of experience, Fernanda is more than happy to share her knockout wedding planning recipe.
“It all starts with a clear vision. This will underpin every step of the planning process, so consider how every aspect of your special day will look, sound and feel,” Fernanda says.
“How many guests will you have? What atmosphere are you trying to create? When do you want to get married? Where will you stay before and after, and what are your must-haves in a venue?
“If you’re having trouble, ask family and friends for their thoughts. Don’t be afraid to jump online for inspiration.”
Next, it’s time to set a budget, leaving room for last-minute expenses where possible.
Your biggest expense will likely be the venue, but Fernanda says savings can be secured by choosing a location with tiered packages that include catering, accommodation and/or styling.
She advises every future bride and groom to visit venues in person, check out recent testimonials, and make sure they have experience hosting weddings of a similar style.
“The best venues will also connect you with a dedicated events manager, like myself,” Fernanda says.
“Our job is to secure the details so you can focus on key elements that mean the most. You’d be surprised how much wedding stress revolves around logistics.
“We’re also used to working with wedding vendors and often have a solid network of local suppliers to draw from, such as photographers, florists, caterers, decorators, musicians and celebrants.”
Fernanda works with couples across all cultures who are getting married at The Hyatt. She has planned every kind of wedding, from intimate gatherings of 12 to truly grand occasions with 300-plus guests.
The Hyatt events team also caters to multi-day wedding celebrations, made all the merrier by a range of flexible indoor and outdoor spaces across the venue.
“Our kitchen is very multicultural and run by top chefs, able to cater for bespoke menus and complex requirements,” Fernanda says.
“We can host every part of your wedding: ceremony, reception, cocktail hours to entertain guests while you and your partner have photos taken, everything.
“And, of course, we are uniquely positioned to organise stress-free, luxury accommodation for couples and their guests. That’s a huge bonus.”
A final hot tip from Fernanda: try not to sweat the small stuff. Trust your support team to handle any hiccups for you, and be sure to communicate any changes as soon as possible.
Fernanda says any good events manager will be there with you on the day, ready to jump in if things don’t go to plan.
“Generally, when things do go wrong, it’s due to a communication issue or an external force you have no control over, like wet weather,” Fernanda says.
“The whole process should be enjoyable. Site visits, meeting your team, menu tastings, and everything in between are moments to remember. Take the time to soak it all in.
“When all the planning is done and it’s time to celebrate, remember this is your and your partner’s night. It’s the start of the rest of your lives together, so sit back, relax and enjoy yourselves.”
To book a hotel tour with Fernanda, call 6269 8706 and mention this article to receive a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival.
For more information, visit Hyatt Hotel Canberra.
Original Article published by Morgan Kenyon on Region Canberra.
