If you’re planning on tying the knot in the not too distant future, chances are you’ll want the day to run absolutely smoothly and totally without a hitch. But with hotels and other wedding venues bombarding you with offers and promising you all sorts of dream wedding days, you’re forgiven for thinking that Gretna Green might just turn out to be the easiest option after all.

It really needn’t be like that, though. As long as you can decide whether you would prefer a tailor made wedding package or an all inclusive option, you’re half way to walking down that aisle looking radiant and completely relaxed.

To begin with, an all inclusive wedding package should be exactly what is says. Most of us have a budget that we really daren’t exceed and an all inclusive deal should stay within any agreed limit. With a tailor made wedding you may easily soar over budget – it can turn into a big headache if you let your imagine run away with you and you start planning all sorts of little extras that you hadn’t previously bargained for. If you opt for an all inclusive wedding the hotel will work out what’s feasible with the budget you provide and they will guide you accordingly.

Of course, this immediately reduces sleepless nights and leaves you free to worry about all the hundreds of other things you have to do before your wedding.

All inclusive packages are becoming more and more popular for busy couples who want that bit of extra guidance. Of course parents and friends often like to help – but if you plump for an all inclusive wedding package you will usually benefit from your own personal wedding planner who has years of experience organising weddings and who will give you as much – or as little – independent sound advice as you wish for. However, it does mean that you have less control over your big day. But your wedding planner will be in attendance on the day to make sure everything flows swimmingly – from the opening of the first champagne bottle to the last dance. With someone else doing all the hard work you’re free to smile at the cameras and fully enjoy your day.

And you may be treated to a few little goodies from the hotel as a thank you for your custom, like a complimentary honeymoon suite or membership to the hotel Spa. It doesn’t always happen – but it’s nice when it does.

On the other hand, many couples don’t want to be part of what might appear to be a conveyor belt on their wedding day and yours may not be the only wedding taking place. If but you want exclusivity, it’s worth asking if you’ll be the only blushing bride on the day – or at least making sure that the hotel can cater for two wedding parties without the guests inadvertently gate crashing one another’s functions.

At least a tailor made wedding gives you the chance to really get stuck in and put your own personal stamp on your big day. But you do really need the time and flair for it – so make sure you know all that’s involved in planning a wedding before you decide to take it on yourselves.

Author Bio: Dave Matthews is a freelance writer, writing on behalf of The Solent Hotel, a premier Hampshire Wedding Venue.

Category: Marriage
Keywords: wedding, venue, hotel