Planning from this day forward…

With more new trends, imaginative ideas and special touches emerging all the time, the big day (or weekend) starts with careful planning long before.

We’ve all never been more aware of the importance of making the most of those special moments in life, when we bring family and friends together and create memories that will last forever. While many people have chosen to celebrate with ‘micro-weddings’ over the past few years, big parties, exotic culinary choices, destination weddings and lavish accommodation are very much back.

Focusing on the guest experience is particularly popular at the moment, which not only means spending more money per head, but adding personalised details and extras; so everyone feels fully included in the wedding experience.

Celebrations that go further

People are travelling more again thanks to loosened restrictions and vaccines, so destination weddings are an option for couples looking to tie the knot overseas. Stylish wedding villas offer top quality facilities and the privacy needed to create a completely bespoke event.

Sometimes, a simple ceremony and reception aren’t quite enough. Full wedding weekends can include welcome parties, a fun and inclusive daytime activity and a big brunch the day after the main celebrations. It’s also good to see that sustainable weddings are becoming increasingly popular. Couples can choose to bring in vendors who demonstrate greener production, such as plastic-free catering; as well as use slick online services instead of sending out traditional wedding stationery.

It all adds up to wedding celebrations being a big, big event for families. With the right financial planning, you can not only help to make the process painless, but extra special and truly memorable.

And after the frantic preparations for the ceremony and celebrations, there’s time to relax on a truly unforgettable honeymoon. With worldwide travel back on the agenda, the sky really is the limit when it comes to destinations, whether it’s the ever popular Caribbean, Pacific and Indian ocean islands, or somewhere more theme-oriented such as wine-tasting in Napa Valley or the Burgundy hills.

Making the big decisions together

Although talking about wedding costs might not seem romantic, it can be a great opportunity for couples to agree on what’s most important to them on their big day and as they set off into married life. Decisions on where to spend and save are very individual, so the way you plan your wedding budget could be a big part of what makes your event special and personal.

Investing in the experience?

For parents of the nearly-weds, making a contribution that helps them celebrate in the way they want has often been a cherished plan for many years. Traditionally one set of parents might cover the lion’s share of the costs, but increasingly these expectations are changing. Being open to talking about money and what it means to you to be able to help the happy couple is important.

Thinking of every last detail

It’s about more than the cost of a venue (which will need to be a very good size if more than 150 guests will be attending the event). According to WeddingPlanner.co.uk, at least 50% of the cost of a wedding in the UK goes on things like catering, corkage, hair and beauty, hotel rooms, stationery and photography, plus a long list of added extras couples choose to include to make their celebrations unique.

Here’s to starting the planning now

Everyone wants a special, stylish and memorable occasion, and you can play a big part in making that happen right now. Careful, considered, long-term financial planning will simplify the process, take any worry or uncertainty away, and help grow the funds to handle rising wedding costs.

Attivo is ready to help with the preparations for the big day. Whether you’re part of a couple planning to fund the celebrations yourself, or you want to have money in place for a family member’s future wedding day; we’re ready to pass on our extensive insight and experience in this area, and discuss how you can put the right financial planning in place to help make it the perfect day.

*The value of your investment can go down as well as up. You could get back less than you invested.