The team behind The Liverpool Wedding Show bring us their top tips for planning the perfect wedding

Did you or someone you know find something sparkly under the Christmas tree recently? Was your New Year’s Eve one you will never forget? More than 60 per cent of all engagements take place over the festive period, with Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve the most popular days to pop the question. But what next? Many of us may have dreamed about our perfect wedding day for years, but planning it can be a daunting task.
 
Luckily, we have a couple of experts on hand to bring you their top tips and essential advice for planning your big day! Vikki Sweeney and Lindsay Devlin live and breathe everything wedding related. As founders of the all-new Liverpool Wedding Show, the girls have been delivering inspirational events for couples, at some of the region’s most high-profile venues for more than eight years and can't wait to take their much-loved shows to a whole new level at the weekend long event, which will take place at ACC Liverpool on the 10th-11th February, 2024.
 
Speaking of the event, founder Vikkki Sweeney says, "We just wanted to create something super-inspirational. Interactive and fun for couples who are starting their wedding planning journey. We work with some incredible suppliers and have been overwhelmed by the amount of support we have had so far. It’s going to be an epic weekend, packed full of amazing ideas and inspiration for your big day.
 
"Starting your wedding planning journey can seem a bit daunting," Vikki continues. "So hopefully our tips can help guide you on your way, and of course, The Liverpool Wedding Show can help fill in any gaps and inspire you to create the absolutely perfect day for you and your guests."

THE WEDDING PLANNING ESSENTIALS
 
Start early
Time is very much your friend when planning a wedding. Although you can get some great last-minute deals, if you have specific dates or a dream venue in mind it makes sense to book early, we would say at least 12 months before.
 
Get yourselves organised
Create a spreadsheet, make a website, create a wishlist and get some of the boring logistical stuff done first.
 
Set a budget and stick to it!
This is big one. So many couples let their budget get out of control. Set your priorities, be a fabulous food, a luxury venue or dream honeymoon, make sure you keep a tight rein on your budget.
 
Book your venue
Many venues have a limit on the number of weddings they will host in a year and if you are looking at key summer or Christmas dates, this often get booked up way in advance, so if you are keen to bag your dream setting, book a show round and get your date secured asap!
 
Choose suppliers you feel comfortable with
From your transport to your florist, hair and make-up team and photographer, you are going to spend a lot of time with these people, so make sure you like them. Spend time getting to know them, check out their reviews and make sure they are the right fit for you.
 
Decide on your vibe
Whether a boho beach theme, or elegant country house vibe is your thing, decide on the overall feel and style of your big day as this will dictate a lot of the ‘big’ decisions (like venue / attire etc. Make sure the day reflects you both as a couple and if traditional is NOT your thing, go wild!
 
Select the perfect caterers
For many couples, food is a huge part of their celebration. Whether you are fine-dining foodies, a more street food style couple or passionate about plant based, choosing your caterer (and sampling their food) is a very important stage.
 
Have fun
Our number one tip: You're only going to do this once (hopefully), so enjoy every moment. Making your lifetime commitment to each other and celebrating with family and friends is what it’s all about, so maybe leave the social media likes at the bottom of the list and just enjoy the journey!
 
The Liverpool Wedding Show will take place on 10th-11th February 2024 at the ACC Liverpool. Billed as the largest, most inspirational wedding event in the region, the event will bring together a host of experts, industry leading suppliers, live catwalk shows, beauty pop-ups, live entertainment, and an exclusive VIP lounge facility, creating a one stop shop for all your wedding planning needs.

To find out more, or claim your complimentary bride or groom ticket CLICK HERE