Don't feel overwhelmed or confused when planning your wedding.  
All you need to do is  work through what you need to do one step at a time. Here is a simple list of 10 important things you need to work out with your fiancee before you get into the finer details.  If you have been married and are not officially divorced please get on to this immediately. Even if you think it may go through quickly it may not be the case. Don't assume. If you aren't  divorced you can't get legally married and it is against the law to have a "pretend" wedding. 
​
1. Your Date and Time                                                                                          Set the date and time.  Think about long weekends and other big events that may be on in the area when you wish to get married. Use google to search the date and ask your local city council. Think about the time of day you wish to get married. Choose a back up date just in case and back up time in case the first options doesn't work ​​
2. Your  Budget 
Decide how much you can realistically spend. Confirm how you will be paying for your wedding and who is paying. If your parents are paying for majority of costs you may need to involve them in the decision making. Most vendors require a deposit to confirm your booking. This may be up to 50% upfront.  If you know the celebrant you want get in contact with them now to see if they are available for the date and time you wish to get married.
3.  Your Guests 
Write a list of who you would like to have at your wedding. Discuss and decide if a currently single person, will be invited to bring a plus one. Decide if guests can bring  their children. If yes, include them in your list. Keep a record of the children under 12
4. Your Style of Wedding 
You know how much money you would like to spend and the number of guests. Now thing about the style of wedding you want. Are you looking at a garden wedding with a BBQ, a wedding venue, beach ceremony, breakfast wedding, marque in a paddock or a large formal wedding?
5. Your Venue/ Location  and/or Hire Company
Most couple start searching for their Venue/location and Photographer at the same time. If you are thinking a marquee, get to your local hire places sooner rather than later. Remember to consider an option for wet weather. Unless you have your heart absolutely set on one place it is a good idea to explore a few options before paying your deposit.  Google is your best friend when looking up venues and location. Type those key words in google and browse their website. Read reviews. Venue prices vary so much and some allow you to bring your own food and alcohol and some supply it all for you.  Enquire via email in the first instance ( so you have a record of all the details and not get confused) Ask if they are available your date and for more information. If that all looks good go and visit the venue/s early. Try and visit them in the same day or week so they are fresh indoor mind. Video the area so you can remember the size etc. Talk to the vendor about your vision for your wedding and see how they react to it. 
6. Your Photographer/Videogapher
Browse photographers websites and find a few whose style resonate with you. Enquire via email in the first instance ( so you have a record of all the details) Ask if they are available your date and for more information. Meet with them and see if you fit with them. You already know you like their work but it is important you feel like they gel with you both as a couple and your vision for the wedding. Ask lots of questions and let them answer. 
7. Your Celebrant
It's very well having the perfect venue and photographer but you need someone to marry you. Have you seen a celebrant recently at a wedding you have attended? Did you really like the ceremony, did they stand out for you? If the answer is yes get in contact asap.  Ask around and use google. Stalk their fb business page and read reviews. Ask for recommendations but remember Just because a celebrant was great for your cousin doesn't mean they are great for you. Make a list of the celebrants you like the look of.  if they remind you of your exe's Mum or Dad or old school teacher you didn't like - not a good idea! Remember they are in you photos and videos for ever. Enquire via email in the first instance ( so you have a record of all the details) Ask if they are available your date and for more information. Meet with them and see if you fit with them. You already know you like their work but it is important you feel like they gel with you both as a couple and your vision for the wedding. Ask lots of questions and let them answer. I have previously written a full article on finding the right celebrant for you here
8. Food/Alcohol/Catering/
Start talking to vendors about the number of guests and your menu you would like. Enquire via email in the first instance ( so you have a record of all the details) Ask if they are available your date and for more information. Meet with them and see if you fit with them. You already know you like their work but it is important you feel like they gel with you both as a couple and your vision for the wedding. Ask lots of questions and let them answer. 
9. Music/Sound System/ Lighting
Ask for recommendations and use google. Enquire via email in the first instance ( so you have a record of all the details) Ask if they are available your date and for more information. Meet with them and see if you fit with them. You already know you like their work but it is important you feel like they gel with you both as a couple and your vision for the wedding. Ask lots of questions and let them answer. 
10. Cake/Flowers/Transport
Ask for recommendations and use google. Enquire via email in the first instance ( so you have a record of all the details) Ask if they are available your date and for more information. Meet with them and see if you fit with them. You already know you like their work but it is important you feel like they gel with you both as a couple and your vision for the wedding. Ask lots of questions and let them answer. Even if you are having taxi vans for guests at your wedding it pays to see how many are available. ​

It is an exciting time planning a wedding. In South Canterbury we are very lucky to have some amazing vendors. Feel free to connect with me if you need some help or recommendations for wedding vendors. 
Happy Planning! 

Celebrating Love and Life with Jade Kyles -Timaru Marriage Celebrant ​

The story of Ben and Mhairi's Scottish Wedding with a hand fasting, Kingsdown Manor, Timaru ​Kingsdown Manor and Chapel Centre was the perfect location for Ben and Mhairi's Scottish themed wedding. In keeping with their heritage, a hand fasting enactment was included after the exchange of rings.

Their Saturday started with showers, that teased us  on and off during the morning. By lunchtime the skies had cleared to reveal a beautiful, bright  sun with fluffy white clouds. 

This loving couple had set their wedding ceremony scene on top of the Caroline Bay Lookout.         This lookout gave us glorious views of the Pacific Ocean, the Southern Alps Mountain Range, Timaru township, the penguin colony and our working Port.  The workings at the port seem to cease during the ceremony so the sounds of seagulls and waves became our background music.