You may not know, but Essex has the highest number of wedding venues out of all the counties in England, and as a result hosts the highest number of weddings.
With so many couples looking for their wedding suppliers in the county, here are our top tips for choosing your Essex wedding suppliers:
1. Start early. The best wedding suppliers in Essex book up quickly, so it's important to start your research and booking process early. To give you an idea, we are actually taking enquiries for 2026 already, so don't ever think it is too early, especially if you want a particular company or person to cover your wedding.
2. Set a budget. This will help you narrow down your options and focus on suppliers that fit your price range. Prices vary massively between suppliers and dependent on what you want. A more experienced person will often charge more than someone just starting out. Never be afraid to ask if they have any special deals or can offer a bespoke quotation because you don't want everything they offer in a set package.
3. Do your research. Read reviews, look at portfolios, and ask for recommendations from friends and family.
4. Meet with potential suppliers in person. This is your chance to get a feel for their personality and style, and to make sure they're a good fit for your wedding.
5. Get everything in writing. This includes your contract, the scope of work, and the payment schedule.
6. Be clear about your expectations. Let your suppliers know what you're looking for and what's important to you.
7. Be flexible. Things don't always go according to plan, so be prepared to be flexible and adaptable.
8. Consider the location of your wedding. If you're getting married in a rural area, you'll need to factor in the travel time for your suppliers.
9. Be aware of the seasonality of weddings in Essex. The summer months are the most popular time to get married in Essex, so you'll need to book your suppliers well in advance if you're planning a summer wedding.
10. Take advantage of the local talent. There are many talented wedding suppliers in Essex, so you're sure to find someone who can help you create your dream wedding.
11. Live Wedding Music.
This brilliant tip comes from Sue at Simply Sax.
I’ve had another disappointed bride that I’ve spoken to who has booked me to play in the evening as well as drinks reception, only to find out that live music is not permitted after 9.30pm. Another venue I have played at does not permit it after 6pm.
Please check with your venue before booking your entertainment but also, if you are dead set on live entertainment, please consider your venue carefully when starting your wedding plans. Not all venues advise the clients of this so be sure to ask.
12. Wedding Entertainment
This great tip is courtesy of Chris from Chris Reads Minds
Once you have your venue and photographer sorted, couples often move on to finding the right entertainment. Booking a magician isn't for everyone (though in my humble opinion, it should be ), but if you are considering it - the main thing is to ask to see a demonstration. It seems obvious as you wouldn't book a cake designer without tasting their work, but to get a proper idea of how they'll interact with guests, the type of magic they'll perform and how good they are - a demonstration is essential. Most top magicians will be able to do this over Zoom, but if possible, try to meet them in person.
We hope these tips will help you on your wedding planning journey, but if you have only just got engaged then make sure to read this blog post. "Congratulations, You're Engaged ! .... Now What ?"
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