Everything you need to know about wedding planning

Many women dream about their perfect wedding from childhood onwards. Yet, when the time comes to plan the wedding, we find there is a lot to think about. Appointing a wedding planner means some work can already be taken out of your hands. No doubt they will make lots of original suggestions and boast the right contacts in realising your dream wedding. Or would you rather do everything yourself? Make sure you use apps and lists so nothing gets overlooked when planning your wedding. Here we've provided a concise list that will come in handy as a guideline.

• Set the date
• Decide on the location
• Book a venue and decide on a possible theme
• Compile the guest list
• Decide on the menu and wine list
• Choose a photographer
• Choose a stunning wedding dress and suit
• Select the wedding rings and matching jewellery
• Write your vows
• Plan your honeymoon

Read all you need to know about marrying abroad

The countless playlists on Spotify or Apple Music will provide inspiration for your choice in music. To save on DJ costs you can very easily create a playlist of your favourite tunes with Spotify.

Here is a helpful list for you already of free wedding planning apps:

• WeddingHappy
• Tie The Knot
• iWedPlanner
• Wedding Countdown
• Wedding LookBook
• Honeyfund Wedding Registry
• LadyMarry Wedding Planner 

Practical checklist apps

An overview of everything to be done is an absolute must. You'll most likely remember the biggest points, like booking a venue, choosing rings and a wedding dress. But there are a thousand and one other things to arrange besides. Some might even be overlooked. With the Bridebook app you can compile complete To Do lists, so you won't forget anything. An absolute must for efficient wedding planning.

With Mint you can keep a very close eye on your wedding budget, as this handy app shows you how much you've already spent on a range of categories. You can even set up alerts to warn you straight away if you start to exceed your budget on a particular item.

Determining your budget isn't exactly romantic but is a sure-fire way of avoiding financial hangovers after a pricey wedding. By having a budget in place before you start you won't fall into the trap of falling in love with a wedding dress, jewellery or a venue that is beyond your financial remit. The best thing is to jointly set a realistic budget. In our country, on average, a wedding and all the trimmings costs between € 15,000 and € 20,000. Although, we have found that millennials are spending an average of € 31,000.

Read more about engagement ring traditions

Who doesn't love summer? Sunny days, sultry evenings with everyone in a good mood! It's no wonder this season is so popular with engaged couples. The good weather and fantastic abundance of flowers open up your wedding venue choices considerably. The ceremony indoors or outdoors, in a marquee or a chic salon, on the beach or in a meadow? Anything is possible! The summer is also the ideal season for perfect wedding photos.

Cold, the nights drawing in and inclement weather ... Not a big fan of wintertime? A winter wedding is immensely cosy, warm and festive, nonetheless. Even if you're planning on a (short) outdoor ceremony. After all, the cold calls for braziers and heating to be placed all around. Provide some fleece blankets for your guests and score top points for ambience and coziness. And how about walking into the church past a very long row of candles placed on the ground? Romanticism abounds .

Give your creativity free rein when doing your invitations. One original idea is to send your guests a View-Master invitation with a stereoscope reel of photos, based on a narrative. Another great idea is a 3D invitation with 3D glasses enclosed.

Staying up to speed with who can and can't come to your wedding can become an overwhelming administrative task. Who has pen and paper with them at all times, or you might forget to add the name to your Excel file. That's where the Appy Couple app comes into its own. It helps you maintain an overview of your guest list. You can also use the app to send your wedding invitation out. Their response automatically synchronises with the list. Moreover, they can send you messages, should they have any questions, via the app.

Naturally there is nothing wrong with a traditional reception venue, but you can be creative too. Make sure you choose a venue that reflects your personalities. Are you both musically inclined? You could choose a small theatre, jazz cafe or an opera hall.

Be sure to visit and book a venue in plenty of time. Avoid disappointment of your dream venue already being booked up on your wedding day. A practical tip! Ask at the venue if you can take a peek at the preparations for another wedding being held at the venue. This will give you a good idea of the possibilities the venue has to offer and you can already get an idea of possible issues you'll need to address.

Find out more here about wedding dress codes

Why not fully dovetail your wedding abroad with its theme? Irrespective of which holiday paradise you have in mind, the options are endless when planning your wedding. Create your invitations in the format of an airplane ticket or an international passport. The great thing about the passport idea is that you can fill the pages with photos and anecdotes. If you're going exotic, provide for adequate palm trees and exotic flowers at your wedding venue.

What will be on the wedding menu? Seasonal menus are the best. In the summer your guests could enjoy different food trucks or a summer menu. Typical summer tastes are exceptionally tempting. Think of pasta dishes, tapas, grilled vegetables, fresh garden herbs, fruity puddings .... Delicious! Or, how about a BBQ?

Read how to ask for her hand in marriage at Christmas here

The best day of your life must, of course, be properly recorded for posterity's sake. You will be far too busy yourself, so you'd be better off engaging a professional photographer. This photographer will take photos of your vows, as well as atmospheric images of the day.

Be sure to research your chosen photographer's work in advance to get an idea of their field of expertise. You can, of course, always give your opinions. Google a few example photos and discuss the different options with the photographer. This ensures you are on the same page.

An experienced wedding photographer will be able to advise you on how to ensure the day runs smoothly. There might be too much packed into the day. It can be really useful therefore if the photographer can share their expertise. But do remember though that the photographer isn't a professional wedding planner.

Learn more about wedding dress traditions

• Apple : do you have broader shoulders and a fuller bust? Is the lower part of your body narrower with slender legs? If so, an empire dress that sits snug across the bust and widens at the bottom is right for you. Another alternative is a short dress that highlights your legs.


• Pear : turn the apple figure around, and that's the pear body shape. Smaller bust, narrow shoulders and a small waist, but fuller, wider hips and legs. Make sure attention is drawn to your slimmer upper body! A strapless dress will look fantastic on you!


• Rectangle : everything is the same measurement. Your shoulders and hips are on the same vertical line. You have a flat bottom, a small bust and slender legs. Extra volume is key here. Look out for a typical Cinderella , babydoll or classic A-line dress.


• Hourglass : women with hourglass figures must maximise their figure. This can be done by opting for a corset or a figure-hugging skirt. Body shapes can be additionally accentuated with a mermaid style dress.

Dreaming about the perfect wedding also means dreaming about the perfect dress, well, for women at any rate. Men are more likely to think about the suit they will wear. Or will you go for a slightly less traditional look? It can actually get quite warm in Belgium in the summer. A shirt with short or rolled-up sleeves can look very manly. Complete the outfit with a lovely bow or neck tie for a stylish finish.

Your fabulous engagement ring is allowed to make up a prominent part of your outfit on your wedding day. After the ceremony it will fit snugly next to your wedding ring. But you needn't limit yourself to these two rings as your only jewellery pieces on the day, that's for sure. Sparkling diamond earrings that perfectly complement the colour of your wedding dress, or consciously contrast it, help create a more elegant appearance. A stunning diamond necklace draws the eye to your neckline, and accentuates your dress even further. A diamond bracelet will finish off the outfit to perfection.

What complements the groom's tailor-made suit? Cufflinks and a stunning BAUNAT watch. Will you choose one from the Swiss or Italian collection?

In days gone by engagement rings simply had to be set with a stunning solitaire diamond whilst the wedding ring was simpler. Nowadays that tradition seems to be less prevalent. Indeed, a wedding ring can indeed be set with diamonds and needn't be overshadowed by the engagement ring anymore.

A wedding ceremony isn't just about exchanging rings and the first kiss as man and wife. It is also about promising one another eternal fidelity and about sharing with the guests why your partner is the perfect match for you. Where to start when writing your vows?

To start with, think back on your shared history. The first time you met, the first butterflies in your tummy, the first kiss .... take a look at the photos and video clips from that time. How it all started and the memories you have meanwhile formed are the ideal basis for writing your vows. Take your time and make a note every now and again of a fun anecdote or event. After that, look ahead, as your wedding is after all about your shared future together.

There is a great deal involved in planning a wedding. Once your wedding day has been planned down to the finest detail it is time to look farther afield, namely to the honeymoon. Would you like to go on your honeymoon straight after the wedding? A good idea is to have a few days in between the reception and heading off. Your travel itinerary may change to due to unforeseen circumstances, such as the weather, a strike or a crisis. Be sure to pack your suitcases in advance. You really won't have the energy or inclination for packing in the days following the wedding.

Do you already have a dream destination in mind? The options are endless. Bone fide adventurers could go backpacking in Kenya or Thailand, for example. Those who prefer a beach holiday could enjoy a delightfully luxurious holiday on a tropical island in the Caribbean.

A wedding ring is an item of jewellery to be worn every day of course. That means it requires regular cleaning and care. That is very easy to do at home.

Fill a bowl with lukewarm soapy water and leave your wedding ring to soak in it for 20 to 40 minutes. Then polish the diamonds and precious metal with a soft toothbrush and rinse under the tap in warm water. In any case, thoroughly clean your ring with a soft cloth once a week.
Never use chemical products to clean your ring. Bleach or acetone, for example, can damage the precious metal. Of course, your jeweller can professionally clean your rings for you. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us for further information.

You now know how to tackle your wedding plan and that working in line with a checklist or step by step plan really is a good idea. So, what is left to know about wedding rings and the wedding? Did you know, for example, the history of the wedding ring and have you heard about foreign wedding traditions? Find out all you need to know here. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with our experts should you have any more questions.

• Would you like to get married abroad? Read the full guide


• His wedding ring: what different styles are there to choose from?


• The history of wedding rings: discover all the traditions & customs


• How to choose the perfect wedding ring for him and for her?


• What makes marrying vintage-style so popular?