The internet is flooded with resources on how to plan your perfect wedding day covering everything from managing a budget to recommending the latest trends in wedding decorations.

It can quickly become overwhelming planning a wedding, from not knowing where to start or to try to keep everyone happy. Always remember this, there are no rules. You can do this your way and create something extraordinary that has your personality shining through it.

I recently met with my newly engaged friend who’s planning her wedding, and it got me thinking about where do you start. Here are my top tips with some guest blog insight from the gorgeous Emma Jordan Weddings, North East England based Wedding and Events Planner and Event Manager at The Boiler Shop, Newcastle.

Let’s talk about money.

Working with an independent celebrant gives you greater freedom and flexibility in your budget, freeing up your funds and giving you the chance to create your dream day without any money worries. If you’re not limited to licensed venues or have any need to buy into a package you can DIY your wedding in a way that has never been seen before.

Before things can spiral and you get lost in the tempting world of Pinterest, I would always recommend starting with a discussion to agree your budget, add on a little contingency for good measure and then stick to it. Agree together what’s most important to you as a couple. Is it spending most of your budget on the venue or outfits or would you prefer to splurge on a feast? Maybe you want a dream honeymoon or is it having a stripped back and simple venue choice so you can add personal décor? Once you know what’s essential on your must have list, you can prioritise your spending in those areas. I’ve saved my favourite Real Love, Real Weddings over on my Pinterest page to inspire.

Local hidden gems and independent suppliers.

Now the budget is set I’d say the next thing to consider is your venue. Where you choose to wed can tell a lot about your personalities and what’s important to you, and here in the North East and North Yorkshire, we are so spoilt. We have some of the best venues in the world. From historical castles like Bamburgh and Durham to urban creative spaces like The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle and The Baltic in Gateshead or maybe you’re looking for a completely blank canvas’s where your imagination can run wild like New Close Farm in County Durham. You simply hire the field and then create your festival wedding. If you believe in giving back to your local community of independent traders, think about supporting them by including them in your weddings such as local bands, food vendors and artists who can help you achieve your vision for the day.

Bring in the experts.

My last piece of advice is to ask for help. If you’re pushed for time or need someone to organise your ideas call on the support of those closet to you, they will be honoured to hear you’d like them to help. Delegating tasks to those you trust will make the planning more enjoyable and allow you to use your time for other things. If you don’t have that support available consider hiring a professional wedding planner they aren’t as expensive as you might think especially given the discounts they will be able to negotiate for you from their various contacts.

If you’re finding your Weekend = Wedmin let Wedding Planner extraordinaire Emma Jordan Weddings save you time and money as she helps you to create your wedding vision. Her keep it real and focus on each other advice is so true. Check out her top tips for planning your big day.