You've said yes, the ring is on, and now the real planning begins. Every wedding is as individual as the couple behind it, and at Aril Jewels we know that as well as anyone, since no two engagement rings we make are ever quite the same.
To help you plan with confidence, we went back to Emma Murray-Jones, the award-winning wedding planner who shared her advice on proposals in The Art of the Perfect Proposal. This time, Emma walks us through everything that comes after the question, from budgets and guest lists to keeping your head on the day itself.
Emma Murray-Jones
can you tell us a little about your background and what inspired you to become a wedding planner?
From early on in my career, I have been drawn to the magic of events - the meticulous planning, the creativity, and the journey of turning ideas into something truly special.
There is something uniquely fulfilling about crafting experiences that bring people together, but weddings, in particular, have always held a special place in my heart.
What inspires me most about wedding planning is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in such a personal and once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Being part of a couple's most important day is an incredible privilege. I thrive on creating unforgettable memories for the couple, their family and friends that reflect their love story.
From the smallest details to the grandest gestures, I am passionate about designing weddings that are not only beautiful but also deeply personal and memorable.
Beyond the wedding day itself, I love staying in touch with my couples, sharing in their journey even after the celebrations end. Building lasting relationships and seeing their love story continue to unfold is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do.
Getting Started
What's the best first step for couples just starting to plan their wedding?
Take a breath and make sure you enjoy the journey!
Then decide on a year and an approximate month or time of year that you'd like to get married. Next, think about who you'd invite and get a sense of your guest list-with these two things in mind, you can start looking at venues.
How should couples decide on a budget, and what are the key areas to prioritize?
Deciding on a budget is tricky - it's important to think about how much you'd like to spend. Sometimes family might help out, which is great, but do set expectations about their involvement in decisions so you know from the start how involved they'll be.
Your wedding venue, marquee, or catering is always going to be one of the key costs for your wedding day, so once you know your venue cost, you'll understand what you have left to spend on other elements of your day.
Remember, there are other aspects of your wedding apart from your venue, so it's important to allow for these in your budget.
What are your tips for creating a guest list that works for everyone?
Include the people who mean the most to you. On your wedding day, it's important to be surrounded by love.
How far in advance should couples book key vendors, like venues and photographers?
Once you know when you want to get married, start looking for your venue and secure your date.
Once your venue is booked, you can move on to booking your suppliers.
What are the must-know steps for organizing wedding planning without feeling overwhelmed?
Remember, this is your day, and it should be your way. Approach each decision together, and once you've decided, move on. Depending on how much time you have to plan your wedding, I'd give yourself a task per month to focus on.
Adding Personal Touches
What are some simple ways couples can personalize their wedding without overspending?
It's important to include personal touches that mean a lot to you! For example, if you love dogs, adding a model of your dog to place cards or your wedding cake is a lovely idea. Think about things you love - if you're having cocktails at your drinks reception, make them your favourites!
How can couples incorporate family traditions or heirlooms into their big day?
It really depends on the tradition or heirloom. If it's something wearable, you can see if you'd like to wear it for all or part of your wedding day. Just remember, you don't have to wear it all day if you don't want to. You could also include it in pre- or post-wedding celebrations.
For traditions, I knew one couple whose group of friends had a tradition of roasting the couple during the pre-wedding celebration. It was super special and a great opportunity to get any jokes and funny stories out of the way before the big day!
How can couples balance following trends with creating a timeless wedding?
Only include trends if you really like them or they speak to you. Don't add anything just for the sake of it.
Can you share one of your most memorable wedding planning experiences and why it was so special?
Without wanting to sound cliché… I love all of my planning experiences with my couples. Each one is unique because every couple has their own vision, likes, and dislikes. No two weddings are the same, and that's why I love my job!
Staying Organized and Stress-Free
What advice would you offer to couples who feel overwhelmed by managing a wedding budget?
If you're feeling overwhelmed, I'd recommend turning to a professional who can guide you. Some planners, like myself, offer consulting services - you can get in touch, and we can provide support and guidance on any aspect whenever you need it.
What's your go-to tip for ensuring the wedding day flows beautifully and stays stress-free?
I really think you need a wedding planner there on the day. Having someone who represents you, your vision, and your wishes is so important. Depending on your venue, their event manager might be perfect for the job, but I've had to deal with things on wedding days that go beyond an event manager's role-like getting medication for a family member feeling unwell, taking care of gifts, or looking after guests.
What are some tips for handling tricky situations, like difficult family dynamics or guest list dilemmas?
It's important to approach everything calmly and see the bigger picture. If it's really important to your family to include certain guests or traditions, take a moment to consider their perspective before making a decision. It's your day, but sometimes compromise is important. I always advise having conversations with close family at the start of wedding planning to avoid surprises later and manage expectations.
How do you suggest handling last-minute changes or challenges?
Always look for solutions - there's always one! A planner can offer fast solutions and handle any issues quickly on the day.
What's your advice for creating a wedding day timeline that keeps everything on track?
A wedding day will always run a little over somewhere, no matter how well it's planned. I always allow extra time for the bride getting ready. Some things are out of our control-like speeches! I once had a father of the bride speak for 45 minutes when he was scheduled for 15. Interrupting would have been unthinkable, so I just had the service team ready to go the moment he finished and adjusted the schedule accordingly.
What's the key to staying calm and present during the wedding day itself?
Take a deep breath, trust your planning decisions, and know that while there are lots of moving parts, it'll be an incredible day because you're surrounded by everyone you love.
Wrapping up
Huge thanks to Emma for sharing her expertise again! We're always struck by how many similarities there are between wedding planning and jewellery. It doesn't always matter how big the budget is: the best weddings, like the best jewellery, are often the ones that feel completely true to the couple, where thoughtful, personal details make all the difference.
If you'd like a hand planning your own day, Emma would love to chat, so do get in touch. And if you're looking for the perfect wedding rings, or stunning wedding jewellery for the big day and every day after, we'd love to help you find it too.
Contact Emma
If you've landed here without proposing yet, Emma also shared her advice on planning the perfect proposal, so do take a look to get some tips.
About the author
Chloë Woodmansterne FGA DGA
Chloë Woodmansterne is the founder of Aril Jewels, a fine jewellery brand based in London which specialises in historically inspired engagement rings and fine jewellery, made by hand using antique old-cut diamonds and richly coloured gemstones. She studied History at university and has worked in the fine jewellery trade for over 15 years, including for some of the UK's most prestigious jewellery houses. She has been a qualified gemmologist (FGA DGA) since 2012. Aril Jewels has been a finalist at the NAJ Awards, the UK Jewellery Awards, and the Professional Jeweller Awards.
