With engagement season in full swing, I know there are some couples out there wondering what in the world to do now. You’ve got the ring, you’ve told your families and friends, and celebrated the moment…now…where do we go from here?!
Don’t be nervous! Planning your wedding is a wonderful time to look forward. Though sometimes stressful, it should be a time to be excited, and I am here to outline what to do and when, for a seamless and smooth transition into planning your wedding.
My first tip is to determine your budget! Looking for venues, shopping for a dress, and finding the perfect linens will be a bit challenging if you and your future spouse don’t first sit down and determine a realistic amount of money you both are comfortable spending. Weddings are expensive, but making this first step is a huge jump in the right direction so that you know what you want to spend your money on.
Once you have determined your budget, you will want to determine your wedding date. This can be a special day in your lives together or simply a date closer to the holidays which makes it easier for family to be able to attend your wedding. Either way, choosing your wedding date allows you to begin making wedding decisions. Many venues and wedding pros like DJs, photographers and florists fill up quickly, so the sooner you can determine a solid date, the better. You will thank yourself when you book the hottest band in town a year and a half out!
I know this may seem a little suspicious considering I am a wedding planner, but as mentioned above, wedding planning can be a little stressful! My third tip in planning a wedding is to hire a wedding planner. Having some help of any kind will be comforting, and enlisting the help of a Certified Wedding Planner can have a big impact on how well your wedding day goes as a whole. If you have worked through steps one and two and just do not have the budget to hire even a day-of coordinator, consider talking to a professional wedding planner on a consultation basis; a 2-hour meeting with the planner/coordinator will help you know what to do when and how to stay organized! That way if you have friends or family willing to help on the day of the wedding, there will be detailed instructions/directions for them to follow regarding set-up or how you want the flow of your day to go, and then breakdown at the end of the reception.
Speaking of guests, determine that guest list! This will probably be an ever-evolving list as there is sure to be a few guests you originally forget, but by beginning to put this together, this allows for a more accurate estimate on how many guests you think you will have. Usually with my clients, I find their original estimates are anywhere from 25%-50% less than what they end up with! This is because throughout the wedding planning process, you will remember other guests, family, and friends you want to celebrate with. Remember step one in building this list and consider that each additional guest is an additional charge as well. Having an estimated number also helps with booking a venue, as you will need to know how many people can safely fit into the space you are considering.
Lastly, remember to begin to think about your wedding party. This decision is not necessarily who your closest friends are, but more importantly, who you are comfortable with to stand by your side day of. Make sure to consider their availability and budget when asking, and solidify your expectations before asking them so you are all on the same page.
pc: Hans and Nicole Photography
By following these simple steps, you are setting yourself up for a great planning start! These steps will help you begin the exciting process of making your wedding everything you want it to be! Once these estimates are decided, you can look into venues, and providers and begin shopping for your details. If you need help along the way, I am always here to lend a hand! Contact me today!
