When planning your wedding, sometimes it seems like the work is never done. And with social wedding websites popping up everywhere, the focus seems to be placed more so on the details than the backbone of wedding itself! So if the creative side of your brain is going crazy, give it a rest! There are ways to plan every detail of your dream wedding without losing all your hair in the process. My suggestion to all couples is to make a checklist of the necessities. Crossing off these items will keep you on track and keep planning less of an obligation and more fun!
The Date
One of the most important details of the wedding you and your fiancé have to decide upon is the actual date of the wedding. This should be taken care of first. What is your idea for your perfect day? A Late spring or early fall should be your best bet to avoid the hot weather.
The Budget
Before you start to make your plans, you must have a budget. Know how much you want to spend for each detail of your wedding. With the average wedding costing approximately what you have to spend you want to budget for each detail so you don’t find yourself over extending. Wedding Planner tip: STICK TO YOUR BUDGET! Last thing you want to do is create stress because you’re spending money not initially planned for.
The Guestlist
It is very important to talk with your future spouse about the size of your wedding that you both have in mind. Be sure that you are both on the same page of what to expect, and it will eliminate hard decisions about cousins and uncles or friends on the list.
The Venue
Where your wedding will take place. Looking for a place to have your wedding certainly is important and it is also the biggest chunk of your budget besides your honeymoon. To save money, look for venues which offer discounts for events held off season and other non-peak times.
The Photographer
Sure your friends and family will be taking pictures, but for this special occasion you will want to consider a professional because you want something very special, lasting and visually presentable. Sure, Instagram and facebook updates are allowed but don’t let them be our only wedding album.
Extra Help
Some couples also look to seeking wedding planners who take your thoughts, vision, dreams, and budget and make it a reality. Not quite sure how a wedding planner will benefit you?
Of course, the food, the entertainment, the flowers, the centerpieces and the dress/tuxes will all come in due time, but trust me, if you get these checked off, you’ll be ready for a wedding in no time. Hope this helps you get started!
Happy Beginnings, Mike