Wedding Planning 101

 

After you get engaged, your mind might wander to a million and one different tasks that need to be done. We want your wedding planning to go as smoothly as possible! So, we gathered 10 things to do as a part of your wedding planning to make this process a little easier for you!

1. Create a Timeline:

Think of dates that you are most interested in. On average, engagements last anywhere from 6 months to a year and a half or more. Think of a time frame that will give you enough planning time. You will want to try and avoid major holidays and also think of your ideal time of year(season).

2. Envision a Theme or Color Palette and Pick a Venue:

Close your eyes and picture your dream wedding. There are many options today, you can do a barefoot on the beach or a ceremony in a mansion, destination wedding or you can be in-town. Will your wedding be outdoors or indoors? Will it be intimate or a BIG wedding? How will your decor be? Rustic? Modern? Classic? Vintage? Visualize all these aspects in your head and start making plans after you have a good idea of what you want. Take some time to look at magazines, and real wedding’s for creative inspiration.

3. Set a Budget:

Every decision you make will probably regard a purchase. You will want to know how much money you have to use before-hand. Also, determine how much your family members will be contributing.

4. Make a Draft Guest List:

Start with the most important people in your life. Closest family and friends. Check with your Venue on guest capacity so you know your limits. Think about if you want to have more one on one time with your guests making it an intimate night shared with only your closest family and friends or if you want to have a once in a lifetime party. You will also want to keep in mind the larger the number of guests the higher the cost will be.

5. Register Before Bridal and/or Engagement Party:

Your guests will want to give you something to honor the occasion, so don’t hesitate to register things you like, love or need. Even if you do not receive everything on your registry, many stores will then give you a discount on those items for you to purchase.

6. Pick your Bridal Party:

Sit down and think of your wedding party with your fiancé. Take some time out to officially invite them to be your bridesmaid’s and groomsman. After all they will be donating money and time towards your big day. Make sure they know they are appreciated.

7. Hire a Wedding Planner?

If you are a busy couple and don’t have a significant amount of time to plan out all the details for your wedding, think about hiring a wedding planner. Or you can hire a Day of Coordinator. They are there to make sure everything runs on schedule and smoothly on your big day.

 

8. Book a Venue:

Booking a Venue will secure your date. The Venue is virtually the backdrop to all your photos on your wedding day. Make sure the look of the Venue will match that vision and theme you thought of for your wedding day. Schedule visits and try and book early, especially if you have a specific date in mind.

 

9. Hire Your Vendor’s:

If you have your heart set on a particular vendor (photographer, band, etc) act fast. If they are a high demand vendor, then book as soon as possible. Prioritize your favorite vendor’s and book accordingly.

10. Shop Dresses:

Again, you will want to visualize your big day before hand. What are you wearing? Look through magazine’s and photo’s to get an idea. Will you have a train or veil? How will your neckline be? Even if you are deciding what you DON’T want, it is helpful before you go try on dresses. Also think of the time of year you are going to be getting married. If you will be outdoors or inside will also make a difference on how comfortable you will want to be for the whole day.