Getting engaged is a time of new beginnings and incredible potential. Your engagement also means you’ll need to plan your nuptials. Whether you’re thinking about a large ceremony or a more intimate affair, there are many details to consider. To make things less stressful, follow these tips on how to start planning for your big day.
Brainstorm Your Perfect Day
The first step to planning a wedding should be to brainstorm ideas. Start jotting down the things you envision for your wedding. Consider theme, color scheme, favorite flowers, type of venue, and other such features. You can add to your planner, organize and make adjustments as you go along.
Narrow Down Your Priorities
Because you probably have limitations on your budget, your next step will be to determine what’s most important to you and your partner when it comes to your celebration. If a destination wedding is something you’ve both always wanted, a big portion of your budget will have to be set aside for travel and lodging. Some couples insist on providing their guests with a gourmet meal, while others might prefer a less extravagant spread. Narrow down your must-have list so that you can start to get a clearer picture of your big day.
Set Your Budget
Now that you know what matters most when it comes to bringing your dream to life, it’s important to get a solid idea of what you have to work with when it comes to funding. Determine the sources of your wedding money. Will you be paying for it yourselves or will relatives be helping? You’ll need to have those conversations to come up with a final budget. Having a concrete budget is essential to moving forward in your planning.
Determine Your Wedding Party
Most couples have at least one or two people stand with them at their ceremony. If you want to include a wedding party, now is the time to determine who those members will be. How many people you invite will depend on factors such as your overall budget and preferred ceremony size. Take these factors into consideration and then narrow your choices accordingly.
Make a Guest List
You’ll need to create a guest list that’s in line with your budget, so you may not be able to invite everyone you’d like. You and your partner should work together to brainstorm a list of your closest friends and family. Next, add people from your social media lists until you reach an agreed-upon total. You can always add or subtract names once you get a better feel for your expenses.
Shop for Your Venue
An essential piece of your wedding planning is the venue. Use information from your initial brainstorming process to target your search. Then begin to research venues that match the type of setting you to desire. Make appointments to visit each place that makes the list, starting with the one that looks the most promising. Be sure to have at least a couple of possible ceremony dates in mind to increase your chances of landing the venue you prefer.
Look for Vendors
Once your venue is locked in, it’s time to find your remaining vendors. Professional services you may need include a photographer, florist, caterer, bakery, and DJ. Consider costs and ask for referrals to be sure you’re satisfied with your choices.
Shop for Your Wedding Attire
Choosing a wedding dress is the most exciting part for many brides-to-be. You can source ideas online and from magazines to get ideas of your preferred style, but you may be surprised at the type of gown you fall in love with. So, it’s a good idea to shop around. The groom and his groomsmen can then choose tuxedos that will coordinate. Another fun part of this step is to choose your rings. Matching wedding bands are a popular choice that demonstrates love and unity.
These steps should give you a good start to planning your special day. Once you get these basics sorted out, deciding on the smaller details should be much easier. Wedding planning doesn’t have to be a stressful process.