Have you considered these basics when getting your wedding planning started?

Wedding planning can be so confusing on where to start and how to approach it. When you do get to the start of planning these basic tips and ideas will shine some light on some of the confusing aspects

A Budget

will be relevant for almost all of your decisions, this should be one of the first things you agree on. If any family members will be contributing, talk to them about what they’re comfortable helping with. If you’re funding the day yourself, Be prepared for a reality check when it comes to costs involved. Once you’ve got that magic number, stick as close to it as you can.

Venue Or The Date

What is more important. Talk with your partner and determine what will be the priority. Prioritize those details and be willing to compromise on the rest. Locking in certain vendors can come after a date and venue are booked.

Choose A Few Ideal Dates

 and try to be flexible if possible, so you’re not constrained when attempting to book the wedding venue and vendors. Take into consideration external factors like how popular those dates might be with other couples and seasons.

Off Site or On Site

An off site wedding is one where the venue doesn’t have a commercial kitchen and where you need to bring everything in, places like a rustic barn or a hall.  Having an on-site wedding would be somewhere like a dedicated venue or restaurant. On-site simplifies the planning as they will have a range of catering offerings available, as well as access to the basics like chairs and tables, and possibly even an on-site coordinator to assist you.

Booking Wedding Vendors

don’t rush unless it is 100% the vendor you want. Consider a few different options and make sure these vendors understand your vision and can also work to your budget. Wedding vendors are key to ensuring your day is memorable and everything runs smoothly, make sure they’re a team of people that you really vibe well with.

Consult With Your Partner

because their opinion is going to be invaluable and it makes wedding planning that much more fun when you can make decisions together. Working towards a common goal not only further your relationship but also helps you grow as a couple with every issue you tackle as a team.

The Best Resources

 are often friends and family. If you have attended a wedding that you really enjoyed, ask that couple for advice and insights. They probably have some great tips and tricks that they learned along the way.

Your Wedding Party

is a joint decision with your partner and you will both decide what size wedding party works best for you. The friends and family you ask to join your wedding party are there for support throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day. keeping in mind the expenses that come along with a large wedding party.

 

“Prepare or order some food and drinks for the bridal party to enjoy while they’re having photos taken with you. These usually are taken between your ceremony and reception, so your bridal party often misses cocktail hour especially if you go off to locations, by this part of the day everyone is hungry”

Wedding Transportation

Has a few categories to take into consideration. you may require transportation for yourselves and the wedding party to and from the ceremony.

You will then need a vehicle to take yourself, your new spouse and the wedding party to the reception via some locations for photos.

If your venue is in a remote location or you have guests attending from out of town, it is thoughtful to also book group transportation to take them from the reception at the end of the night

Invitations

 Save the date cards can go out nine months before the wedding date for a destination wedding. Wedding invites can be sent as soon as you know your style and have a venue confirmed. 

Invitation can follow two to three months before the big day. You should request that RSVPs be returned no later than one month before the celebration so there are no last-minute hiccups.

DIY wedding décor elements

can be cost-effective and will add some incredible personal touches. Don’t go overboard or you’ll end up with more work than you should handle. Plenty of DIY projects can be done well in advance. 

For things like wedding day florals or food, professional help is best.

Set Up

as your date approaches, check in with your venue to find out when your vendors can arrive for setup. The earlier the better in some cases, venues may have other events going on the same day. Be sure to pass along the information to your vendors so everyone is on the same page.

Traditional Aspects

Can make you uncomfortable or simply aren’t your style, then don’t include them on your wedding day. Traditions are lovely, but only when they’re meaningful to you.

Your Music & Playlists

Regardless of if you are having a live band, DJ, or manning the Spotify playlist yourself, you will need to outline all of the key songs that absolutely must be played during the nuptial festivities. Just as important: Don’t forget to also create a list of the songs you definitely don’t want to hear.

To Stay Organised

Use checklists, spreadsheets, Word, Excel, Google Docs. Anything, as long as you can gather all your thoughts, budgets, figures, etc., in one place. Keep it organised and keep it up to date with deposits, contact details and due dates.

Create A

wedding day schedule ensures everyone is on the same page about timing and location and helps to make sure the day’s events run smoothly. Include things like: 

  • Hair & make up appointments
  • when vendors will arrive
  • timing for transportation to arrive at the ceremony location
  • timing for the couple’s arrival to the reception
  • speeches 
  • first dance 
  • when the cake will be cut

Print out (or email) copies to your MC, photographer and anyone who will have a hand in the running of the evening.

For anyone tech savvy you can avoid getting endless emails and text messages from guests by putting up a simple wedding website or group message where they can check out the details of your wedding. Include important information like dates, times, locations, dress codes, registries, transportation and lodging, and a day-of itinerary.

So there we go, some super easy topics to consider that you may not have thought about to help make your wedding day more relaxed and more personal to you.

There are some other blogs on my website to help with planning music or atmosphere to really make your day pop at the right moments.

Remember to have fun, you are essentially throwing a huge party and what is a party without the fun. 

See you on the dance floor party people!!

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