After you send off those invites and start getting responses back, the wedding starts to feel really real. Especially as you start planning the more intricate details, such as your ceremony and reception locations, guest counts, food and drink budgets, and so on.
To help keep you on track, create a wedding worksheet that breaks down your overall budget and helps you figure out where to splurge (and where to save). You can even start a spreadsheet, which is a great way to see how your numbers change as you research vendors. It’s also helpful to talk through your preferred etiquette and decide on your “wedding words”—for example, some couples prefer the term “marry” or “engaged,” while others may use the more casual terms “engage” or “betrothed.”
Once you’ve settled on the date and secured your venue and vendors, it’s time to start building your guest list. This is a crucial step, because it will determine your venue size, as well as your overall food and beverage costs. It’s also a good idea to start choosing wedding party members—maid of honor, best man, groomsmen and bridesmaids—at this point, too. They’ll be on hand from the rehearsal dinner through your departure into the sunset, so it’s important to pick people you trust and get along with.
At this stage, you should also be deciding what music or entertainment you’ll have at your wedding. This is a big part of the atmosphere you’ll be creating, so it’s worth checking out local bands, DJs or performers to get a sense of what’s available in your area.
The ceremony is often the most emotional part of a wedding, with the couple taking turns reciting their vows. Some couples write their own vows, while others stick with traditional phrasing or choose readings from the Bible. After the vows, the couple exchange rings—which is a symbol of their commitment to each other. This is one of the most memorable and intimate moments of a wedding, so be sure to have someone take photos from multiple angles.
After the vows and ring exchange, designated guests or family members may be asked to bring gifts to be offered at the altar as an offering during the Liturgy of the Word. The priest or presiding celebrant will then offer a blessing over the couple and their guests.
If you’re a couple that has lots of out-of-town guests, consider setting up a block of hotel rooms near your venue for them to stay in. This can be a more cost-effective option than renting a suite, and it allows your out-of-town guests to have the convenience of staying close by. Just make sure to reach out to local family and friends who are willing and able to host your guests before booking rooms. You don’t want anyone to feel like a wedding crasher! Also, consider creating a contingency plan in case of bad weather. This is especially important if your venue is outside, as you’ll need to move any decorations indoors and secure a tenting company if necessary.