Weddings are powerful symbols of love and commitment, not only for the newlyweds but for family and friends to celebrate together and forge lifelong bonds. Whether small and intimate or grand and elaborate, every couple’s wedding is unique and personal to them. But with so many details to coordinate and often overwhelming amounts of people, it can be challenging to know where to start or when to take a step back.
Start by establishing your priorities. This will not only guide your budgeting decisions, but also help you stay in alignment with your partner throughout the planning process and limit any misunderstandings or disagreements down the road. It’s a good idea to create a document that you can use for this purpose, like a spreadsheet or a checklist – it doesn’t matter what tool you choose as long as it allows you to write and keep track of your thoughts, numbers, and plans in one place. There are plenty of apps and tools out there that can make this task even easier for you.
Choosing your ideal wedding date is important, because it will impact the availability of vendors and venue spaces. If possible, be flexible with your dates and consider external factors such as holiday seasons and weather, which may affect prices and availability.
Next up is settling on your guest count. This is crucial, as most wedding costs are calculated on a per-person basis and will need to be known before you can start booking. Once you have a final number, you can begin making decisions on things like your venue, caterer, florists and rental companies.
Once you have a confirmed list, it’s a great idea to send out your invites in advance of your wedding day. This will give your guests enough time to purchase or RSVP and will also allow you to work out your seating plan. This will save you any last minute panics on your big day!
It’s also a good idea to set aside some labeled envelopes and pens for any last-minute checks or tips you might need to leave behind with your vendors. This can include things like musicians, DJs, hair and makeup artists, drivers, bartenders and servers, as well as your wedding planner.
At the ceremony, you’ll want to take some time to recite your vows and exchange rings. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to seal the deal with a kiss!
At the end of the day, the most important part of the wedding is the two of you recommitting to each other. Your vows will be what your guests will remember most, so don’t be afraid to make them heartfelt and personal! You can also incorporate some traditional customs into your ceremony, if you would like. These can be familial or cultural, or something you and your partner have created as your own unique tradition. Whatever you choose to do, your ceremony will be a beautiful and meaningful start to your married life!