A wedding is a celebration of your love and commitment to one another. That said, it can also be a huge logistical nightmare that requires months of planning. From guest lists to cake orders, there are many little details that must be taken care of. Fortunately, we have some tips and tricks to help make the process as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
The first step is to set a timeline. Ideally, you should have at least a year to plan your big day. That might seem like a long time, but once you get started you’ll find that it goes by much faster than expected.
Next, determine what budget you want to work with. It’s important to keep this in mind at all times when searching for venues, catering companies and vendors. Narrow your options down by budget and aesthetic/scenery, then take into consideration other factors such as whether the date you’re looking at is popular for other to-be-weds (which can drive prices up), how easy it will be for your friends and family to travel to the area, etc.
If you’re religious, it’s a good idea to have designated individuals on hand to assist with the Liturgy of the Word. This may include a maid of honor and best man, plus bridesmaids and groomsmen. It’s also helpful to have designated people for readings, which can be a beautiful part of the ceremony, and for bringing gifts to the altar at the end of the service.
Create a to-do list and start researching and booking vendors. You can use spreadsheets, Word documents or apps such as WeddingHappy or AllSeated to organize your ideas and tasks. As you book more and more vendors, start creating a budget for each category of expenses and decide what areas you’d like to save on or splurge on.
It’s a great idea to schedule time to sit down and discuss your vision for the wedding with your significant other at regular intervals. This will ensure that you’re on the same page throughout the entire planning process and that both of your voices are heard. It will also give you a chance to decompress from the stresses of wedding planning and focus on your relationship.
As you get closer to the big day, make sure to be communicative with your vendors and guests. Ask them if they have any questions or concerns and be sure to address any of them in a timely manner. It’s also a great idea to plan ahead for things that might come up on the day of the wedding, such as weather or an unexpected guest who has to cancel at the last minute.
On the big day, make a point to personally greet each of your guests and spend some time dancing with them on the dance floor. It’s a wonderful way to close out your wedding celebration and is especially appreciated by out-of-town guests. If you’re hosting your wedding at a hotel, consider offering a next-morning brunch to give your guests a relaxed finish to their weekend.