A wedding is a special event for two people to say their vows in front of friends and family. It is also a celebration of the marriage. Depending on the culture and tradition of the couple, it can be a lavish affair that lasts a week or more. In our culture, weddings are usually much shorter but can still be expensive. One of the most important functions of a wedding is to bring together the couple’s close friends and family members in support of the newlyweds. Another function, not as obvious but present nonetheless, is to showcase the bride. The more she is pampered and highlighted at her wedding, the more important she will appear to her groom.
While some couples choose to pay for their entire wedding themselves, it’s also common for one or both partners to contribute. It’s best to establish a budget at the beginning of planning and make sure both parties are clear on what they’re expected to cover. Having a clear understanding of the bottom line will help keep stress levels down when it comes time to pay the bills.
Once you have a guest count target in mind, it’s time to start creating your list of invitees. This is an essential step as vendors will want to know your final headcount when quoting and booking their services, so be sure to get this done well in advance. You can also start to work on tasks like creating a seating plan at this stage as well.
As the date of your wedding draws near, it’s a good idea to create and send a save the date card to let your loved ones know about your big day. You can do this any time from 12 to six months in advance.
Another item on your to-do list is creating a registry and completing any other necessary paperwork with your chosen vendors. This can be an overwhelming task, but it’s important to remember that you can ask for help from your wedding party, family, and friends if needed. It’s also a good idea to designate one person who will be responsible for registering gifts and keeping track of all RSVPs.
If you’ve enlisted the help of a wedding planner, it’s important to set up a regular meeting schedule with them to go over the details and timeline for your big day. This will eliminate any miscommunication or confusion leading up to W-Day and ensure that you’re all on the same page.
It’s customary to tip musicians, photographers, videographers, and florists for their service at your wedding. In addition, some couples choose to leave labeled envelopes for last-minute checks or tips for bartenders, servers, hair stylists, and makeup artists as well. It’s a great idea to consult a tipping guide for more information on how much and to whom.