A wedding is a massive event that is often stressful to plan. Whether you’re getting married in a public or private ceremony, the process is overwhelming for most couples, and even more so when there are tight timelines to follow. It’s important to create a solid plan and set realistic expectations to ensure your wedding day is a success.
Before starting any planning, it’s helpful to sit down with your partner and decide what the most important aspects of your wedding are for you both. This could be your venue, a specific date, or locking in certain vendors (like a photographer or videographer). Prioritize these items so that you don’t feel as constrained with the rest of your plans. Once those details are set, you can start to fill in the gaps with other things that are more flexible.
It’s also helpful to set a budget and stick to it as much as possible. Keep in mind that there will be unforeseen fees and expenses that may come up, so try to give yourself a 10 to 15 percent buffer when planning. You can use an online tool or app to help you stay on track with your budget and tasks.
Choosing a date for your wedding is often one of the first tasks for newly engaged couples. This may require some back and forth as you reach out to must-attend family and friends and work around scheduling conflicts. Selecting a date early can also allow you to secure venues and vendors before they book up, as well as take into consideration external factors like popular dates for weddings in your area (which can lead to higher pricing).
Once you’ve selected a date, create a spreadsheet or other organizing system to keep track of all the details involved with your wedding. This will allow you to see what you’ve accomplished and what you still have left on your to-do list. There are a variety of wedding apps available to make this task easier, including WeddingHappy and AllSeated.
As your wedding approaches, be sure to reach out to the experts who helped you put together your big day! This includes your wedding planner, florists, caterers, venue, photographers, hairstylists and makeup artists. It’s a great way to show appreciation and help them grow their businesses too.
After the wedding, don’t forget to send out thank you cards. This can be a little time consuming, but it’s an essential part of the wedding experience. You can also add a personal touch by including photos of you and your spouse-to-be from your engagement photo shoot. This will ensure your thank-you cards stand out from the crowd!