There are so many things to consider when planning your wedding, and it can all feel a little overwhelming at first. You shopped for your diamond wedding ring at Kimberfire, and now you have to plan the wedding. Where do you start? What are the essential elements of a good wedding? And where on earth do you find the time to plan something so monumental in a few short months? If you’re currently feeling slightly overwhelmed by the prospect of planning a wedding, you’re not alone!
Many couples feel exactly the same way when they have to throw together such an important event in such a short amount of time. But don’t panic! Planning your wedding doesn’t have to be stressful or scary. It can actually be lots of fun if you take things slowly and give yourself plenty of opportunities to explore your own ideas about what kind of wedding you want to have.
Decide if You Want a Small, Medium, or Large Wedding
When you start putting together a list of everything you’ll need to cover during your wedding, it can be very easy to get carried away and start planning a huge, over-the-top affair. You may be tempted to “go big or go home,” but remember that there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding on the size of your wedding. It really comes down to what you, as a couple, want from your special day.
If you’re currently considering the size of your wedding, ask yourself the following questions: What is my budget? What are my priorities? Who are my guests? What venue are we considering? What date are we considering? For example: If a major part of your budget is going towards your guest list, you may want to consider having a smaller wedding. Or if your guests are mostly Millennials who are used to attending events with more of a social purpose, you might want to opt for a smaller, more informal event as they may prefer a more intimate gathering over a large party.
Plan the Big Elements of Your Wedding
If you’ve decided to go ahead with having a wedding, the first thing you’ll need to figure out is what you want to happen on your big day. This will help you to identify the major elements of your wedding, which will make planning the rest of the event a lot easier.
Venue – The first thing you’ll need to decide on is your venue. You can have a wedding pretty much anywhere these days, from hotels to events place. The venue will largely depend on your budget, the guest list, and the look and feel you want for the day. If you’re not sure where to start, planning a “venue date” with your partner can be a great way to brainstorm options and narrow down your search.
Budget – Once you’ve decided on the venue, it’s important to work out your budget so you know how much you can spend on everything else. Figuring out your budget early on will help you to make informed decisions as you go along.
Guest List – Next, you’ll need to think about who you want to invite to your wedding. While you may be tempted to invite everyone you know, it’s important to think about who your ideal guest list would be. Will you have a small or large wedding? Are you inviting family members or just a few people from each side? You may even want to consider having an “open’’ or no invite policy for your wedding, which means you invite the general public to attend the ceremony while restricting who you invite to the reception.
Style and Themes – Once you’ve covered the basics, you can start to think about the style and themes of your wedding. Are you having a spring or winter wedding? Will it be more casual or formal? Do you want to incorporate any traditions or symbolism? Do you want to add in any special elements? Will you be having a theme?
Check Your Budget and Discuss Guest List
Next, you’ll need to sit down with your partner and figure out your budget. This will help to give you an idea of how much you can spend on each major element of the day. Once you’ve worked out your budget, you should sit down with each other and discuss your guest list to get an idea of how many people you can invite. It’s also important to note that you don’t have to stick to your guest list 100%. If your best friend is getting married on the same day as you and you’d love to invite them to your wedding as well, that’s totally fine! Just make sure you and your partner are on the same page so there are no sticky situations down the line.
Decide on Themes and Styles
Once you’ve settled on your venue and budget, it’s time to think about the style and themes of your wedding. As soon as you’ve decided on the type of wedding you want to have, you can start to browse chic and stylish items that will suit your big day. Depending on the season you choose for your wedding, you may be able to pick up some great items on sale. For example, many winter brides will be able to find sale items that will help them to stay warm in the colder months. If you’re not sure where to start, there are lots of online guides that will help you to decide on the type of wedding you want to have. You can also ask friends and family members for suggestions as they may have some great ideas for you.
Select the Venue
Choosing the venue for your wedding is an important decision and one that can sometimes take a lot longer than you might expect. It can also be difficult to find a venue that ticks off all your desired boxes, and you may have to rule out a few places before you find the right one. Here are a few tips to help you narrow down your choices:
Visit More than One Venue – Before you make any commitments, it’s a good idea to visit more than one venue, if possible. This will give you a chance to see the venues in person and make a more informed decision.
Assess Your Budget – While it’s important to find a venue that appeals to you and your partner, it’s also important to make sure it fits within your budget. If you’re not sure where to start, try to think about the different elements you’d like from the venue.
For example, do you need a large space or can a smaller venue work for you? What are your necessities when it comes to the venue?
Ask Friends and Family for Suggestions – Another great way to find a venue is to ask your friends or family members if they have any suggestions. This will help you to save time by not having to go out and visit every venue in your area.
Decide on the Food, Music and Cake Tastings
Once you’ve settled on the type of wedding you want to have and found a venue that ticks all of your boxes, it’s time to think about the rest of the elements: the food, music, and cake tastings. When it comes to the food, it’s best to think about what your guests will like and cater to their taste buds. If you’re not sure where to start, consider having a discussion with your partner about the types of food you both like, and then researching catering companies that specialize in those types of meals.
When it comes to the music, decide if you want a live band or DJ. If you’re having a live band, it’s a good idea to discuss a playlist with your venue as they may have certain sound restrictions. If you’re opting for a DJ, make sure you discuss what kind of music you want to be played at the event.
Finally, when it comes to the cake tastings, you’ll need to book tastings with a few local bakers. You can narrow down your choices of bakers by using the same techniques you used when picking a venue.
Add in Celebrations Before the Ceremony
Finally, once you’ve planned the elements of your wedding, you can start thinking about the smaller celebrations you want to incorporate before the ceremony. Some common celebrations before the wedding include throwing a bridal shower or a bachelorette party, throwing a post-wedding brunch, or hosting a housewarming party. These celebrations are a great way to celebrate your new life with your partner and are sure to be lots of fun!
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