Dreaming of the perfect wedding? You’re not alone! Every year, countless couples embark on the thrilling (and sometimes overwhelming) journey of planning their big day. Whether you envision a grand ballroom affair or an intimate backyard gathering, we’ve got your back! Our top 10 wedding planning tips for newly engaged couples will help you navigate the essentials without losing your cool.
When to start planning
The ideal time to start planning depends on your desired wedding date and style. For a larger traditional wedding, allow at least 12-18 months. This timeframe gives you ample opportunity to book popular venues, secure in-demand vendors and order custom attire. Planning a smaller, intimate affair? You might comfortably pull it off in 6-9 months. Here’s a wedding planning checklist that can help you throughout every stage of the planning process.
Establish your priorities
Before diving into details, sit down with your partner and have an honest conversation about your wedding priorities. Does the venue, food, photography, or maybe the honeymoon matter most? What do you want the wedding to look like? Understanding each other’s must-haves helps guide your budget allocation and decision-making process.
Consider creating a shared Pinterest board or inspiration folder. This visual aid can help you communicate your style preferences with each other and future vendors.
Crunch the numbers
We can’t have a list of wedding planning tips without talking about the budget. Though budget talk can be a difficult conversation, it’s essential to establish one at the very beginning of your planning process because without it, you’ll just be spinning your wheels. You don’t want to fall in love with a wedding venue only to find out you can’t afford it. So, be realistic about your finances and remember that a beautiful wedding doesn’t require a fortune. Start by determining who’s contributing and how much. Then, break down your total budget into categories, prioritizing your must-haves.
Pro tip: Build a buffer of about 10% for unexpected expenses. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later!
Draft your guest list
Come up with a first draft of your guest list early on in the planning process. Don’t worry, this isn’t the end-all and be-all of your final head count. It’s just the beginning, and while this preliminary list can be one of the most challenging things to tackle, it’s the one that dictates many other aspects of the event.
Your guest count influences nearly every aspect of your wedding, from venue choice to catering costs. List everyone you’d like to invite, then categorize them into must-invites, preferred guests, and nice-to-haves. This approach allows flexibility as you fine-tune your numbers later on to match your budget and venue capacity.
Consider hiring a wedding planner
If the thought of coordinating all the moving parts makes your head spin, think about bringing a professional wedding planner on board. They can save you time, stress and even money in the long run. Their industry connections and expertise can be invaluable, especially if you’re planning from afar. Hiring a wedding planner may be one of the most overlooked but absolutely best life-saving wedding planning tips.
Get creative with your theme and decor
Let your personalities shine through in your wedding details. From invitations to table settings, your decor choices will set the mood for your celebration. Scour Pinterest for inspiration, but don’t feel pressured to recreate every trendy idea you see. Focus on elements that genuinely resonate with you as a couple.
Choose your dream team
With a clearer picture of your wedding size and style, it’s time to assemble your dream vendor team. Start with the big ones: venue, wedding photographer, caterer and planner. These wedding vendors book up quickly, especially on peak dates, so make sure to start this process early.
One of the best places to begin your search is on wedding marketplaces. This directory is full of top-notch vendors in each category, putting them all within a quick search from the comfort of your home. Once you narrow them down, read reviews, check their portfolios, and don’t hesitate to ask for references. Schedule meetings or video calls to ensure your personalities mesh well. After all, you’ll be working closely with these professionals for months.
Find your perfect attire
Shopping for wedding attire should be fun, not stressful! Start early to allow time for alterations, and don’t be afraid to try on styles outside your comfort zone. You might surprise yourself! Remember, comfort is key – you’ll be wearing this outfit all day. Consider mix-and-match styles in complementary colours for a modern, cohesive look for the wedding party.
Don’t forget the legalities
Amidst the fun stuff, remember the paperwork! Research marriage licence requirements in your area. Some locales have waiting periods or require blood tests. For destination weddings, familiarize yourself with local laws, as you might need to “officially” tie the knot at home (a local wedding planner can help tremendously in this area). It’s wedding planning tips 101, but you’ll be surprised by how many couples forget this step.
Expect the unexpected
No matter how meticulously you plan, something will likely go off-script. Build buffers into your wedding day timeline, have a rainy-day fund (and backup plan) and, most importantly, maintain perspective. Years from now, you’ll cherish the moments of laughter and love, regardless of whether the napkins perfectly match the bridesmaids’ dresses.
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