Don’t let wedding planning overwhelm you. It’s an exciting time! You’ll be on your way to creating picture-perfect nuptials in no time. Make planning your wedding a breeze by following these seven tips.
1. Money Talk
What are the most important details that deserve the extra dough, and which features are less critical? Before you get ahead of yourself, sit down with your fiancé and have a serious conversation about how much you have to spend.
Take into account whether anybody else, such as your parents, will be contributing and helping reduce your financial burden. Create a wedding budget that visibly breaks down each aspect of the wedding to clearly see where money is going and where any cost reductions might apply.
2. Venue Inspiration
The venue defines the look and feel of the big day. Will it be rustic-chic or modern- contemporary? Are you looking for a greenhouse wedding in the GTA? Do you want to have a breezy summer wedding or cozy winter nuptials?
Consider the guest list when narrowing down your venue choices: Your dream wedding could be a big extravaganza or you could want an intimate ceremony. From museums to art galleries, there is no shortage of venues to create unforgettable wedding memories.
3. The Reception
Will your ceremony and reception be in the same place, or will you be saying your vows elsewhere? Do you prefer a traditional seated dinner or are you looking to do something a little different, such as live-chef stations or food trucks? There are pros and cons to skipping the formal wedding dinner. Each of these decisions sets the vibe for your wedding day.
4. Seek Advice from Newlyweds
Do you have any newly married friends? Get their advice! They just went through this, so they’re in the know on the latest trends, pricing, vendors, and more. Seek out their advice regarding any vendors they really enjoyed working with, wedding day coordination, and what could’ve gone better.
5. Create a Wedding Journal
A wedding journal won’t only keep you organized, it’ll be your go-to source for inspiration and ideas. You’ll have a lot of pre-meditated wedding thoughts in addition to the countless ideas that will pop up throughout the planning process. Keep track of everything without getting overwhelmed.
Separate the notebook into different categories, from the venue and guest list to menu ideas, décor, dress, et cetera. Include cut-outs from bridal magazines, vendor quotes, and your own ideas. When it’s all in one place, you’ll have no problem finding anything, and you’ll see what’s already taken care of and what’s left to do.
6. Research Vendors
Any vendor you plan on working with should be vetted prior to. You want to gauge their experience, reputation, and credibility. Can you see yourself working with this business for the next year? It’s important to have a strong and amicable relationship while you’re planning your wedding—twelve months is a long period to deal with one business.
There are so many wedding vendors out there. Don’t rush to book the first one you see when you can review different businesses to gain well-rounded views. Check out social media sites and online reviews to get a better idea of the people behind the business.
7. Set the Date
Set a rough date so you can begin your wedding timeline. The first question you’ll be asked after the “Congratulations” will likely be, “When’s the wedding?” With an approximate date in mind, you’ll give yourself adequate time to prep and save.
If you have your eye on a particular venue, you’ll want to book it right away. Consider holidays, particular seasons, and any other potential blackout periods. Once you’ve picked the date, you can really start planning your wedding.
