You’ve got your wedding planning checklist and you’re ready to dive into planning your big day. Before you get into all of the details though, you want to make sure that you’re approaching this the right way.
Whether you are choosing to wedding plan this alone, with your partner, with your entire family, or with a wedding planner, there are a few things you should keep in mind in the months leading up to your wedding.
Here is a few tips for surviving (and enjoying) the wedding planning process:
1. Know What You Want
So you’re engaged! Congratulations! Now the fun (and sometimes stressful) process of wedding planning begins. One of the first things you need to do is sit down with your soon-to-be spouse and figure out what you both want for your wedding day. What are your priorities? What is most important to you? This will help you set expectations and figure out where to allocate your resources (time and money).
What Do You Want?
This can be a tough question to answer, especially if you and your partner have different ideas about what a “perfect” wedding looks like. That’s why it’s so important to communicate with each other early on in the planning.
Talk about what traditions are important to you, what kind of wedding style and atmosphere you want, and what kind of budget you’re working with. Once you’ve figured out what you both want, it will be much easier to start making decisions about vendors, locations, and more.
Some couples choose to hire a wedding planner to help them with the logistics of planning their celebration. If you decide to go this route, be sure to find a planner who shares your vision for the wedding and who will be able to execute that vision within your budget. The last thing you want is to end up with a wedding that doesn’t reflect your style or taste simply because your planner wasn’t on the same page as you were.
Your wedding day should be one of the best days of your life. By taking the time to figure out what you want early on in the wedding planning, you can ensure that your celebration is everything that you’ve ever dreamed of. Talk with your partner, set some priorities, and then get started on making all of those dreams a reality!
2. Set a Wedding Budget that Works for You
Planning a wedding can be an exciting but daunting task. There are so many things to consider and budget for, from the big ticket items like the venue and catering to the smaller details like favors and wedding decorations. It’s important to have a clear idea of what you want from your wedding before you start setting a budget.
Do you want a large, formal affair or a small, intimate gathering? Do you prioritize the food, the music, or the décor? Once you’ve decided what’s most important to you, you can start allocating your budget accordingly.
One of the first things you’ll need to do is set an overall budget for your wedding. This will help you determine how much you can realistically spend on each individual item.
To do this, sit down with your partner and discuss your financial situation. What can you afford to pay out of pocket? Are there any family members or friends who are willing to contribute? Once you have a number in mind, you can start allocating funds to specific items.
The wedding venue is often one of the most expensive items on the wedding checklist. If you have your heart set on a particular venue but it’s out of your price range, see if there are any ways you can cut costs elsewhere so that you can make it work.
For example, maybe you can forego an elaborate flower arrangement or expensive wedding shoes in favor of simple centerpieces, or choose a less expensive caterer who can still provide delicious food that your wedding guests will love.
Your wedding guest list is another important factor to consider when setting your budget. The more guests you invite, the more it will cost in terms of food, drink, invitations, favors, and so on. If money is tight, focus on inviting only your closest family and friends. They’ll understand if you have to keep the wedding guest list small, and they’ll be more likely to appreciate the intimate atmosphere anyway.
Finally, don’t forget about the little details. Sometimes it’s the smallest touches that can make the biggest impact on your guests’ experience. If possible, allocate a small portion of your budget towards things like party favors or welcome gifts for out-of-town wedding guests. These thoughtful gestures will go a long way in making your wedding day even more special.
When it comes to setting a wedding budget, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The most important thing is to figure out what’s most important to you and your partner and allocate your resources accordingly. With careful wedding planning and some creative thinking, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.
3. Choose Your Wedding Party Wisely
One of the first decisions you’ll make when you begin planning your wedding is who will be in your wedding party. This is a big decision because these are the people who will support you throughout the wedding planning and on the day of your wedding. They’ll be right there with you, making sure everything runs smoothly so you can relax and enjoy yourself.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you choose your wedding party:
1. Choose people you know you can count on. This is a big responsibility, so you want to make sure you choose people who will be there for you when you need them.
2. Consider personalities on both sides. You want to make sure you have a good mix of people who will get along and support each other.
3. Remember there are other roles on your wedding day that people close to you could fill, so don’t feel guilty about not choosing someone to be a part of your wedding party.
4. Start Planning Your Wedding Early
Wedding planning can be both exciting and overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that the sooner you begin planning, the better. Here are a few reasons why you should start planning your wedding early.
You’ll Have More Time to Enjoy It
When you begin wedding planning early, you’ll have more time to enjoy the process. You won’t be rushed to make decisions or scrambling to find vendors who are available on your chosen wedding date. Instead, you can take your time and savor every moment of planning your dream wedding. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to change your mind if you need to!
You’re More Likely to Get the Vendors You Want
If you wait until the last minute to start booking vendors for your wedding, you may be disappointed with your choices. Popular vendors—including venues, photographers, and caterers—often get booked up well in advance, sometimes a year or more. By starting early, you’ll increase your chances of getting the vendors you really want.
You Can Spread Out the Cost
Wedding expenses can add up quickly, so it’s important to start saving as soon as possible. When you begin wedding planning early, you can spread out the cost of your wedding over a longer period of time. This will help keep your budget under control and reduce the amount of financial stress you feel as your big day approaches.
5. Trust Your Wedding Vendors
You’ve been dreaming about your wedding day since you were little. And now that the time has finally come to start planning your big day, you want everything to be perfect. But with so many details to take care of, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why it’s important to hire vendors that you trust and feel comfortable with from the very beginning.
After all, they are the experts in this field and they want nothing more than to help you have an unforgettable celebration. So go ahead and put your faith in them—you won’t be disappointed!
Wedding Planner
One of the first vendor decisions you’ll have to make is whether or not to hire a wedding planner. And while some couples choose to go the DIY route, I would highly recommend hiring a professional wedding planner. They will save you so much time and stress in the long run! Not only will they be able to provide you with a list of tried-and-true vendors that they’ve worked with in the past, but they’ll also be there on your big day to make sure everything runs smoothly. So if you’re on the fence about hiring a wedding planner, trust us—it’s worth it!
Caterers
Your caterer is another vendor that you’ll want to make sure you can trust. After all, they’re responsible for making sure all of your guests are well-fed! But beyond that, a good caterer will also be able to work with you to create a reception menu that fits both your taste and budget. They’ll also be able to accommodate any dietary restrictions your guests may have. So when it comes time to choose a caterer, be sure to ask around for recommendations and read online reviews before making your final decision.
Entertainment
Your wedding DJ or band will play a crucial role in setting the tone for your big day, so it’s important to choose someone you can trust. After all, they will be responsible for speaking in front of your guests on one of the biggest days of your life. You’ll want to choose a DJ or band who has experience playing at weddings, and who you feel confident will be able to create the atmosphere you’re looking for.
But how can you be sure you’re making the right choice? The best way to find out is to do your homework. Read online reviews on wedding websites, like WeddingWire, talk to friends who have been to weddings, and listen to samples of the band or DJ’s work. Once you’ve done your research, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and choose the wedding entertainment that’s right for you.
Photographers/Videographers
Last but not least, you’ll want to make sure you hire photographers/videographers that you trust implicitly. After all, they’re responsible for capturing some of the most important moments of your life! When meeting with potential photographers/videographers, be sure to ask them about their style and vision for your wedding photos/video. You should also ask to see examples of their work so that you can get a sense of their style. And finally, don’t forget to ask about their prices so that there are no surprises down the road.
6. Being Patient During Wedding Planning is Important
Wedding planning can be stressful. There are so many decisions to be made and it can feel like the clock is ticking. Understandably, you want your day to be perfect but keep in mind that your venue and your vendors are probably working with a few different couples. Trust in the fact that your wedding vendors are dedicated to making you happy and a little kindness, patience, and respect will ensure your planning goes more smoothly. Here’s why being patient during wedding planning is important.
Your Venue and Vendors are Working with Other Couples Too
Remember that your venue and vendors are businesses. They are working with other couples who are also planning their wedding. Be patient when waiting for responses and understand that they may not be able to accommodate every single one of your requests. That being said, don’t hesitate to ask questions or voice concerns. Your vendors want you to be happy and they will do everything they can to make sure that happens.
Wedding Planning Takes Time
Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is the perfect wedding. It takes time to plan all the details, big and small. Try to enjoy the process and take your time making decisions. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event so savor every moment leading up to it.
You Can’t Please Everyone
At some point during the wedding planning, you will probably have disagreements with your partner or family members about certain aspects of your wedding plans. It’s important to remember that you can’t please everyone. In the end, it’s YOUR day and YOU should make the decisions that you feel are best for the two of you as a couple.
7. This is About The Two of You
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. It’s a day when you celebrate your love with your new spouse and commit to spending the rest of your lives together. It’s also a day when you get to share your joy with all of your family and friends.
As you begin planning your big day, it’s important to remember that this day is about the two of you. It’s your day to celebrate your love, and you should do things that make you happy as a couple.
Don’t let other people take over the wedding planning and deter you from doing things that are important to you. This day is about the two of you, not other people. If you keep that in mind, you’re sure to have a wedding day that’s everything that you’ve ever dreamed it would be!
8. It’s Ok to Disagree During the Planning Stages
Getting married is a huge decision and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed when planning your wedding. Remember that it’s ok to disagree during the planning. Disagreeing is not a sign that you shouldn’t get married. There is a lot of pressure involved with planning a wedding so if you do disagree, take a breather, remember why you’re getting married, and pick things up again when you’re both calmer.
Disagreeing During the Planning is Normal
It’s normal to feel stressed out when planning your wedding. There are a lot of decisions to be made and it can be tough to please everyone while still staying true to your vision. If you find yourself disagreeing with your partner over what flavor of wedding cake you should have, don’t panic. It’s ok to disagree on some things. In fact, it might even be healthy!
How to Avoid Letting Wedding Planning Turn Into a Disaster
If you’re starting to feel like wedding planning is turning into a disaster, there are some things you can do to avoid making the situation worse. First, take a step back and remember why you’re getting married in the first place. What are your priorities? What kind of wedding do you want? Answering these questions can help you regain perspective and get back on track.
Second, try to compromise with your partner. You may not be able to have everything your way but if you’re able to come to an agreement on some things, it will make the process a lot less stressful. Lastly, take some time for yourself. Wedding planning can be all-consuming but it’s important to take breaks and relax every once in a while. Allow yourself some time to de-stress so that you can come back to the planning refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
Wedding planning is no easy feat but it’s important to remember that it’s ok to disagree during the planning stages. Disagreeing is not a sign that you shouldn’t get married. There is a lot of pressure involved with wedding planning so if you do disagree, take a breather, remember why you’re getting married, and pick things up again when you’re both calmer.
Wedding planning can be daunting, but with a little preparation and some helpful tips, you can survive and even enjoy it. Talk to your partner about what you want, and what you can afford, and determine your priorities. Choose your wedding party wisely and give them clear instructions so they can help keep things running smoothly.
Start wedding planning as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute stressors. Trust the vendors you hire and know that they have your best interests at heart – after all, their livelihood depends on making your day perfect. Be patient throughout the process; remember this is a time-consuming event but it will be over before you know it! Most importantly, focus on what’s important to you both and enjoy every moment of this special time in your lives!