Weddings are the most important thing in a person's life. Wedding planning can get very hectic and stressful if it is not done in a proper manner. There are some steps that you can go over in advance to make the months ahead as simple as possible. You can use these steps to help outline the planning of your wedding. I have listed few points below which play a very important role in your wedding planning.
1.) Budget - One of the biggest mistakes that brides' make is not setting a budget. You should set the maximum amount you are able to spend. If you do not have an amount set, you could be very unpleasantly surprised at the end of your planning. You do not want to be spending your honeymoon trying to figure out how you will foot the bill, or worrying about debt.
2.) Date - Think about the date that you would like your wedding to be. At first, you may want to pick a month, and work from there. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to organize the details. You don't want to stress yourself out pulling everything together right before the wedding; and guests from out of town will want to have plenty of time to make plans. Be careful in choosing a date. Be sure that it is not a busy time of year, such as a holiday or during graduation, etc.
3.) Wedding Party - You will probably want to choose your wedding party early on. You will need to know who is in your wedding party when planning the wedding ensemble, etc. People's lives get very busy and things come up, so keep them updated on the events to come. You will probably want to pick a maid of honor, man of honor, flower girl, ring bearer, bridesmaids, and groomsmen, as well as any other special attendants.
4.) Location - It is a good idea to think about where you would like your wedding to take place. Would you like to have your wedding in a church, or would you rather have it in another location, such as outside or in a special location? Keep in mind, that if you are not the member of a church, marriage counseling or other special arrangements may be required to be married there. If you are having a reception, look into where you will want have it. Contact each establishment, and see if the date that you want is available. Ask about prices and booking information. Some reception sites will have discounts if you also have them cater the food at your event.
5.) Officiator - The location of your wedding may determine who will be the officiator of your wedding. The preacher or pastor of a certain church will most likely officiate your wedding if it is held there. If you are having your wedding in a different location, you may want to hire an officiator. You can check with your local clerk magistrate to see if he will attend weddings off site. Make sure that you know about all fees required for your officiator. Most will want to be paid before the event.
6.) Theme/Colors - You will probably want to pick a theme or set of colors for your wedding. This will set the tone and décor for the event. For many brides, this is an important decision, as it will set the mood of their wedding. It will also determine many of the little details of the wedding, such as apparel.
7.) Wardrobe - Of course, for many brides, it's all about the dress. But, you don't want to forget about what your wedding party, as well as your groom will be wearing. You may want to match the wardrobe with the theme and colors of the wedding. Keep in mind the time of year that your wedding will take place. Think about your shoes and jewelry, and factor these into your budget.
8.) Invitations - You will want to get your invite list together fairly early in your planning. You will need an estimation of the number of guests who might be attending for seating, food, etc. Keep In mind that your budget will rely deeply on the amount of guests at your wedding. Think about what your invitations will be like. Will they include reception cards, maps, or other elements? Also look into the price of your invitations. Decide whether you will order invitations, have someone you know make them, or make them yourself.
9.) Rings - Don't let your wedding rings get lost in the mix. You will want to figure these into your budget as well. It would be wise to do some shopping around. You will want plenty of time to pick them out and get them sized before your wedding.
10.) Food - Food will be a major element in your budget. You will want to determine the food arrangements for your rehearsal dinner and reception. You will also want to start determining where you will have your cake made, and what style of cake you would like.
11.) Music - Decide if you will want music during your ceremony and reception. There are many different options when it comes to music. You could simply have somebody play recorded music, or you could hire somebody to sing or play music at your event. The latter will, of course, be tighter on your budget. Another option would be to have a DJ or a band at your reception. Make sure you know the details of their fees.
12.) Vows - Many of us get lost in the planning of our wedding, and forget what the big day is all about. Sit down with your partner and talk about your vows, and what they mean to the both of you. You may want to write your own vows, keeping in mind that this special event is no joke, and is an important decision for you both in the rest of your lives.
13.) Extras - After you have thought about all the major steps in the planning of your wedding, you can tie all the little details together. Here are some things you may want to include in the big event: programs, ring bearer's pillow, cake topper, flower girl basket, flowers, etc. You will also need to check into applying for your marriage license.
I wish you all the best in the planning of this very special event in your lives. Don't forget why you are getting married in the first place, and have fun designing your wedding. Don't be afraid to include your partner in the process, and remember that it is their big day, too!
1.) Budget - One of the biggest mistakes that brides' make is not setting a budget. You should set the maximum amount you are able to spend. If you do not have an amount set, you could be very unpleasantly surprised at the end of your planning. You do not want to be spending your honeymoon trying to figure out how you will foot the bill, or worrying about debt.
2.) Date - Think about the date that you would like your wedding to be. At first, you may want to pick a month, and work from there. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to organize the details. You don't want to stress yourself out pulling everything together right before the wedding; and guests from out of town will want to have plenty of time to make plans. Be careful in choosing a date. Be sure that it is not a busy time of year, such as a holiday or during graduation, etc.
3.) Wedding Party - You will probably want to choose your wedding party early on. You will need to know who is in your wedding party when planning the wedding ensemble, etc. People's lives get very busy and things come up, so keep them updated on the events to come. You will probably want to pick a maid of honor, man of honor, flower girl, ring bearer, bridesmaids, and groomsmen, as well as any other special attendants.
4.) Location - It is a good idea to think about where you would like your wedding to take place. Would you like to have your wedding in a church, or would you rather have it in another location, such as outside or in a special location? Keep in mind, that if you are not the member of a church, marriage counseling or other special arrangements may be required to be married there. If you are having a reception, look into where you will want have it. Contact each establishment, and see if the date that you want is available. Ask about prices and booking information. Some reception sites will have discounts if you also have them cater the food at your event.
5.) Officiator - The location of your wedding may determine who will be the officiator of your wedding. The preacher or pastor of a certain church will most likely officiate your wedding if it is held there. If you are having your wedding in a different location, you may want to hire an officiator. You can check with your local clerk magistrate to see if he will attend weddings off site. Make sure that you know about all fees required for your officiator. Most will want to be paid before the event.
6.) Theme/Colors - You will probably want to pick a theme or set of colors for your wedding. This will set the tone and décor for the event. For many brides, this is an important decision, as it will set the mood of their wedding. It will also determine many of the little details of the wedding, such as apparel.
7.) Wardrobe - Of course, for many brides, it's all about the dress. But, you don't want to forget about what your wedding party, as well as your groom will be wearing. You may want to match the wardrobe with the theme and colors of the wedding. Keep in mind the time of year that your wedding will take place. Think about your shoes and jewelry, and factor these into your budget.
8.) Invitations - You will want to get your invite list together fairly early in your planning. You will need an estimation of the number of guests who might be attending for seating, food, etc. Keep In mind that your budget will rely deeply on the amount of guests at your wedding. Think about what your invitations will be like. Will they include reception cards, maps, or other elements? Also look into the price of your invitations. Decide whether you will order invitations, have someone you know make them, or make them yourself.
9.) Rings - Don't let your wedding rings get lost in the mix. You will want to figure these into your budget as well. It would be wise to do some shopping around. You will want plenty of time to pick them out and get them sized before your wedding.
10.) Food - Food will be a major element in your budget. You will want to determine the food arrangements for your rehearsal dinner and reception. You will also want to start determining where you will have your cake made, and what style of cake you would like.
11.) Music - Decide if you will want music during your ceremony and reception. There are many different options when it comes to music. You could simply have somebody play recorded music, or you could hire somebody to sing or play music at your event. The latter will, of course, be tighter on your budget. Another option would be to have a DJ or a band at your reception. Make sure you know the details of their fees.
12.) Vows - Many of us get lost in the planning of our wedding, and forget what the big day is all about. Sit down with your partner and talk about your vows, and what they mean to the both of you. You may want to write your own vows, keeping in mind that this special event is no joke, and is an important decision for you both in the rest of your lives.
13.) Extras - After you have thought about all the major steps in the planning of your wedding, you can tie all the little details together. Here are some things you may want to include in the big event: programs, ring bearer's pillow, cake topper, flower girl basket, flowers, etc. You will also need to check into applying for your marriage license.
I wish you all the best in the planning of this very special event in your lives. Don't forget why you are getting married in the first place, and have fun designing your wedding. Don't be afraid to include your partner in the process, and remember that it is their big day, too!
