Congratulations on your engagement! You must be thrilled to start planning your dream wedding. But where do you begin? Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but don’t worry. I've got some tips to help you get started on the right foot.
The first step is to set your wedding budget and stick to it. Your budget will determine many of your wedding choices, such as the venue, the guest list, the catering, and the entertainment. You’ll need to figure out how much you can afford to spend, and who will be contributing to the wedding expenses. There are online tools to help you create a realistic and personalized budget based on your income, savings, and expenses. Or if you prefer to have your budget/planner in your hand, I suggest this one: Planner
Next, you’ll want to create a list of wedding priorities with your partner. What are the most important aspects of your wedding day? Is it the location, the date, the photographer, the music, or something else? By ranking your top three priorities, you’ll be able to focus on what matters most to you and compromise on the rest. You’ll also be able to allocate more of your budget to those areas and save money on the ones that are less important.
Another important step is to hire a wedding planner or coordinator. A planner can help you with everything from finding the perfect venue to negotiating contracts with vendors. A planner can also keep you on track with your timeline, budget, and checklist. A planner can also handle any issues that may arise on your wedding day and ensure that everything runs smoothly. If you don’t want to hire a full-service planner, you can also opt for a partial planner or a day-of coordinator who can assist you with specific tasks or just on the day of your wedding. If you are a total full-fledged DIY'er then I suggest having a designated person for the day of your wedding. There are so many details that can be missed if someone is not making sure the timeline is on track and everyone is where they are supposed to be.
Finally, you’ll want to start looking for inspiration for your wedding style and theme. You can browse through magazines, blogs, websites, and social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram for ideas. You can also attend bridal shows, expos, and fairs where you can meet vendors and see their work in person. You can also ask your friends and family for recommendations or referrals. You’ll want to create a vision board or a mood board that reflects your personal style and preferences. This will help you communicate your vision to your planner, vendors, and ultimately, your guests. Create your own Pinterest Board with as many items as you can. Your planner/florist will thank you!
Here are some examples: Wedding Fancies Western Wedding Party on a Budget
These are just some of the first steps when planning a wedding. There are many more details to consider, but don’t let them overwhelm you. Remember to have fun and enjoy the process. After all, this is one of the most exciting times of your life!
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