Getting engaged is so so exciting. And you need to take a day or two to enjoy the realization that You're Getting Married- and stare at your new engagement ring! But you ultimately need to get started planning your wedding. But where do you even begin?
The first thing your friends and family will ask is, "When's the big date?" While you'd really like to give them a quick answer, in reality, you can't set a date until you make a few other decisions--such as choosing and book a venue with an acceptable date. Since the average engagement is now 12-15 months, you need to settle on a season and area and plan around other family events and special occasions.
The first thing your friends and family will ask is, "When's the big date?" While you'd really like to give them a quick answer, in reality, you can't set a date until you make a few other decisions--such as choosing and book a venue with an acceptable date. Since the average engagement is now 12-15 months, you need to settle on a season and area and plan around other family events and special occasions.
- Find AND BOOK your wedding venue. Do this before you think about a dress (think seasonal for wedding dresses too!). Do you want Outdoors or in (or a place that offers both), Church or Cathedral, Barn, plantation, beach? Near home or destination? Elegant, rustic, romantic, vintage, boho, glam? All of this plays into the type of Venue you decide on for your wedding.
- Set your Wedding Budget. Decide who is paying for what and how much everyone is planning to contribute. This will affect the number of guests, caterer, etc, etc.
- Choose your Wedding Party. Now it's Your turn to ask, "Will you stand by us when we tie the knot?" Taking into consideration who will be able to include the attire you choose for them in their budget; who can give of their time to help you, as needed; and be sure to include consideration for the expense of the showers, parties, bachelorette and bachelor weekends, if you plan to do these. In a word, Be considerate and thankful to each one for All that goes with being in the wedding party!
- Decide on your Guest List. This may be determined by the number of people your ceremony or reception site will accommodate. Keep in mind that the more guests that are invited-the larger the budget must be. For example, Most caterers charge "per head".
- Hire your Wedding Vendors. Interview and hire the Caterer, photographer/videographer, live musicians for the ceremony, dj or band for the reception, florist, etc. Consider a Wedding Planner or Coordinator if you have trouble making up your mind or don't live near the ceremony/reception area. DON'T FORGET THAT YOUR VENUE MAY BE ABLE TO POINT YOU TO SOME AWESOME VENDORS THAT HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB THERE! But ask if they insist you use their vendors or can choose your own.
- Shop for your Wedding Dress. Most bridal stores recommend ordering your dress at least six months before the wedding to insure plenty of time for it to arrive and be altered to fit you perfectly. This experience is supposed to be fun-not stressful. Only take a few with you who will support your thoughts and feelings. Maybe just you and your parents, or you and a sister, or a best friend. Remember, the more opinions there are, the harder it is to make a decision-which needs to ultimately be Yours anyway. Maybe just take the bridesmaids when you choose Their attire.
- Register for wedding gifts. No, that's not selfish or greedy. Friends and family want to shower you with gifts for your new home and family, so make it easy on them to give you what you truly desire. And remember to choose a variety of price point items so that everyone feels great about heartfelt giving.
- Insure your Ring. This is a must do! This can be done through your rental or home owner's policy you already have in place. It's called a jewelry rider and is important for your peace of mind-since this is a major investment.
- Have your engagement photo session. Making those memories is so important and using a photo on your Save the Dates is always fun for your guest list to receive and for you to give.
- Decide on and order your invitations. Make them fit the type of wedding and venue you have chosen. Be confident in your decisions, since they fit your own personality, and don't worry about what anyone else thinks And be sure to enjoy every minute of the planning. This should be a one and only for you and yours and the memories you make along the way will be priceless!