If there’s one thing we’ve learned after years of working with weddings, it’s that no two weddings are the same — and they shouldn’t be. We’re all about non-traditional ways of doing things, but there are a few best practices we’ve picked up along the way. Whether you’re planning your wedding in two months or two years ahead, we’ve created this wedding planning guide and roadmap to help you organize your thoughts and make sure everything is accounted for! Pro tip: Save this post to your bookmarks for easy reference throughout the entire wedding experience!
Chose Wisely - don't be afraid
You’re engaged, you’re excited, you just followed Thousands of wedding vendors on Social Media and…now what?! Let’s take a moment to cheer together: “WOO!” Now, let’s slow it down. We’ve seen so many brides rush in to making decisions in an unorganized manner, and sometimes it can come back to haunt you. So take a little time to breathe with your parter. Enjoy sitting down for dinner together and writing down some things that are important to the both of you when it comes to your wedding. Make a vision board. Then, it’s probably best to start with your date, guest list, venue “must haves,” and go from there. Make your "A, B & C" guest-list. I know is hard to decide on who will have to miss your special day but there's need to be a cut.
Set your Budget and Stick to it!
No one said wedding planning would be easy, but it can be fun if you make it that way! Prioritize the budget talk early on in the wedding planning process. Yes, I think this should be the first thing you and your partner should do after you’ve finished celebrating the engagement. But it’s important to dream. Dream your wildest dreams and then figure out how to make them happen or where you can scale back since you’ve already prioritized the most important things. We know budgeting isn’t the sexiest part of wedding planning, but it’s a conversation that needs to happen early on before any big decisions are made. Once your budget is set and you’ve determined what’s important, now is time to start putting your team together. Enjoy asking your bridesmaids and groomsmen (they come in handy) to be a part of the day, go shopping for the dress and take your engagement photos.
Research Ceremony and Reception Locations
Be sure to investigate prices, packages, and any restrictions (including minimum budget spend) from several different potential wedding and reception venues before you sign on the dotted line. Your reception needs to be enough to fit your number of guest. Chose wether you want an outside reception or inside, very important you need to keep in mind which season you are getting married on. Even if there's a venue and a package price that you really like, still, keep looking at additional opinions. Ask around and see what other venues are charging before agreeing on a price.
Your Vendor Team
Wedding vendors are the nuts and bolts to ensuring your day is ultra memorable and everything runs smoothly, so make sure they're a team of people that you really vibe well with. Make sure all of the details are correct—including date, location, event time, deposits, and other fees—and read through important clauses, such as payment and cancellation policies, before signing anything. If you hire an Event Planner make sure to create a comprehensive wedding day schedule to ensure everyone is on the same page about timing and location(s) and helps to make sure the day's events run smoothly. Include things like hair and makeup appointments; when vendors will arrive; timing for transportation to/arrival at the ceremony location; timing for the couple's arrival to the reception; speeches and the first dance; when the cake will be cut, etc. Print out (or email) copies to your MC, photographer, maid of honor, key family members, all vendors, and anyone else that should be in the know.
Party-mode ON - just have fun!
What will guests most definitely notice? A stressed-out couple who's overwhelmed with last-minute details. By the time your wedding day rolls around, try to relax and enjoy all of the special moments with your loved ones. In case something goes wrong.. f-it! Keep on Dancing, you won't be the first or last that this will happen. Ask any married couple—it will zoom by!
