So you’re engaged. Now what?
As scary as it sounds, with careful planning and help from the right sources, planning your wedding can be one of the most fun and enjoyable experiences of your life. So where do you start? Here are some tips and ideas that will help you get the ball rolling on your wedding plans.
- Determine a budget Sit down with your fiancé and figure out what you can afford to spend on the festivities. Knowing how much money you have to work with upfront will help you determine everything from the guest count and reception venue to entertainment, food selection and more.
- Start thinking about the details early What time of year would you like to get married? Do you want to exchange vows indoors or outdoors? What time of day would you like to get married? What kind of reception would you like? The answers you come up with will help you determine exactly what it is you want, and will help you immensely down the road. Having a hard time deciding what you want? Check out resources like theknot.com to see what other bride–to–be’s have done.
- Be ultra–organized Buy a notebook and date planner where you can keep important documents (contracts, receipts, etc) and set deadlines for getting things accomplished. Create a checklist that will help identify all of the tasks you need to accomplish before the big day.
- Divide and conquer Don’t do it all yourself. After you’ve determined what has to be done, sit down with your fiancé and split the list in half, determining what each of you would like to do. Involving your fiancé in the planning stages will make him feel like it’s his wedding too–and help both of you enjoy the planning process and the big day that much more.
- Select vendors as far in advance as possible Not only will starting this early allow you to get exactly what you want for your big day – it will also give you the opportunity to find the best vendor and best prices for your needs. A good rule of thumb is to book your venue, caterer, hotel rooms and entertainment no less than six to eight months in advance.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help As a bride–to–be, you’ve got thousands of resources at your fingertips. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or don’t know where to start, don’t be afraid to consult and event or wedding specialist, ask your already wedding friends for help, or ask your caterer or venue for assistance in accomplishing your vision.
- Most importantly, have fun Your wedding day is the start of you and your fiancé’s lives together. Be sure to enjoy it.