Wedding Planning Basics

So you’ve finally said yes and have broken the news to everyone. Now comes the nitty-gritty of the wedding planning process. Arm yourself with a planner and a pen, and get ready for some hard work.

Wedding planning takes teamwork – lots of it. Start with organized daydreaming. Use this time to discuss the whens and wheres of your wedding, while picturing what kind of ceremony you’ll have, what you and your guests will wear, and what food you’ll be enjoying afterwards.

Be realistic when picking a date. Set easy deadlines. The minimum number of months for a hassle-free planning stage is around six months.

Next, decide on a wedding budget and stick to it. You will still need enough money after the wedding itself, so don’t blow your entire savings on a one-day event. Focus on wedding essentials and trim off unnecessary expenses.

Decide if you’ll need a wedding planner. Consider the time you can dedicate to planning a wedding. Should you both have time-consuming jobs, allot a portion of your budget for a professional.

With six months to go, it is time to place an order for your rings and select your wedding attendants. Doing this early will increase your team of volunteers.
Next, make your guest list. Be selective, as you don’t want to go over-budget. The headcount will determine the size of your venue and the amount of food you will order. The fewer guests you have, the more you can afford higher-quality suppliers.

Book a wedding and reception site suitable for the type of wedding you want. Destination weddings tend to cost a lot more. Restaurants and parks are tried-and-tested venues for inexpensive weddings. Having the ceremony and reception at the same location is a great way to save money.

Pick a dress and a tux, as well as wedding apparel for your attendants. This is something you wouldn’t want to rush, as you need time for alterations. Book a hairdresser and makeup artist for your big day.

Start gathering the requirements needed for a marriage license. You can also use this time to sign up for gift registries.

With five months left, start checking your connections. Perhaps you know or are related to suppliers from whom you can get discounts. Interview and hire vendors, including a photographer, a caterer, a florist, and entertainment. Attending a bridal show will simplify the job for you. Keep following up on your suppliers.
Plan (or have someone plan) your pre-wedding parties. Take some time to buy gifts for your attendants and volunteers.

Four months before your wedding, order or make your own invites. Do-it-yourself wedding projects are excellent money-savers. Apart from invites, you can also have DIY centerpieces and décor. You can ask a creative friend or relative to do this for you as a wedding present.

Three months to the wedding is the time to make honeymoon reservations, block hotel rooms for out-of-town guests, and consult with your officiant. Start sending your invites, wait for the RSVPs, and begin drafting a seating chart.

With two months left, meet with your hair and makeup artists for a trial run, and with your caterer for a final food tasting.

The last month before your wedding will see you getting your marriage license, securing transportation for your guests (if needed), having a final dress and tuxedo fitting, and planning your wedding day schedule.

With enough time and organization, and clear vision of what you want for your wedding, you’ll be free to enjoy your big day when it comes.