The ultimate guide to planning your dream wedding!
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and organisation, it can be a fun and exciting experience. The first step is to decide on a budget and how much you are willing to spend on your wedding. Once you have that figured out, you can start to determine what is most important to you and what you can live without. In this blog, I will talk you through step by step how to plan the perfect wedding, tips on how to not break the bank and some ideas on how to create your perfect day.
Introduction: The basics of wedding planning
Planning a wedding can seem like a daunting task. But with a little organisation and planning, it can be a fun and stress-free experience.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
Set a budget and stick to it. Wedding planning can be expensive, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Decide what is most important to you and prioritise your expenses accordingly.
Choose your date and location early on. This will help you start planning sooner and give you more time to make decisions.
Don’t forget the little details. The little details are what make a wedding unique and special. So don’t forget about things like invitations, flowers, food, etc.
Delegate tasks to your family and friends.
Don’t forget about planning your photography timeline
Choosing a date: When to have the wedding?
When choosing a date for your wedding, there are many factors to consider. One of the most important things to think about is when you want to have your wedding. Many couples choose to have their wedding in the summer, but there are other options as well. If you want to have a fall wedding, be sure to book your venue and vendors early, as they tend to fill up quickly. If you're looking for a winter wedding, be prepared for cold weather and snowy conditions. Spring weddings are popular because they offer beautiful blooms and mild weather. When deciding on a date, be sure to take into account any holidays or special events that may fall on that day. You don't want your guests to have to choose between your wedding and celebrating with family. Also, think about how long you want your engagement to be.
How to plan a spring wedding
How to plan a summer wedding
How to plan a winter wedding
Choosing a location: Where to have the wedding?
When it comes to choosing a location for your wedding, there are many factors to consider. You'll need to think about the size of the venue, the type of setting you to want, and how much you're willing to spend. Here are some tips for finding the perfect place to say "I do".
The first step is to decide what type of setting you want. Do you want an outdoor wedding with a beautiful view or an indoor wedding in a grand ballroom? If you're not sure, take a look at some wedding magazines or websites to get some ideas.
Once you've decided on the type of setting, you need to think about how many people will be attending. This will help you determine the size of the venue you need.
Choosing a theme: What style of wedding?
When planning your wedding, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is what style of wedding you want. Do you want a formal affair with a sit-down dinner and dancing? Or would you prefer something more laid-back, like a beach wedding or barn reception?
Once you've decided on the style of your wedding, it's time to start thinking about the details. What colour scheme will you choose? What kind of flowers will be in bloom? Will there be any special traditions or rituals?
Keep in mind that the style of your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple. If you're not the traditional type, don't feel like you have to have a traditional wedding just because that's what everyone expects. Instead, choose a style that feels true to you and your fiance.
Check out this real wedding - Jill and Noel
The budget: How much can you afford to spend?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to how much you should spend on a budget, but there are some general rules of thumb to help you determine what's right for you. Start by looking at your income and expenses and seeing where you can make cuts. You may need to make some difficult decisions, but it's important to be honest with yourself about what you can and can't afford. If your expenses outweigh your income, you'll need to find ways to bring your spending in line with your earnings. On the other hand, if you have more money coming in than going out, you may want to consider saving or investing that extra cash.
No matter how much money you have, it's important to be smart about how you spend it. Try not to overspend on unnecessary items or go into debt just because you want something now.
It's important to be realistic when creating your budget. Don't forget to factor in things like emergencies and unexpected costs. If you're not sure how much you should budget for certain items, ask someone who has experience with finances.
The guest list: Who to invite?
When it comes to putting together your guest list for your wedding, it can be a daunting task. After all, you want to make sure that you invite everyone who is important to you, while also ensuring that your venue can accommodate them all. Here are some tips on putting together your guest list:
Start by making a list of everyone you would like to invite, including family and friends.
Next, start narrowing down the list by considering who is most important to you. This may include close family members and friends, as well as people who have been especially supportive during your engagement.
Once you have narrowed down the list, start thinking about the capacity of your venue and how many people it can accommodate.
The reception: Food, drinks, and entertainment
When it comes to wedding receptions, food, drinks and entertainment are always top priorities. Here are a few ideas to help you plan the perfect menu and entertainment for your big day:
Food: Wedding food can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. If you're looking for something simple, a buffet or cocktail party is a good option. If you want something more elegant, consider serving a three-course meal. Be sure to choose foods that will cater to all of your guests' dietary needs and preferences. Also, consider maybe going green and only serving a vegan menu.
Drinks: Serving alcohol at your wedding reception is a great way to keep your guests happy. You can either serve cocktails, beer and wine or have a fully stocked bar. If you're serving liquor, be sure to have plenty of non-alcoholic options available too.
When it comes to wedding planning, most brides (and grooms) think of the beginning and the end – the ceremony and reception. But there are a lot of important steps in between! One of the most important is choosing your entertainment.
Your entertainment can make or break your reception, so it’s important to choose wisely. You need to decide what type of music you want, whether you want a band or a DJ, and what other types of entertainment you might want.
Once you’ve decided on your entertainment, it’s time to start planning the details. Work with your entertainer to create a playlist or timeline for your event. Make sure they know how long you want them to play for and when you’d like each type of music played.
Wedding etiquette: dos and don'ts
When it comes to wedding etiquette, there are a few things that guests should keep in mind. First and foremost, always RSVP as soon as possible. Also, be sure to bring a gift to the wedding. In terms of what to wear, dress appropriately for the event. That means no sandals or shorts if the wedding is taking place at a church or other formal venue. And finally, when it comes time for the reception, enjoy yourself but remember that the bride and groom are the stars of the show. Don't dominate the dance floor or monopolise conversations with the newlyweds.
Wedding Photography
As a wedding photographer, I couldn’t leave this out. After all, once your wedding is over, all you will have left are your memories and wedding photos. I often hear clients tell me that the venue has scheduled some time to capture their photos normally after the ceremony. DON’T have your photos taken at this time. They do this to suit them and don’t/haven’t thought about the conditions for the best photos.
If you are getting married in the summer, then the best time to capture those couple's shots is later at night. Not only will you have the best light, but it will also give you and your partner a little time to spend together and relax after such a long day.
Please speak to your photographer before setting any times in stone and see what they advise.
Engagement photo guide
How much should you spend on a photographer
Conclusion: The final steps in wedding planning.
The final steps in wedding planning are to pick up your marriage licence and order your wedding cake. If you have any final details to take care of, now is the time to do it. Make sure you have ordered all of your wedding invitations and thank you cards, and that you have sent out all of the invitations. You will also need to make a list of who is responsible for what on the day of the wedding. This will help ensure that everything goes smoothly on the big day. Finally, make sure you have packed for your honeymoon!