Wedding Planning 101
Now that you know your wedding budget, you can now start your Wedding Planning Ideas. Before we get started there is still an important decision you have to make before you jump into planning your day. This decision will dictate how things are done throughout the entire planning process. Here it is… Do you want to hire a wedding planner?
“Do you want to hire a wedding planner?”
Its a simple question and its often overlooked by many couples, mainly because it seems as if hiring someone else to plan your wedding isn’t going to end well…and most likely will cost more money. This may be true in some cases, however you have to weight the pros and cons when it comes to hiring a wedding planner. What does you budget look like, do you have the time, do you know what all is involved and will it alleviate the pressures of your wedding planning stress? Once you weight the burning questions then you can make that decision.
On the other side of the coin, wedding planners are practically experts in their fields. Think about it. How many weddings have you planned in your life? Even the most novice of planners have pretty much more information, contacts and ideas than the average person, including you. Hiring someone may be in your best interest, don’t rule it out, planners are not as expensive as you may think.
If you decide that you want to do it yourself, there is nothing wrong with that. Planning your own wedding with the help of a few friends and family members can save you some of that wedding planner money to use on something else. Just know that its best to be organized and have a good idea of what you want and the limits of your budget.
“planning a wedding can be stressful”
Lets get started with your wedding planning. Full disclosure, ‘Yes’ planning a wedding can be stressful. I mean extremely stressful and tiresome however with some networking, bargaining and determination, you can find deals in certain areas to save you time and money.
Start with making a wedding checklist, trust me you will need this when the chaos starts and it will be chaotic. Its just a matter of time. Your checklist is to ensure you don’t forget anything. I’ve been to weddings where the couple forgot the aisle runner and others where the boutonnieres were no where to be found. Trust me…make a checklist, I will help you with it.
I don’t want you to get overwhelmed so here are some areas to concentrate on. Remember this is your special day, if there is anything that you’re not interested in having at your wedding, simply leave it out. Your wedding day is unique, just like you, and it doesn’t have to resemble anyone else’s. You can put your own special spin on your day, who’s going stop you?
Wedding Planning Checklist
- Marriage certificate
- Wedding Bands/Rings
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Wedding location
- Reception location
- Save the Date Cards, Wedding Invitations and programs
- Wedding dress and accessories
- Bridesmaid dress and accessories
- Groom and groomsmen attire and accessories
- Hair stylist
- Makeup artist
- Bouquets and lapel flower
- Floral arrangements
- Wedding decorations
- Wedding music processional and recessional
- Garden shots location
- Wedding cake
- Wedding Favors
- Reception location/rental equipment/rental decoration
- Reception caterer
- Reception MC
- Reception Band and or DJ
Your special day may not need all of the items but its worth to know what to have in mind and how to deal with each section. I will help you with each point so that you will be able to plan your own wedding and pull it off as smooth as ice.