Wedding Planning: Our Journey So Far

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, but it's also an exciting time for the couple. There are so many things to consider and organise, from the venue and catering to the guest list and entertainment. It's easy to become overwhelmed, but staying organised and keeping on top of the planning process is key.

Have you decided on a venue?

Choosing a venue is one of the most important parts of wedding planning, as it will define the aesthetic and experience of your big day. Before you start looking at venues, it's a good idea to have an estimate of your guest count, as this will help you to narrow down your options. You don't want to choose a venue that's too small for your guest list, but you also don't want to choose somewhere that's too large, as it may feel empty.

The venue you choose should align with the vision you have for your wedding. For example, if you're planning a modern wedding, you might want to look at art galleries, well-designed restaurants, or warehouse spaces. If you're going for a more rustic theme, a barn, ranch, garden, or winery could be perfect. If you're a classic bride, you might prefer an indoor setting like a grand ballroom. If you're bohemian, an outdoor venue with a beautiful natural backdrop could be ideal.

When you're visiting venues, make sure to ask about any scheduled renovations or large projects planned near your date, as you don't want construction noise or an obstructed view to ruin your day.

What about the guest list?

The guest list is an important part of wedding planning. You should decide whether you want a small, intimate wedding or a big celebration with lots of guests. If you're having a small wedding, you might want to consider having a more exclusive guest list, with only close friends and family. If you're having a bigger wedding, you can invite more distant relatives and friends, as well as colleagues and acquaintances.

It's also important to consider the budget when creating the guest list. The more people you invite, the more expensive the wedding will be. You should also think about whether you want to invite children to the wedding. If you do, you might need to organise entertainment or activities for them.

Once you've decided on the size of the guest list, you can start creating it. You should make a list of all the people you definitely want to invite, and then add more people if you have space. It's a good idea to give yourself a deadline for finalising the guest list, so you can send out invitations in plenty of time.

Finally, don't forget to consider any plus-ones or guests of guests. You might want to give people the option of bringing a date, or you might need to accommodate guests who are travelling from far away and need to bring a companion.

Have you chosen a date?

Choosing a wedding date is one of the most important decisions you'll make during the planning process. It can have a significant impact on the style, weather, and planning of your wedding, so it's worth taking the time to consider all the factors.

Some couples choose a date that's special to them and only consider venues that are available on that particular date. This could be the anniversary of your first date, the day you got engaged, or another meaningful milestone in your relationship. However, this method may limit your venue options, so it's worth being flexible and considering the availability of your dream venue when picking a date.

When choosing a date, it's also important to think about the season and the weather. Spring and fall are generally the most popular seasons for weddings, but this can depend on your location. For example, summer in Arizona is less popular than winter and spring. You may also want to avoid major holidays or busy travel weekends, which can impact attendance.

In addition to the sentimental and practical considerations, don't forget to check the availability of your nearest and dearest. You'll want your parents, grandparents, godparents, and best friends to be there, so make sure they're available on your desired date!

Finally, if you're someone who stresses over big assignments, a wedding far into the future may hang like a cloud of anxiety over your head. So, while it's important to consider all the factors, don't forget to go with your gut and choose a date that feels right for you and your partner.

What's the theme?

Wedding planning is a long and sometimes stressful process, so it's no surprise that you might be asked how your plans are going. A good response to this question is to keep it vague and non-committal, perhaps saying something like 'pretty smoothly' or 'it's going well'. You could also add a small sentence about what you're currently working on, before turning the conversation back to the other person.

Now, what's the theme? Well, the theme is the thread that ties your whole wedding together. It's the mood, the aesthetic, the vibe that you want to create for your special day. So, what kind of atmosphere do you want to evoke? Do you want a romantic, candlelit evening with soft music and twinkling lights? Or maybe a fun, festival-style celebration with colourful decor and live music?

Let's say you're going for a romantic vibe. Your colour palette might include soft pastels, with blush pinks, sage greens, and creamy whites. You could incorporate florals, with delicate arrangements of peonies, roses, and eucalyptus. For the venue, think fairy lights, hanging lanterns, and candle centrepieces. The bridal party could wear flowy dresses in complementary shades, with the groomsmen in soft-coloured suits or even just suspenders and bow ties.

Or, if you're leaning towards a festival-style wedding, you might opt for a brighter, bolder colour scheme. Think vibrant wildflowers, colourful streamers, and maybe even a fun photo booth with quirky props. You could have food trucks serving up tasty treats, and lawn games to keep your guests entertained. The bridal party could rock fun, mismatched outfits, and the groomsmen could go for a more casual look with colourful socks and fun accessories.

The theme is all about creating a cohesive look and feel for your wedding, so choose something that reflects your personality and style, and have fun with it!

Who's in the wedding party?

The wedding party is made up of the people closest to the couple getting married. This usually includes the couple's parents and siblings, as well as their closest friends. The wedding party often includes a maid of honour, who is usually the bride's closest female friend or sister, and a best man, who is usually the groom's closest male friend or brother. The wedding party may also include bridesmaids, who are usually the bride's female friends or relatives, and groomsmen, who are usually the groom's male friends or relatives.

Frequently asked questions