Wedding Planning: Our Journey So Far

Wedding planning can be an exciting yet stressful experience. From choosing the perfect dress to finalizing the guest list, there are numerous details to consider. It is important to prioritize self-care and organization during the planning process to stay stress-free. Some people choose to hire a wedding planner, while others opt to plan the event themselves with the support of family and friends. Planning a wedding requires making decisions about menus, budgets, guest lists, venues, and entertainment. It is also crucial to consider unexpected situations that may arise and to set aside time for relaxation.

Wedding vendors and suppliers

Wedding planning can be stressful, but creating a timeline and a checklist of wedding vendors and suppliers can help keep you organised.

The first step in wedding planning is to decide on the kind of wedding you want. This will help you figure out which vendors you need and which are nice-to-haves.

A wedding planner is often considered a must-have, as they can help you organise all the details, create a timeline, manage your budget, and handle any issues on the day. They can also take away the stress of wedding planning, allowing you to enjoy the day.

The next step is to choose your venue. The venue often dictates the date of your wedding, as popular venues can get booked up quickly. It is recommended to tour the venue and ask questions before signing any papers.

With the venue and date secured, you can start to think about other vendors, such as caterers and photographers. Catering is a must-have, and you can choose from a sit-down dinner or a buffet. You can also decide whether to hire a bartender and offer an open bar, or set up a no-host bar.

Photographers and videographers are also considered essential, as they capture the memories of your special day. It is recommended to book these vendors early, as they are in high demand and you may even want to choose your wedding date based on their availability.

Other vendors to consider include:

• Florists: Florists can add that "wow" factor to your wedding and create beautiful bouquets and floral arrangements.
• Cake bakers: A wedding cake is becoming less common, but many couples still enjoy this tradition, and it can be a fun part of the celebration.
• Entertainment: You may want to hire a DJ or a band to keep your guests entertained, as well as an MC to direct the event and introduce speeches and dances.

Remember to check pricing and ensure all services fit within your budget. It is also a good idea to use a template or an app to keep your vendor information organised.

Wedding timeline and schedule

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, but a detailed timeline and schedule can help keep things on track. Here is a comprehensive wedding timeline and schedule to help you stay organised:

12 Months Before

As soon as you're engaged, it's time to start planning. The first step is to decide on a date and venue, as these will impact all your other decisions. Hotels and event spaces fill up quickly, so it's best to book your venue about a year in advance. While you're at it, start thinking about your guest list and send out save the dates to give your guests plenty of notice.

9-11 Months Before

Now is the time to focus on the finer details. Choose and book your photographer, videographer, DJ or band, caterer, and florist. Decide on a theme or style for your wedding and start thinking about your wedding attire, as well as the wedding party outfits. If you're planning a honeymoon, start making some initial plans and reservations.

6-8 Months Before

Customise your service by choosing songs and readings, or even writing your own vows. Look to poetry, literature, song lyrics, or your own love letters for inspiration. If you're having a religious ceremony, the service may be longer, so keep this in mind when planning the rest of your day. Finalise your menu choices with your caterer and start thinking about a signature cocktail for the reception.

3-5 Months Before

Purchase gifts for your wedding party and close family members as a token of appreciation for their help. Send out your wedding invitations and create a wedding website to keep your guests informed of all the details. It's also a good idea to start planning your bachelorette or bachelor parties around this time.

2 Months Before

Schedule a hair and makeup trial to finalise your wedding day look. Confirm all the details with your vendors and create a day-of schedule to share with them, as well as your wedding party and VIP guests. Make sure you have a clear plan for the transition between the ceremony and dinner to keep your guests engaged and energised.

2 Weeks Before

Do a final headcount and confirm all RSVPs. Touch base with your wedding planner or coordinator to go over any last-minute adjustments and ensure everyone is on the same page. Provide your photographer with a list of must-have photos so they can prepare accordingly.

1 Week Before

Enjoy your wedding shower and celebrate with your loved ones. It's also a good idea to exchange gifts with your partner at this time.

The Big Day

Take some time for yourself before the flurry of activities begins. Remember to build in some buffer time, as wedding days rarely run exactly to schedule. Enjoy the celebration and savour every moment!

Wedding decor and theme

Wedding planning can be an exciting yet challenging process, and choosing a wedding theme and decor is a significant part of it. It is essential to select a theme that reflects your and your partner's personalities and styles, creating a memorable experience for you and your guests. Here are some popular wedding theme and decor ideas to consider:

Rustic Theme

If you appreciate a relaxed and cosy atmosphere, a rustic theme might be perfect. This style is characterised by natural and simple elements such as wood, lace, twine, and wildflowers. Consider a rural venue, such as a chic barn, a mountain lodge, or even your home, to enhance the rustic vibe. Prioritise hospitality with delicious food, entertainment, and thoughtful welcome bags for your guests.

Boho-Inspired Theme

A boho wedding is all about expressing yourself freely and feeling connected to nature. Dream catchers, macramé hangings, and colourful rugs can be part of the decor, with outdoor settings like sandy beaches, grasslands, or peaceful forests providing a beautiful backdrop. Flowy and comfortable outfits, silhouettes, and flower crowns can complete the look. Prioritise a mindful guest experience and focus on food and decor, creating a calming and inviting atmosphere.

Tropical/Island Theme

For destination weddings in tropical locations like Hawaii or Jamaica, embrace the vibrant local flora and fauna. Decorate with exotic flowers, hibiscus, anthurium, monstera, and palm leaves. Woven elements, electric prints, and coconut shells will add to the tropical vibe. Encourage guests to dress in resort wear and serve fruity cocktails with mini umbrellas.

Modern/Minimalist Theme

If you prefer a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic, a modern or minimalist theme might be ideal. Look for venues that offer a blank canvas, such as art museums, lofts, or industrial warehouses. Use materials like acrylic, concrete, slate, and marble to create a clean and streamlined look. A meticulous colour palette and trendy decor will enhance this contemporary style.

Classic/Vintage Theme

For a timeless and elegant affair, consider a classic or vintage theme. Vintage weddings evoke the golden age of Hollywood with feathers, pearls, vintage photographs, and flickering candles. Colour palettes can include black, white, gold, silver, and jewellery tones like ruby red. The bride can wear a classic gown, while the groom opts for a sharp tuxedo and bow tie. Arrive in a vintage car and incorporate family heirlooms for a sentimental touch.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Remember, your wedding theme should reflect your unique style and personality, so feel free to mix and match elements or create something entirely your own!

Wedding food and drink

Food and drink are an extremely important part of your wedding. You want your guests to be well-fed and happy, so they can relax, enjoy themselves, and stay until the end of the night. If your wedding is at a mealtime, you'll be expected to provide a meal. If your wedding is at a non-mealtime, you can get away with providing appetizers and hors d'oeuvres.

Choosing a Menu

If you're stuck for wedding food ideas, ask your caterer, planner, and/or wedding venue for suggestions. You could also solicit ideas and feedback from family members, or offer a family favourite or cultural dish. You could even incorporate food that reflects a part of your relationship, like a dish you ate on your first date or your go-to drinks as signature cocktails.

If you're planning a less traditional wedding, you might want to serve canapes and finger food instead of a plated meal. If you do this, make sure you're serving a substantial amount of food—enough to satiate your guests, especially if they're drinking alcohol. Work with your caterer to come up with some heartier cocktail food options that include a good mix of carbs and protein.

If you're planning a traditional plated meal, you'll need to decide on a menu style: a casual buffet or a formal seated meal. You could have a three-course meal with an entree, main, and dessert, or go for a more casual option like a food bar with various stations.

Some unique menu ideas include:

• Sushi stations
• Portable oyster buckets
• Wood-fired pizza
• Lobster rolls
• Mini tacos
• Grilled kabobs

Potluck Wedding

If you're on a tight budget, you could ask your guests to bring a dish to your wedding. This is a great option if you have a family of foodies or wonderful cooks. You can provide the drinks and alcohol, or ask your guests to bring their favourite dish and the recipe written on a card.

Food Safety

If you're providing your own food, make sure you follow food safety guidelines. Food should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the room is above 90 degrees F. Reheat food to at least 165 degrees F. To avoid allergic reactions, provide your caterer with a list of guests' allergies and dietary requirements before the event.

Food Tasting

If you're having catered food, make sure you attend a food tasting. This is your chance to see if the food is to your taste and make any necessary substitutions. Bring a notepad and pen to take notes after each course. Don't get drunk if you're tasting wine or your signature drink!

Wedding location and accommodation

Wedding planning can be stressful, but it's important to stay organized and focused. One of the most important aspects of wedding planning is choosing the right location and accommodation for your big day. Here are some ideas and suggestions to help you get started:

Location Ideas:

• If you're looking for a rustic and picturesque setting, consider a venue like Catskill State Park, which offers wild grasses, ancient trees, and a hay field for your ceremony. You can have dinner outside or in a rustic barn, creating a unique and storybook atmosphere.
• For a luxurious and elegant option, the Four Seasons in Florence, Italy, provides a prime location just steps away from iconic landmarks like the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery.
• The New York Public Library is a classic and glamorous choice, featuring sky-high ceilings, marble columns, and grand staircases. It has multiple event spaces, making it easy for guests to move around.
• Beachfront properties like the Bahamas oasis on Paradise Island offer a combination of a classic beach wedding and a worldly escape, with endless photo opportunities.
• Vineyards and wineries in places like Napa, Sonoma, and Washington D.C.'s Pippin Hill provide sweeping views and a unique culinary experience for you and your guests.

Accommodation Ideas:

• When choosing accommodation, consider the number of guests you'll be hosting and the proximity to your wedding venue.
• For a small and intimate wedding, a luxury country house in Ireland's countryside, such as the one at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, offers elegance, history, and style.
• If you're looking for a celebrity-beloved option, Ashford Castle in Ireland has skyrocketed in demand, offering exceptional service and a sprawling estate near Galway.
• For a beachside escape, the villa outside Lenno on Lake Como, Italy, provides beautifully appointed guest rooms and an indoor and outdoor pool for your guests to enjoy.
• If you're set on a particular venue, they might offer accommodation packages or have partnerships with nearby hotels, so be sure to inquire about those options.

Remember, the key is to choose a location and accommodation that reflect your style and personality as a couple. Start your research early, visit potential venues, and don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from other brides or wedding planning communities.

Frequently asked questions