Planning A Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide For Couples

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially if you're doing it yourself. However, with some organisation and creativity, you can create a memorable celebration that reflects your style and personality. Here are some key considerations to help you get started:

- Budget: Determine your budget and try to stick to it. This will guide many of your decisions, so it's important to finalise it early on.

- Priorities: Decide on the three most important aspects of your wedding, such as the venue, date, photographer, or entertainment. This will help you allocate your resources effectively.

- Style: Choose a wedding style or theme that suits your taste. This could be a specific colour palette, season-inspired, or a unique theme like the Roaring Twenties.

- Venue: Research and compare different venues, considering factors such as location, capacity, and package deals. Opting for an on-site wedding at a hotel or restaurant can simplify the planning process.

- Guest List: Create a guest list that aligns with your budget and venue capacity. Consider whether children will be invited and if plus-ones are allowed.

- Date: Choose a few preferred dates for your wedding, being flexible can increase your options and availability. Consider the season, popularity of the dates, and the convenience for your guests.

- Vendors: Take your time when selecting vendors, including caterers, photographers, entertainment, and wedding attire. Read contracts carefully and ensure they meet your requirements.

- Details: Focus on the small details that will make your wedding unique, such as decorations, music, transportation, and personal touches that reflect your culture or traditions.

- Timeline: Create a timeline for the wedding day, including hair and makeup, transportation, ceremony, reception, speeches, and any other activities.

Budgeting and saving tips

Weddings can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save money and stick to a budget. Here are some tips to help you plan your dream wedding without breaking the bank:

• Create a budget and stick to it: Determine how much you can realistically afford to spend and set a limit that you will not exceed. Be honest about your financial situation and what you can contribute to the wedding.
• Cut down the guest list: One of the biggest ways to reduce costs is to have a smaller wedding. A smaller guest list will result in lower costs for food, drinks, rentals, and more.
• Choose an off-peak date and time: Opt for an off-season month, such as November to March, and avoid Saturdays, which are the most expensive day of the week for weddings. Consider a Friday night, Sunday morning brunch, or a mid-week wedding to save on venue rates.
• Find ways to save on flowers: Fresh flowers can be expensive, so use them sparingly or opt for alternative decorations. Choose in-season flowers, buy wholesale and DIY your arrangements, or use inexpensive filler flowers like baby's breath.
• DIY projects: Save money by tackling some do-it-yourself projects. Create your own decor, bake your own cake, set up a DIY photo booth, or make personal wedding details yourself.
• Bring your own alcohol: Alcohol can be a large expense. Look for venues that allow you to bring your own alcohol so you can control the cost. Skip the pricey champagne, and consider offering only wine and beer or signature cocktails instead of a full open bar.
• Choose a simple cake design: Big and elaborate cake designs are more expensive. Opt for a simple cake or consider alternative dessert options like a dessert buffet or a grocery store cake.
• Choose a naturally beautiful location: Opt for a wedding venue that doesn't require a lot of extra decoration. Outdoor locations with scenic views or public spaces like parks can be beautiful and budget-friendly options.
• Consider alternative catering options: Traditional caterers can be expensive. Explore alternative options like local restaurants, food trucks, or a taco bar for a more affordable and unique food experience.
• Shop around and do your research: Compare prices and explore all your options before making any purchases. Look for deals and discounts, and don't be afraid to negotiate.
• Borrow and repurpose items: Borrow items from family and friends, or repurpose items you already have for your wedding decor. This can include furniture, vases, or even jewellery.
• Choose affordable decor options: Shop at thrift stores, upcycle items, or use non-floral decor like candles, books, or fruit to create a beautiful and budget-friendly setting.
• Rent instead of buying: Consider renting your wedding attire and decor instead of buying new. This can help you save money, especially if you're only planning on wearing the outfit once.
• Stick to your priorities: Identify your must-haves and focus your budget on those items. Be intentional about your priorities and don't feel pressured to include everything.
• Consider a non-traditional or dual-purpose venue: Think outside the box when choosing a venue. Public spaces like parks, libraries, or a meaningful location like the zoo can be more affordable. Opt for a venue that can accommodate both your ceremony and reception to save on transportation and decoration costs.
• Have a long engagement: Planning your wedding far in advance gives you more time to save money and collect the items you need. You'll also have a better chance of booking your preferred vendors and venues.
• Skip the extras: Favours, a limo rental, and elaborate stationery are nice-to-haves but are not necessary. Consider skipping these extras or finding more affordable alternatives to save money.
• Use credit cards wisely: Use credit cards to earn rewards or cashback on your wedding expenses, but only if you can pay off the balance in full each month.
• Ask for help: Don't be afraid to recruit talented friends and family to help with certain tasks, such as designing invitations, baking cupcakes, or doing your makeup.

Choosing a venue

• Start by determining your wedding style and theme. Do you want a beach wedding, a rustic barn wedding, or a formal ballroom affair? Selecting a venue that aligns with your vision will help create a cohesive look and feel for your celebration.
• Consider the size of your guest list. The venue should be able to accommodate your expected number of attendees comfortably. Don't forget to factor in space for dancing, entertainment, and any other activities you plan to include.
• Think about the location and convenience for your guests. Choose a venue that is easily accessible and consider offering transportation options or accommodations for guests who are travelling from out of town.
• Research and compare multiple venues. Look into prices, packages, and any restrictions each venue may have. Don't be afraid to negotiate and ask questions to ensure you find the best fit for your needs and budget.
• Choose a venue that offers the amenities and services you need. Some venues provide all-inclusive packages with catering, coordination, rentals, and more. This can simplify your planning process and ensure a more seamless experience.
• Read reviews and ask for references from other couples who have used the venue. Hearing about the experiences of others can provide valuable insights into the level of service, quality, and any potential issues you may want to consider.
• Visit the venue in person if possible. Seeing the space firsthand will give you a better sense of the layout, atmosphere, and any unique features or challenges the venue may present.
• Consider the lighting and photo opportunities. Natural light and scenic backdrops can enhance your wedding photos, so look for venues with beautiful architecture, landscapes, or views.
• Inquire about flexibility and exclusivity. Find out if the venue can be customised to your preferences and if you will have exclusive use of the space on your wedding day, ensuring that your event is the sole focus.
• Don't forget to ask about backup options. If you're planning an outdoor wedding, make sure the venue has an indoor alternative in case of inclement weather.

Guest list and seating plans

Creating a guest list for your wedding can be a stressful process, but it's important to remember that it's your day and you can invite whoever you want. The first step is to figure out the maximum capacity of your wedding venue and be realistic about your budget. The more guests you invite, the more money you'll spend.

Creating the Guest List

If you haven't already chosen your wedding venue, it's a good idea to draft a rough guest list first so you can narrow down your options and only look at spaces that can accommodate your party size. However, if you've already found your dream venue, you'll need to work out your guest list based on the venue's capacity.

The next step is to decide how you'll divvy up the guest list between you and your partner's families. A traditional approach is to split the list into three parts: one-third for the bride's parents' guests, one-third for the groom's parents' guests, and the remaining third for the couple's guests. However, this doesn't always work for all family dynamics, so it's important to have an open conversation and arrive at a resolution that everyone is happy with.

When creating your guest list, it's a good idea to make an A-list and a B-list. The A-list comprises the people you definitely want at your wedding, while the B-list is for guests you'd still like to invite if space and budget allow.

• Start with immediate family members and close friends, then work outwards to include extended family, colleagues, acquaintances, and their partners/children if you wish.
• Prioritize close loved ones and immediate family members. Think about who you really want to be there and who you couldn't imagine getting married without.
• Be mindful of family dynamics and try to treat family members equally. For example, if you invite one aunt, consider including all aunts and uncles.
• If you want to invite some cousins but not others, apply the 'all or nothing' rule within each family unit to avoid hurt feelings.
• You don't have to invite children to your wedding, but if you do, include all children over a certain age (e.g., 14) to avoid causing offence.
• When it comes to plus-ones, set a clear policy and be consistent. You could invite only married, engaged, or cohabiting partners, or those in long-term relationships.
• If you're inviting colleagues, focus on those you spend time with outside of work or feel especially close to.
• You're not obligated to invite someone just because they invited you to their wedding, unless it was within the last 12-18 months and your relationship is still close.

Seating Plans

Once you have your guest list finalised, it's time to start thinking about seating plans. This can be a tricky task, especially when dealing with tricky relationships or guests who don't know each other. Here are some tips for creating a harmonious seating plan:

• Diplomacy is key. Think carefully about where each guest will be seated to avoid any potential conflicts.
• Consider family first. The couple, their parents, and the officiant should usually share a table, unless the couple opts for a sweetheart table.
• Grandparents, siblings not in the wedding party, and the officiant's spouse should also join the head table.
• If the couple's parents are divorced, you may need to create two 'head tables' to allow them to sit apart.
• Seek input from close family members who can provide insights on guests' personalities and interests to help match compatible guests together.
• Consider guests' work, interests, and ages when pairing them together to help spark conversation and avoid awkward silences.
• Colour-coding your guest list can be helpful to easily identify compatible guests.
• The type of table arrangement you choose will impact guest interactions. Round tables encourage interaction between all guests, while rectangular tables often create smaller groups.
• For the wedding ceremony, VIPs such as parents, grandparents, and the wedding party should sit in the first and second rows, with other guests seated in order of importance or closeness to the couple.

There are also online tools and templates available to help you create a seating chart, making it easier to visualise your reception space and ensure a smooth planning process.

Food and drink

The Food

First, decide on your budget and how much help you'll have. If you're working with a small budget and limited help, consider a simple reception without a full meal, or a dessert-only wedding. If you have a slightly larger budget, you could opt for a continental breakfast, sandwich stations, or a simple buffet.

If you're planning to serve a full meal, it's best to keep the menu simple and choose dishes that can be prepared in advance. This will make it easier to manage on the day, and you'll be able to enjoy your wedding rather than worrying about the food.

• Grazing tables with finger foods are a great way to encourage interaction and conversation among your guests.
• Seafood is a good option if you're looking for something healthier and lighter. You could have a seafood station with bite-sized classics or a raw bar.
• Pasta is always a crowd-pleaser and can be served in many different ways, from a full pasta station to plated dishes.
• For a summer or beach wedding, lobster rolls are a delicious option, served with a light dressing and a glass of rosé.
• Chicken is a versatile option that can be roasted, grilled, fried, barbequed, breaded, or stuffed. Serve it with seasonal vegetables and potatoes for a hearty meal.
• Tacos are a fun and simple choice, and you can offer a variety of toppings and salsa. Don't forget the margaritas!
• Salads can be exciting and creative, like a savory Caesar with anchovies or a Cobb salad. Pair them with light cocktails like mojitos or Bloody Marys.
• If you want to add a touch of sophistication, consider a surf and turf dish, pairing steak with lobster, shrimp, or salmon. It's an expensive option but will give your guests a mouthwatering experience.
• For a casual spin on your wedding food, consider serving fast food or your takeout go-tos.
• Sushi is a great choice for a wedding, offering a variety of options like California rolls, sashimi, and nigiri.
• If you're a brunch enthusiast, why not have a brunch wedding? Offer pancakes, bacon, sausage, omelets, and buckets of maple syrup. Mimosas are a must for this type of wedding.

The Drinks

When it comes to drinks, you have several options. You can offer a full bar with cocktails, beer, and wine, or you can choose to serve only beer and wine. If you want to add a unique touch, create a few signature cocktails that reflect your personality.

• Strawberry champagne is a quick and satisfying drink to serve with appetizers or a grazing table.
• Rosé is a perfect pairing for a summer or beach wedding, especially when served with lobster rolls.
• Margaritas are the perfect accompaniment to tacos, whether you choose a classic version or get creative with flavors like strawberry or watermelon.
• Mojitos and Bloody Marys can complement salads, depending on the ingredients and dressings you choose.
• For a unique cocktail to pair with a surf and turf dish, try a vintage drink like the Turf Club.
• If you're serving fast food or casual dishes, offer a Baja Blast-inspired drink to match the theme.
• Sake, wasabi, and soy sauce are essential drinks to serve with sushi, offering a range of flavors for your guests to enjoy.
• Mimosas are a must-have for a brunch wedding, and you can offer a variety of flavors like strawberry, watermelon, or berry.
• For a sweet touch, serve alcoholic milkshakes, such as vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry.
• A blackberry dessert wine or White Russian cocktail can be a yummy pairing for a dessert bar.

Remember to check your local laws and regulations regarding alcohol service, and always encourage responsible drinking. Cheers to your special day!

Decorations

DIY Decorations:

• Paper flower napkin rings.
• Paper lantern centrepieces.
• Vintage gold Edison lightbulbs.
• A chalkboard wedding sign with a schedule of activities.
• A rustic wood heart guest book.
• A photo of the bride and groom as children for the ceremony chairs.
• Hanging flower arrangements for the ceremony chairs.
• Cozy blankets for an outdoor winter wedding.
• A driftwood wedding arch for an oceanfront ceremony.
• A rustic wood bar sign.
• A Western-style coffee bar.
• Succulent centrepieces.
• A string light canopy.
• A birdcage wedding card holder.
• A vintage suitcase guest book table display.
• Bohemian rug aisle runners.
• A memory wall made of wood, featuring family photos and heirlooms.
• Painted mason jar vases.
• A fun photo booth display and props.
• A copper mug escort card display.
• Romantic gold wine bottle candle holders.

Other Decoration Ideas:

• Choose a venue that looks great naturally to reduce the need for extensive decorations.
• Have the wedding and reception in the same place to simplify logistics.
• Opt for an all-inclusive venue with lots of amenities and services to simplify planning.
• Designate a lounge area with comfortable seating and lower music for guests who don't want to dance.
• Provide parasols, wraps, or flip-flops to ensure your guests' comfort.
• Create a well-planned seating chart, grouping people with similar backgrounds and interests together.
• Offer a signature cocktail that reflects your and your partner's tastes.
• Provide a phone charging station for your guests.
• Set up outdoor games like bocce ball, Jenga, or backgammon.
• Serve late-night snacks, such as sliders, fries, grilled cheese, or coffee and donuts.
• Give out favours that are useful, like mini bottles of bubbly or snacks.
• Make a memorable exit with a fireworks show, sparkler exit, or confetti send-off.

Frequently asked questions