Who Enters First: Planning A Wedding Entrance

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but with a clear vision and the right tools, you can make the process simple and enjoyable. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

- Dream Big: Start by envisioning your perfect wedding day. Do you want a grand celebration or an intimate gathering? What theme or style do you have in mind? Get creative and write down all your ideas in a journal.

- Determine Priorities: Figure out what's most important to you and your partner. Is it live music, delicious food, or exotic decor? Prioritize the must-haves to help guide your planning and budget allocation.

- Set a Budget: Create a realistic budget by considering contributions from family and friends, your savings, and any adjustments to your spending. This will be a crucial factor in all your planning decisions.

- Form Your Wedding Party: Ask your closest friends or family members to be a part of your special day. It's a fun way to involve your loved ones early in the planning process.

- Create a Guest List: Start compiling a list of people you'd like to invite, keeping in mind your budget and venue capacity. This will be an ongoing process, but it's important to have an initial estimate for planning purposes.

- Choose Dates and Venue: Select a few potential dates and keep them in mind when searching for venues. Consider the season, your availability, and any conflicts. Then, start researching and visiting venues that match your vision and budget.

- Research Vendors: Look into caterers, photographers, florists, and other vendors you'll need for your big day. Read reviews, compare prices, and prioritize spending based on your must-haves.

- Choose Your Attire: Start thinking about what you want to wear, whether it's a traditional gown or suit, or something more unique. Give yourself plenty of time for alterations and fittings.

- Plan the Honeymoon: Don't forget to plan your dream vacation with your partner! Research destinations, book accommodations, and create an itinerary to relax and celebrate after the wedding.

- Seek Help: Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, so don't hesitate to ask for help. Consider hiring a wedding planner or coordinator, or enlist the support of family and friends.

Create a wedding website and social media hashtags

Creating a wedding website and social media hashtag is a great way to keep your guests informed and build excitement for your big day. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Wedding Website:

• Choose a platform: Select a website builder that suits your needs and offers features such as templates, customization options, and registry links. Popular options include The Knot, WeddingWire, Zola, Minted, Wix, and Squarespace.
• Design your website: Pick a template that aligns with your wedding theme and style. Customize it by adding personal touches, such as your wedding colour palette, photos, and stories about your relationship.
• Include essential information: Provide guests with all the details they need, such as the date, time, location, dress code, travel and accommodation suggestions, registry information, and a day-of itinerary.
• Add interactive features: Engage your guests by including a calendar of wedding-related events, a blog, and a countdown timer. You can also add a photo gallery, a guest book, and a contact page.
• Make it private: Consider password-protecting your site to keep personal information and wedding details private. Share the password with your guests so they can access the site easily.
• Send invites and manage RSVPs: Use your website to send save-the-dates and invitations. Allow guests to RSVP directly on the site and manage your guest list and meal choices online.

Social Media Hashtag:

• Create a unique hashtag: Come up with a creative and easy-to-remember hashtag that combines your names, wedding date, or a pun related to your wedding. You can use a wedding hashtag generator for inspiration.
• Promote your hashtag: Include your hashtag on your wedding website, paper stationery, welcome sign, cocktail napkins, table cards, menus, and even decorations. Add a note explaining how you would like your guests to use the hashtag.
• Display a social media wall: Aggregate all the social media posts with your hashtag into a live feed that can be projected at your reception. This will encourage guests to post and create a fun, interactive experience.
• Encourage guest participation: Host a social media scavenger hunt with tasks related to your love story. For example, guests can post selfies with people from a different state or share their favourite memories of the couple. Offer prizes for those who complete the tasks.
• Go live: Consider live-streaming your ceremony on Facebook, especially if you have guests who can't attend in person. You can set up a private Facebook group to share the live stream with only your invited guests.

Choose your wedding party

The friends and family you ask to join your wedding party are there for emotional and tactical support throughout the planning process and on your big day. Consider who you want standing next to you during this monumental occasion and whether they are capable of performing the duties required of their position throughout the process. Make sure to consult with your partner to decide what size wedding party works best for the two of you.

6 Rules for Choosing Your Wedding Party

• Involve your partner: Make sure you and your partner are on the same page about who is included in the wedding party.
• Consider the size of your wedding party: Discuss with your partner how many people you want in your wedding party.
• Think about the duties involved: The wedding party will have a lot to do, both before and during the wedding. Make sure your choices are up to the task.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help: Your wedding party is there to support you. Don't be afraid to lean on them.
• Be understanding: Understand that your choices may not be able to fulfil all their duties. Be prepared to be flexible and understanding if they need to decline certain tasks.
• Start planning early: Give yourself plenty of time to plan by choosing your wedding party well in advance.

Decide on the wedding's theme, decor and details

Deciding on the theme, decor, and details of your wedding is a highly personal process that should reflect your and your partner's style and interests. Here are some steps to help you decide on these important aspects of your big day:

Pinpoint Your Aesthetic

The first step is to decide on a specific wedding style or theme. This could be anything from modern, glamorous, rustic, bohemian, vintage, whimsical, or even a unique combination like "beach meets desert" or "laid-back garden party." Think about what best represents you as a couple and what kind of atmosphere you want to create. Do you want a relaxed and romantic vibe, or something more edgy and modern? Once you have a general idea, you can start thinking about the specific details and decor.

Choose a Color Palette

While you may have one or two favorite colors in mind, try to be flexible and open-minded when creating your wedding color palette. Instead of focusing on specific colors, think of a general color family or theme. For example, instead of "gray and white," consider a "neutrals" palette with ivory, beige, and charcoal. This gives you more flexibility and creates a more authentic and cohesive look.

Take Advantage of Your Surroundings

Your wedding venue can greatly influence your decor choices. Consider the existing features of the space, such as accent walls, gardens, lighting fixtures, or architectural details. Think about how you can design your decor to highlight these elements and whether you can save money by utilising what's already there. For example, if you're getting married outdoors, you may not need much additional decor.

Start with the Essentials

Now, it's time to make a list of essential decor items. These are the functional pieces that are necessary for your wedding, such as tables, chairs, flatware, china, and lighting. You'll also need items like table numbers, a seating chart, and escort cards for your guests.

Add Decorative Basics

The next step is to focus on the decorative basics—items that add character and showcase your wedding theme. This includes things like ceremony aisle markers, the altar backdrop, reception centerpieces, and tablecloths. Centerpieces, in particular, will be a focal point, so choose something that ties into your wedding style and colours.

Incorporate Secondary Details

Think about the smaller details that will enhance your guests' experience and extend your wedding style. Place cards, menu cards, and wedding signage are great ways to add a personal touch and provide useful information for your guests.

Finish with Extras and Splurge Items

If your budget allows, consider adding a few splurge items or decorative extras. This could be a floral ceremony arch, luxurious chairs for the sweetheart table, an elaborate dessert table, or a photo booth for entertainment and memorable photos.

Remember, your wedding theme and decor should ultimately reflect your and your partner's personalities and interests. Don't be afraid to add personal touches and make it a true representation of who you are as a couple.

Choose your wedding attire

Choosing your wedding attire is one of the most exciting parts of the wedding planning process. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect outfits for your special day:

Start Shopping Early

It's important to begin your search for wedding attire as early as possible, especially if you're planning on having your outfits custom-made. Custom orders and tailoring can take several months, and you'll also need additional time for fittings and alterations. Aim to complete your wedding dress purchase at least nine months before your wedding, and start shopping for the groom's attire around five months in advance.

Consider the Wedding Style and Location

The style and location of your wedding will play a significant role in determining the appropriate attire. For example, a beach wedding will call for much different outfits than a formal evening affair at a hotel or ritzy venue. Consider the level of formality you want for your wedding and choose outfits that align with that theme. Don't forget to check the weather forecast for your wedding day and choose attire that will be comfortable for the expected conditions.

Understand Wedding Dress Codes

Familiarize yourself with the different types of wedding dress codes, such as black-tie, formal, semi-formal, and casual. This will help you communicate your expectations to your guests and ensure they are dressed appropriately for the occasion. For instance, for a black-tie wedding, guests would typically wear floor-length gowns or tuxedos, while a casual wedding might involve sundresses, collared shirts, or khakis.

Decide on the Wedding Party Attire

The wedding party, including the bridesmaids and groomsmen, should wear outfits that complement the overall style and colour scheme of the wedding. It's important to choose attire that is comfortable and flattering for all body types, as your wedding party will be standing and celebrating with you throughout the day. You may also want to consider the time of year and weather conditions when selecting their outfits.

Don't Forget the Accessories

Accessories can elevate your wedding attire and add a touch of personality to your look. Think about the jewellery, shoes, and other accessories that will complete your outfit. For outdoor weddings, you may want to provide pashminas or shawls for your bridesmaids to keep them warm during the evening. Don't forget to select comfortable shoes, especially if you plan on dancing the night away!

Book hotel room blocks

Booking hotel room blocks is an important part of wedding planning, especially if you have a lot of out-of-town guests or are planning a destination wedding. Here's a guide to help you with this task:

First, you need to estimate how many rooms you'll need. Consider how many out-of-town guests will need a room, how many nights they are likely to stay, and whether your wedding party or immediate family will require accommodation. For local weddings, you can also consider offering rooms to local guests who may not want to drive home after the festivities, but it's tricky to estimate how many will accept, so it's best to offer these as a fallback option if you have unfilled rooms to avoid overbooking and penalty fees.

When to Reserve a Hotel Room Block

It's best to reserve your hotel room blocks as soon as possible, and at least 10 to 12 months in advance if your wedding date coincides with a holiday or local event. It's beneficial to have the rooms booked before sending out save-the-dates, so guests can plan their travel arrangements.

How to Block Hotel Rooms

• Think about how many hotels you'll need. If you're getting married at a venue with accommodation, start there. For destination weddings or large guest lists, you'll likely need room blocks at two to three hotels.
• Contact the hotels directly. Give them your desired dates and any special requests, such as welcome bag distribution or transportation to and from the airport. Ask if they can provide regular updates on room bookings.
• Alternatively, use an online booking platform to search for and negotiate with hotels near your venue.

Negotiating a Hotel Room Block Contract

When reviewing the contract, look out for the following clauses:

• Cancellation policy: The conditions and financial penalties for cancelling rooms.
• Deposit requirements: Any money you have to pay to reserve the room block and the terms for getting your deposit back.
• Allowable shrinkage clause: The percentage of unbooked rooms allowed without incurring a penalty.
• Attrition clause or minimum commitment: The percentage of rooms that need to be filled to avoid a penalty fee.
• Mitigation clause or resell clause: The hotel's obligation to book unused rooms to other customers so you're not paying for them.

How Wedding Guests Book Rooms

Hotels will usually provide a unique web link for guests to book and pay for their rooms. They may also provide contact information for a wedding planner or room block coordinator to handle reservations.

Tips for Booking a Wedding Hotel Block

• Figure out the number of rooms and nights needed.
• Pick multiple hotels to give guests a choice and ensure enough rooms are available.
• Choose hotels with different price ranges to suit all budgets.
• Select hotels that are near your venue to keep transportation costs low.
• Make it easy for guests to book by providing links and sending out reminders.
• Ask for regular updates on guest bookings.
• Look into wedding transportation and share tips with guests.
• Discuss adding personal touches, such as welcome bag distribution or signage, with the hotel manager.

Frequently asked questions