Planning A Formal Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a formal wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be a smooth and enjoyable process. The first step is to determine your priorities and budget, followed by finding the perfect venue that aligns with your vision and sets the tone for your special day. From there, you'll assemble your team of vendors, including caterers, photographers, and musicians, to bring your dream wedding to life. With careful planning and attention to detail, you'll be well on your way to creating a memorable and elegant celebration.

Choosing a venue

Start by researching venues and taking site tours. Read online reviews of wedding venues near you and create a shortlist of your favourites. When visiting venues in person, bring your partner so you can work together to find your dream wedding location.

Before signing a contract, be sure to read it thoroughly and understand all the terms and conditions. Some couples hire a wedding planner to help with this process, although others wait until after they've chosen a venue.

It's also a good idea to keep in mind that you're not limited to one formal meal and dessert. You can opt for a budget-friendly buffet-style dinner, a multi-course serving of heavy appetizers, a food truck wedding, or even a brunch if you prefer an earlier celebration.

Budgeting

The next step is to research venues. The ceremony and reception venue will be the backdrop for your wedding photos and will have the biggest impact on your budget, so it's important to choose wisely. Read online reviews, visit venues in person, and work with your partner to find your dream location. Once you've found the perfect venue, you can officially set a date for your wedding.

When it comes to food, you're not limited to one formal meal and dessert. There are budget-friendly options such as a buffet-style dinner, heavy appetizers, a food truck, or even a brunch if you prefer an earlier celebration. Consider what you already have in your home and what you truly need. For example, if you don't enjoy baking, you probably don't need an electric mixer.

Finally, remember to plan for unforeseen fees by having a 10-15% cushion in your budget. This will help cover any unexpected costs that may arise during the planning process or on the big day itself.

Food and drink

When it comes to food and drink, there are a few things to consider when planning a formal wedding. Firstly, it's important to remember that you're not limited to just one formal meal and dessert. If you're looking to save money, there are plenty of other options to choose from. For example, you could opt for a budget-friendly buffet-style dinner, a multi-course serving of heavy appetisers, or even a food truck wedding. If you prefer an earlier celebration, a brunch could be a great option.

When creating your wedding registry, it's important to think about what you truly want and need. Fine china is often seen as a traditional wedding gift, but it's not necessary if you don't want it. Take an inventory of what you already have and only add items to your registry that you know you'll use. This will help you stay within your budget and avoid wasting money on unnecessary items.

It's also a good idea to prioritise the most important aspects of your wedding, such as the venue, date, photographer, or band. This will help you stay focused and ensure that you're only spending money on the things that are truly important to you. Remember to read reviews and visit venues in person to find the perfect location for your dream wedding.

When it comes to the food and drink itself, be sure to consider the tastes and preferences of your guests. Offer a variety of options to cater to different dietary restrictions and allergies. Work with your caterer to create a menu that reflects your style and theme, and don't be afraid to get creative. Finally, don't forget to include drinks in your budget! Alcoholic beverages can add up quickly, so be sure to factor them into your overall costs.

Invitations

When it comes to invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll want to make sure that you have a finalised guest list before sending out any invites. This will ensure that you don't accidentally invite more people than your venue can accommodate.

Once you have your guest list, it's time to start thinking about the design and content of your invitations. Formal wedding invitations typically include the full names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the wedding, as well as any additional information such as dress code or gift registry details. It's also a good idea to include an RSVP card with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to make it easy for guests to respond.

When it comes to the wording of your invitations, there are a few different options to consider. You may choose to use traditional wedding invitation wording, or you may prefer to write something more modern and personalised. If you're having a themed wedding, you can also incorporate this into your invitation design and wording.

Finally, don't forget to give your guests enough notice. It's generally recommended to send out invitations at least six to eight weeks before the wedding, but if you're having a destination wedding or your guests will need to travel, you may want to send them out even earlier.

Wedding vendors

When booking your wedding vendors, it is important to read reviews, meet with each pro to iron out the details, and be willing to compromise on some aspects to stay within your budget. Prioritise the details that are most important to you and your partner, whether that is the venue, a specific wedding date, a particular photographer, or having a live band.

Once you have your team assembled, you can start to work with them on the specific details of your wedding. This may include site tours with your planner to discuss the reception layout, catering tastings, attire alterations, and hair and makeup trials. You will also want to start working with your music vendor on the playlist for the wedding and finalising your wedding invitations and stationery.

Frequently asked questions