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

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and guidance, it can be a fun and exciting process. Wedding Planning For Dummies, written by expert wedding planner Marcy Blum, is a comprehensive guide that demystifies and simplifies the hundreds of decisions that go into creating your dream wedding. From choosing a reception site to picking a photographer, Blum provides step-by-step instructions and innovative ideas to personalize your celebration and make it a memorable day for you and your guests. This bestselling book is packed with money-saving tips and advice on how to avoid common pitfalls, ensuring that your wedding day is not only special but also stress-free.

Choosing a reception site

When choosing a reception site, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider your budget. Reception sites can range from pricey all-inclusive packages at luxury hotels or resorts to small, intimate celebrations in a rural setting. The number of guests you plan to invite will also impact your choice of venue, as will the type of atmosphere you want to create. If you're looking for a more intimate setting, a small tent in the countryside might be perfect. If you're planning a larger event, a hotel or resort may be a better option.

Another thing to consider when choosing a reception site is the level of personalisation you want. Restaurant wedding venues or event spaces can be ideal blank canvases that can be transformed into themed receptions. However, if you're looking for a venue that already aligns with a specific look or theme, you may need to be more selective.

Finally, don't forget to book your chosen venue in advance. Wedding reception venues, especially top-tier ones, are in high demand, so it's important to secure your favourite place well ahead of time. Contact the venue again one or two months before the reception to confirm access for your vendors.

Picking a photographer

First, you need to decide on a style. Do you want your photos to be natural and timeless or warm and trendy? If you're not sure, take a look at some wedding or engagement photos on Instagram or Google to get an idea of what you like. Once you've found your style, start looking at photographers' portfolios. Remember, a photographer's portfolio is a compilation of their best work, so if you're not impressed, move on to the next one.

It's also important to come up with a budget for photography and decide on any must-haves that you want to be included in your wedding photography package. You can search for photographers on Instagram and Google, as well as get referrals from married friends and family members. Ask them about their experience with their photographer and whether they would recommend them.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask questions. A good photographer will be happy to answer any queries you have and should make you feel comfortable and at ease.

Saving money

Wedding Planning For Dummies by Marcy Blum is a step-by-step guide to planning a wedding, which includes tips for saving money. However, it does not go into detail about what these tips are. Here are some other ways to save money when planning a wedding:

• Opt for a non-traditional venue, such as a restaurant, brewery, vacation house, golf club or estate. These places are less likely to be in high demand for weddings, so they will be cheaper, and they will also give your wedding a unique feel.
• Choose one variety of flowers instead of multiple varieties. Hydrangeas, for example, are full and gorgeous, perfect for centrepieces, and they are cheaper than a variety of flowers.
• Buy used decor.
• Set a cap on an open bar.
• Serve 'in season' and hearty food.
• Hire a wedding planner. This may sound counterintuitive, but a good wedding planner knows where to find savings and which elements offer the most flexibility. They will also know when to negotiate with vendors and where to find creative alternatives.

How much liquor to buy

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. One important aspect of wedding planning is calculating how much liquor to buy. Here are some tips to help you determine the right amount:

First, consider the number of guests you will be serving. A good rule of thumb is to assume that each guest will consume an average of two drinks per hour during the reception. This may vary depending on your guest list, so it's important to tailor your calculations accordingly.

Next, think about the duration of your reception. If you are hosting a longer reception, you will need to account for more drinks per person. As a general guideline, plan for one drink per person per hour.

Another factor to consider is the type of liquor you will be serving. Wine, beer, and spirits all have different serving sizes and alcohol content, which will impact the overall consumption. It's a good idea to offer a variety of options to cater to different tastes and preferences.

To ensure you have enough liquor, it's always better to overestimate rather than underestimate. You don't want to run out of drinks halfway through the reception! Purchase a little more than you think you'll need, and don't forget to include some non-alcoholic options as well.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. Consult with your caterer or bartender, who can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on their experience. They can help you determine the right quantities and types of liquor to suit your guest list and reception timeline.

How much space and how many servers you need

When it comes to planning a wedding, there are a lot of decisions to be made. One of the most important is how much space you will need for your reception. This will depend on the number of guests you plan to invite. As a general rule, you should allow for around 15 to 20 square feet of space per guest. So, if you're expecting 100 guests, you'll need at least 1,500 to 2,000 square feet of space.

Another factor to consider is the layout of the space. If you're having a seated dinner, you'll need enough room for tables and chairs, as well as space for a dance floor and any other activities you have planned. If you're having a buffet, you'll need to allow for extra space so that guests can move around the buffet tables easily.

In terms of servers, a good rule of thumb is to have one server for every 10 to 12 guests. So, for a wedding of 100 guests, you would need around eight to 10 servers. However, this number can vary depending on the format of your reception. If you're having a more casual cocktail-style reception, you may need fewer servers. On the other hand, if you're having a more formal seated dinner with multiple courses, you may need more servers to ensure that the food is served efficiently.

It's also important to consider the level of service you want to provide. If you want your guests to be waited on hand and foot, you may want to hire additional servers. Ultimately, the number of servers you need will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions