Lyla Dejesus
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. The first step is to decide on a vision for your wedding. Do you want a big or small wedding? Indoors or outdoors? At home or a destination wedding? Once you have a clear vision, you can start working on the details such as the guest list, budget, venue, and other important aspects like catering and entertainment. It's also important to be flexible and prepared for any unexpected costs or last-minute changes. With a bit of organisation and creativity, you can plan the perfect wedding at home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Planning | Start by enjoying being engaged and give yourself time to plan. |
| Budget | Set a realistic budget and be prepared for unforeseen fees. |
| Guest List | Create a preliminary guest list and decide on a guest count. |
| Venue | Research and select a venue that suits your vision and budget. |
| Date | Choose a date that works for you and your vendors. |
| Theme and Style | Decide on a theme and style, such as vintage or rustic. |
| Vendors | Research and book vendors, including caterers, photographers, and entertainment. |
| Details | Plan the smaller details, such as seating charts, wedding favors, and exit toss materials. |
| Contracts | Read contracts thoroughly and ensure all agreements are in writing. |
| Accommodation | Consider blocking hotel rooms for guests and take advantage of potential incentives. |
| Dress | Start searching for your wedding gown after choosing the venue. |
What You'll Learn
Budgeting and financing
Once you have an overall budget, break it down into categories such as venue, catering, photography, attire, entertainment, and decorations. Research the costs of these items in your area, as prices can vary significantly depending on your location. Be sure to include a cushion of 10-15% for unforeseen fees and last-minute changes.
When selecting a venue, consider using a search tool like Wedding Wire or Wedding Spot, which allow you to filter venues by price, services offered, and distance. Many venues also require the use of their in-house catering services, which can impact your budget, so be sure to ask about this. If you have a large guest list, you may need to choose a more spacious (and often more expensive) venue, so it is essential to finalise your guest list early in the planning process.
Another significant expense is often the photographer and videographer. These professionals can be booked up to two years in advance, so if having high-quality photos and videos is a priority for you, be sure to research and book them early.
Finally, remember that your wedding should be a reflection of you and your partner. Prioritise the aspects that are most important to you both and be willing to compromise on the rest. This might include opting for digital invitations or choosing a venue without strict noise ordinances for live music. By being mindful of your budget and prioritising your must-haves, you can plan the perfect wedding within your financial means.
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Venue and location
Deciding on a venue and location is one of the most important aspects of planning a wedding. The venue you choose will impact the overall vision of your wedding, so it's important to start by brainstorming and discussing with your partner what you both want your wedding to look and feel like. Do you want a large or small wedding? Do you want it to be traditional or unique? Are there any specific themes or styles you want to incorporate? Do you want an indoor or outdoor ceremony? Would you like a special destination or a location close to home?
Once you have a clear vision, you can start researching venues that align with your ideas. Consider using online tools like The Knot, Wedding Wire, and Wedding Spot, which allow you to sort venues by various factors such as services offered, distance, and budget. Create a spreadsheet to track important information about each venue, such as whether they offer indoor and outdoor options, whether they have catering services, and whether they fit within your budget, including any extra fees.
When considering a venue, it's also essential to keep in mind any potential sound issues, such as nearby roads or strict noise ordinances, especially if you plan on having live music. Additionally, think about the convenience of your guests. You may want to set up a hotel block at one or several hotels near your venue to ensure your guests are in the same general vicinity and have easy access to accommodations. Some hotels may even offer incentives like discounted rates or complimentary extras.
Remember that the venue you choose will also impact other aspects of your wedding, such as the date and the vendors you work with. Popular venues may require booking well in advance, and all-inclusive venues may manage and coordinate most of the vendors for you. Therefore, it's crucial to prioritize your venue selection and be willing to compromise in some areas to stay within your budget.
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Guest list and seating plan
Deciding on the number of guests you plan to invite is one of the first steps in wedding planning. The number of guests you invite will determine the venue and the overall cost of your wedding. It's important to only invite people who matter to both you and your partner.
When creating your guest list, consider whether you want a large or small wedding. If you're having a destination wedding, you may have a smaller guest list, whereas a local celebration may accommodate a larger number of guests. It's also a thoughtful gesture to consider that some guests may need a place to stay the night of your wedding. You could set up a hotel block for them at one or several hotels, which may even provide you with benefits such as a free room or complimentary breakfast.
Once you have your RSVPs, you can start working on your seating plan. You can also use this opportunity to extend invitations to your B-list if you have extra space. There are free wedding seating chart tools available, which allow you to begin assigning seats, adding in dietary restrictions and meal choices, and making special notes for your catering team.
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Theme and attire
When it comes to the theme and attire of your wedding, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, decide on the overall vibe and style you envision for your big day. Do you prefer a modern, classic, romantic, vintage, rustic, or glamorous aesthetic? You could even choose a specific theme, such as a Game of Thrones-themed wedding with an extravagant venue and an Iron Throne. Brainstorm with your partner and explore various options to determine what resonates with both of you.
Next, consider the location and setting of your wedding. Will it be held at home, in a special destination, or somewhere close to home? The location will impact the attire and overall theme. For instance, a tropical beach wedding will likely involve more casual attire and a relaxed atmosphere, while a candlelit evening in a mansion may call for more formal attire and elegant decor.
After deciding on the general theme and location, it's important to determine the specific attire for the wedding party. The bride's dress is a crucial element, and it's recommended to start searching for it right after choosing the venue. Aim to complete the purchase nine months before the wedding to allow time for fittings and alterations. For the rest of the wedding party, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, and family members, coordinate their attire with the chosen theme and colour scheme.
Don't forget to consider the practical aspects of attire, especially if you're having an outdoor wedding. Ensure that the attire is comfortable and suitable for the weather and terrain. For example, if you're having a barefoot beach ceremony, inform your guests accordingly so they can dress appropriately.
Lastly, pay attention to the small details that enhance the theme and attire. This includes accessories such as shoes, jewellery, and headpieces for the bride and bridesmaids. It also encompasses the overall styling of the wedding party's hair and makeup, which should complement the chosen theme and attire. Remember to allow sufficient time for trials and finalising these details before the big day.
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Photography and videography
Capturing the perfect moments on your special day is essential, and you'll want to look back on these memories for years to come. Wedding photographers and videographers are in high demand, so it's best to book them early—even up to two years in advance if you want a sought-after professional.
First, decide on the style of photography and videography you want. There are many different styles, so be sure to view a variety of portfolios before deciding which suits you best. You can find inspiration on websites like 'Your Perfect Wedding Photographer'. Once you've found a photographer whose work you admire, reach out to them and ask about their availability and rates. It's important to discuss your budget and what you can afford, as this will impact the quality and quantity of photos and videos you receive.
If you're on a tighter budget, consider reaching out to photography students or up-and-coming photographers who may offer more competitive rates. You could also ask friends or family members who are skilled in photography to take on this role, but be sure to communicate your expectations clearly to avoid any misunderstandings.
To make the most of your photography and videography, create a shot list for the photographer and videographer, highlighting key moments and people you want to be captured. This will ensure that you don't miss any important shots and that your visual memories of the day are exactly as you envisioned.
Lastly, don't forget to enjoy the process! Planning your wedding should be exciting, so take the time to savour these moments and celebrate the little victories along the way.
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Frequently asked questions
First of all, congratulations! Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it's important to start by enjoying being engaged. Then, you can begin to think about the vision for your wedding. Do you want it to be large or small? Indoors or outdoors? What kind of style or theme do you want? Once you have a clear vision, you can start to think about the budget and the guest list.
Wedding finances should be one of the first things you decide on. It's important to be realistic about how much you can save before your target date and how much things cost in your city. You should also consider whether any family members will be contributing and decide on a number to stick to, with some wiggle room for unexpected costs.
Once you have a rough guest count and budget in mind, you can start researching venues. You can use a wedding venue search tool like Wedding Wire, The Knot, or Wedding Spot to sort venues by services offered, distance to other venues, and more. It's worth researching venues online before touring them in person to save time and money.
When planning a wedding at home, it's important to consider the space you have available and how many guests you can accommodate. You'll also need to think about whether you want to have the ceremony and reception in the same place or separate locations. If you're having the wedding outdoors, make sure you have a contingency plan for bad weather.
It's a good idea to start booking vendors as early as possible, especially if you have your heart set on a particular caterer, photographer, or band. Wedding photographers and videographers can be booked up to 2 years in advance, so it's best to prioritize these bookings if you want a sought-after professional.
