Planning Your Dream Wedding: A Comprehensive Course

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right tools, you can create a memorable celebration that reflects your unique relationship. From budgeting and venue selection to entertainment and wedding speeches, there are many aspects to consider. To help you get started, this course will cover everything from creating a vision for your big day to working with vendors and bringing your dream wedding to life. We will also explore the latest trends and classic approaches to wedding planning, providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to plan your perfect day or even pursue a career in wedding planning. So whether you're looking to plan your own wedding or help others create their dream celebrations, this course will empower you to succeed and ensure that your special day is one to remember.

Budgeting and allocating funds

First, it is important to figure out exactly how much you can afford to spend on your wedding. To do this, you and your partner should look at your savings account and determine how much you will be able to save throughout the engagement period. You may also want to talk to your parents to see if they are willing and able to contribute. Once you have your total, you can start allocating funds to different categories.

Wedding planner Chanda Daniels suggests dividing your budget into two sections: "for you" and "for them". "For them" refers to the guests and their basic needs, which typically include the venue, food, and beverages. According to Daniels, this should make up around 40% of your total budget. Other sources also suggest that 40% is a good rule of thumb for spending on the venue, rental fees, food, and alcohol combined.

The remaining 60% can be allocated to other categories based on your priorities and preferences. These may include the wedding dress/suit, accessories, hair and makeup, wedding rings, stationery, officiant, flowers, decorations, music/DJ/band, cake, gifts for the wedding party, party favors, and welcome bags. Remember to also keep in mind any auxiliary costs that may be incurred, such as wedding insurance, which can provide peace of mind in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

It is also recommended to have a backup wedding budget, which should amount to about 10-15% of your total budget. This fund will cover any incidentals or hidden costs that may arise, such as fees for delivering welcome gifts to your guests. To stay organized and ensure your budget breakdown holds true, create a spreadsheet or document to track your spending.

Lastly, remember that there is no "right" way to plan a wedding, and your special day should be as unique as your relationship. Be flexible and willing to compromise on certain aspects to stay within your budget.

Selecting a venue

Define Your Wedding Style and Aesthetic

Before you start your search for venues, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of the style and aesthetic you envision for your wedding. Do you prefer an ultra-glam theme with acrylic and mirrored details, a rustic outdoor setting, or a classic ballroom atmosphere? Knowing your desired style will help you choose a venue that complements your theme.

Determine Your Budget and Guest List

Your wedding budget will significantly impact your venue selection. Allocate approximately 30% of your total wedding budget to venue costs, including rental fees, catering, and beverages. Create a detailed budget breakdown to ensure you don't exceed your financial limits. Additionally, finalise your guest list before choosing a venue to ensure the space can comfortably accommodate your expected number of guests.

Research and Create a Shortlist

Start by researching venues that match your style and budget. Utilise online resources, such as venue roundups, which offer curated lists of venues based on location, size, and style. Consider places that hold special significance for you as a couple, whether it's a city with fond memories or a dream destination. Create a shortlist of venues that align with your criteria to narrow down your options.

Consider Important Factors

When evaluating venues, consider key factors such as availability, cost, and flexibility. Be cautious of venues that seem inflexible or unresponsive to your questions and requests, as they may not be able to meet your unique needs. Pay attention to seasonal variations, as some venues may be closed during certain times of the year. Also, don't forget to include tax and gratuity in your calculations for venues with in-house catering.

Seek Professional Guidance

Engaging the services of a wedding planner can be invaluable. They can provide expert advice and help you navigate the myriad of venue options. Wedding planners understand the non-negotiables and can assist in bringing your wedding style to life within your chosen space. They can also help you identify potential red flags and ensure you don't overlook important details.

Protect Your Investment

When selecting a venue, it's essential to consider purchasing event insurance. This provides financial protection and peace of mind in case of unforeseen circumstances. Discuss insurance options with your venue and planner to make an informed decision.

Remember, selecting a venue is a significant step in planning your dream wedding. Take your time, seek inspiration, and don't be afraid to ask for help. By following these steps and staying true to your vision, you'll be well on your way to choosing the perfect venue for your special day.

Choosing a theme

The first step in choosing a theme is to consider your and your partner's personalities, interests, hobbies, and shared experiences. Ask yourselves: What colours do we like? What type of clothes or outfits do we feel most comfortable in? What type of food do we enjoy? Are there any important events or memories from our relationship that we want to incorporate? For example, if you and your partner love the beach and seafood, you might choose a beach wedding theme. Or, if you met at a music festival, you could incorporate musical notes into your invitations and design your venue with musical instruments.

Another way to choose a theme is to consider the venue. For instance, a desert-themed wedding might feature warm colour palettes, earthy features, mid-century modern architecture, and a surplus of cacti and pampas grass. A wedding in a historic cathedral or Gilded Age mansion could have a moody theme with dark flowers, candles, and unexpected attire like a black wedding dress.

You can also draw inspiration from various sources like wedding websites, magazines, or social media platforms. Pinterest, in particular, can be a great tool for discovering and narrowing down themes and creating a vision board to share with others.

Remember, your wedding theme doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to reflect you and your partner's personalities and love for each other.

Planning the ceremony

Planning a wedding ceremony can be a daunting task, but it is also one of the most rewarding parts of the entire wedding planning process. The ceremony is the reason behind the celebration, so it is important to craft one that speaks to you as a couple.

The first step is to figure out the order of your ceremony. Unless you are having a religious or cultural wedding ceremony, you can personalise the order to your preferences. There are some obvious moments that you cannot leave out, such as the vows, ring exchange, and first kiss. But most other moments can be changed, moved around, or removed entirely. Think about what is important to you and plan the order to fit your vision. Your wedding ceremony should focus on at least three important themes: your past, your present, and your future as a couple. Be sure to give your officiant insight into these areas so they can integrate them into the overall story they will tell.

Next, you should decide on the readings, music, florals, seating options, backdrops, and everything in between. If music is a top priority, consider investing in live musicians. Even if music isn't a priority, it is still special to have live music on your wedding day. If your budget doesn't allow for it, a recording is a good alternative. Just be sure to find someone reliable to press play!

If you are having a religious or culturally traditional wedding, you might think you have no room to personalise your ceremony. However, with a little creativity, you can find ways to make it your own. For example, if you can't write your own vows, choose a unique and unexpected unity ceremony. If you are following cultural traditions, choose non-traditional music that is meaningful to your relationship.

Finally, you should plan the choreography of the ceremony. From the moment the guests arrive to the exit strategy, a wedding ceremony requires a fair amount of choreography to run smoothly. To ensure your day goes as well as possible, create a wedding ceremony outline. This should include details such as who sits in what seat, where the bridal party should be at any given moment, and whose parents walk down the aisle first. While you can leave some of this up to the organic unfolding of the day, it is best to plan as much as you can.

Selecting vendors

The first step in selecting vendors is to determine your wedding style and prioritize the three most important aspects of your wedding. Is it the venue, a specific wedding date, a particular photographer, or having a live band? Once you have a clear vision, you can start researching vendors in your area and comparing prices to create a realistic budget. It's also a good idea to set aside about 5-10% of your budget for unexpected expenses and remember to include taxes and service fees in your calculations.

When it comes to specific vendors, there are many to choose from, and the number of vendors you hire will depend on your unique needs and preferences. According to the 2019 WeddingWire Newlywed Report, couples hire an average of 14 vendors for their wedding day. Some essential vendors to consider include a photographer, entertainment (DJ or band), a stationery designer, a cake designer, a hair stylist, and a makeup artist. If you're having an outdoor wedding, you may also need to add a tent rental company to your list.

To find the right vendors, it's important to start your search early, as the best talent in your area may get booked up quickly. Reach out to vendors, get multiple quotes, and see who you connect with. Remember, your wedding vendor team will play a crucial role in bringing your vision to life, so choose vendors you love, trust, and feel inspired by!

Frequently asked questions