Planning A Wedding: When To Offer Help

Planning a wedding can be a stressful and time-consuming process. Many couples seek help from wedding planners or coordinators, who can provide expert guidance and ensure the day runs smoothly. Even if you don't want to hire a professional, there are still ways to get assistance. Friends and family often offer to help, and you can delegate tasks like DIY decor, stuffing envelopes, or running errands. It's also a good idea to consult with your partner throughout the planning process, as their opinion is invaluable, and it will help you grow as a couple.

Ask for help

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and it is perfectly fine to ask for help. Here are some tips on how to ask for assistance:

Identify the areas where help is needed:

Before asking for help, it is important to identify the specific areas where assistance would be beneficial. Make a list of all the tasks that need to be completed and determine which ones you can delegate to others. This could include tasks such as stuffing envelopes, assembling favours, or DIY decor.

Reach out to your support network:

Friends and family are often eager to help with wedding planning. Consider delegating tasks to your support network by giving them specific but generic tasks they can help complete. For example, ask them to help with addressing envelopes, packing welcome baskets, or picking wedding flowers and food. If someone has a particular skill, such as baking, they may be willing to contribute in that area.

Be open to receiving unsolicited advice:

Sometimes, people may offer unsolicited advice or recommendations based on their own wedding planning experiences. While it is not necessary to follow all the advice given, it can be helpful to listen and consider their suggestions.

Consult with professionals:

If your budget allows, consider hiring a wedding planner or coordinator. They can provide valuable guidance and expertise, making the planning process less stressful. Alternatively, you can hire a part-time consultant to help with specific tasks, such as creating a budget or selecting vendors.

Be mindful of your budget:

Your budget will impact many decisions, so it is important to tackle this early on. Discuss with your partner and any contributing family members to determine a realistic budget. This will help guide your spending on various aspects of the wedding, such as the venue, catering, and decorations.

Remember, it is okay to ask for help, and most people will be happy to lend a hand. By delegating tasks and seeking professional guidance, you can make the wedding planning process more enjoyable and manageable.

DIY decor

Nostalgic Aisle Decoration

Line the aisle ceremony chairs with framed photos of the couple as children. This is an adorable and affordable way to decorate the aisle and add a personal touch.

Travel-Inspired Theme

Design postcards of places the couple has visited and ask guests to write notes on the back. Include vintage suitcases and a globe to match the travel theme. You can also use bohemian rug aisle runners instead of the conventional white ones.

Rustic Wedding Decor

Create a charming ceremony arch made of driftwood adorned with seashells and copper foil garlands. Driftwood is also great for centrepieces, especially when adorned with moss and artificial orchid blooms. Enlist the help of loved ones to create wooden bar signs with beautiful calligraphy.

Macramé Decor

Macramé has made a resurgence and can give instant boho-chic vibes to your wedding decor. Hang macramé from driftwood and embellish with floral arrangements. You can also create a table plan with macramé, leaving a large part as fringing and simply pegging on tables.

Centrepieces and Chair Decor

Create wildflower centrepieces by selecting your favourite stems and sprigs and arranging them in recycled jam jars. You can also add a small sprig of greenery and a single stem to the top of chairs, along with lengths of ribbon that overlap the aisle. For a more rustic look, use wooden hoops and faux foliage, attaching sprigs of eucalyptus with green florist's tape.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities for DIY wedding decor are endless!

Budgeting

The first step is to decide who will be contributing financially to the wedding and how much they are willing and able to spend. It's essential to be realistic about what is affordable and what is important to you as a couple. This will help you determine your overall budget and what you can allocate to each aspect of the wedding.

The next step is to break down your budget into categories. The biggest expenses are typically the venue, catering, drinks, and entertainment. It's recommended to spend no more than 40% of your budget on the venue, rental fees, food, and alcohol. Catering, including food and staff, can account for around 24% of the average wedding budget. Drinks can also be a significant expense, especially if you're providing a free bar.

Other costs to consider include photography, videography, wedding cake or desserts, transportation, wedding rings and insurance, beauty treatments, gifts for the wedding party, and vendor meals. It's also important to remember that some venues may require additional expenditures, such as generators, lighting, staging, and restrooms.

To manage your budget, you can use a spreadsheet or online tools and platforms specifically designed for wedding budget planning. These can help you keep track of expenses, contracts, and any additional fees. It's also a good idea to have a buffer in your budget for unexpected costs.

Finally, consider hiring a wedding planner or coordinator. While this is an additional expense, they can help you save money in the long run by leveraging their relationships with vendors and providing valuable insights on where to allocate your funds.

Guest list

Creating a guest list for your wedding can be a daunting task. It is often considered one of the trickiest parts of wedding planning, as it can get political and emotional. However, it is important to remember that it is your special day, and you should invite only those who you and your partner want to celebrate with. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:

Start with Your Closest Circle

Begin by listing your parents, grandparents, siblings, their partners, and their children. Then, add your closest friends and extended family members. This core group is likely to be your non-negotiable, must-have list of guests.

Consider Your Budget and Venue

The number of guests you can invite will depend on your budget and the size of your venue. A tight budget and a small venue may require you to keep the guest list intimate, with only your closest friends and family. If your parents are contributing financially, they may want a say in the guest list, so be prepared for this conversation and manage their expectations early on.

Manage Expectations

If you're having a small wedding, let people know early. That way, you avoid people feeling left out later. You don't have to invite everyone you know, and you're not obligated to invite someone just because they invited you to their wedding. Remember, it's your day, and you're not required to invite people out of guilt or obligation.

Plus-Ones and Singles

You don't have to give every guest a plus-one, especially if you've never met their partner. However, if a guest is engaged, in your bridal party, or has been with their partner for years, it's a nice gesture to offer them a plus-one. If you have several solo guests, you could arrange a "singles table" to encourage mingling and ensure they feel included.

Keep Track of RSVPs

Number your guest list and put each guest's number on the back of their RSVP card. This helps you keep track of responses and saves you from chasing up with guests who forget to include their names.

Seating Arrangements

Once you have your final guest list, you can start thinking about seating arrangements. Consider the venue's floor plan, whether you'll have a head table, and any other special requirements. A seating chart can be a balancing act, but colour-coding your guest groups can help you visualise the chart and ensure you haven't forgotten anyone.

Remember, creating a guest list is about deciding who you want to celebrate your special day with. While it can be challenging, it's important to stay true to yourself and your partner and not feel pressured by others' opinions or emotions.

Venue

Choosing a wedding venue is one of the most important decisions in the wedding planning process. It is the canvas for the entire reception and will influence many other aspects of the wedding, from the guest list to the budget.

To find the right venue, it is essential to first establish the wedding budget and guest list. The number of guests will determine the size of the venue required, and the budget will dictate how much can be spent on the venue and other associated costs, such as catering. It is also worth considering the type of venue desired, whether it be a barn, ballroom, beach, or another unique location.

Once the budget and guest list are established, it is beneficial to seek assistance from a wedding planner or venue coordinator. They can help navigate the various factors and options available and ensure the venue aligns with the couple's vision and budget. Wedding planners can also assist in understanding the differences between venue packages and ask the right questions when meeting with venues, such as what is included, payment terms, guest count minimums, and whether outside vendors are permitted.

It is recommended to start the venue search well in advance to ensure availability and allow for informed decision-making. Couples should also consider their preferred wedding dates and be flexible if possible, as certain dates may be more popular and affect availability and pricing.

Lastly, it is important to think about the small details that can elevate the venue and overall guest experience. This includes lighting, which can set the mood and enhance photography, as well as rentals such as comfortable seating and lounge furniture.

Frequently asked questions