George Boyle
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it's also an exciting time for couples to work together towards a common goal. One of the first steps is to set a realistic budget, which will impact most other decisions. The guest list is another early consideration, as it will influence the venue and budget. Speaking of venues, this is usually the first big decision and it's important to visit several options and select one that fits your guest count, style, and budget. Other key decisions include choosing a theme or aesthetic, selecting vendors, and deciding on the processional and first dance songs. It's also crucial to communicate with stakeholders and ask for help when needed. A wedding planner or guidebook can provide valuable guidance and timelines to keep you on track.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Budget | Discuss with family members to determine the budget and how much they are comfortable spending. |
| Venue | Choose a venue that fits your guest count, style, and budget. Consider the number of guests, the location, and whether it is an "on-site" or "off-site" wedding. |
| Date | |
| Guest list | Decide whether to invite children and who will be allotted a plus-one. |
| Theme/Style | Choose a concept or theme to design your wedding around, such as specific colours, seasonal or style-based inspiration. |
| Vendors | Research and book vendors such as photographers, videographers, florists, caterers, rental companies, hair/makeup stylists, fashion designers, stationers, and entertainers. |
| Music | Choose the songs for the processional and your first dance as a married couple. |
| Wedding party | Decide on the wedding party's roles and attire. |
| Seating arrangement | Choose between traditional sides or "pick a seat, not a side." |
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Budget and guest list
Setting a realistic budget is one of the first steps in planning a wedding. It is important to give yourself some wiggle room for unexpected additional costs, must-have upgrades, or last-minute changes. If any family members will be contributing to your big day, chat with them about what they’re comfortable spending. Be sure to investigate prices, packages, and any restrictions (including minimum budget spend or guest count) from several different wedding and reception venues before you sign on the dotted line.
The budget and guest list will determine the rest of your planning, like where you'll get married, what kind of food you'll serve, and whether you'll have a band or a DJ. The guest list dictates many components of the wedding, from what size venue you need to how much you'll have to spend on various vendors. The location affects almost everything else, from how many people you invite to what kind of flowers you choose. It's also likely to be the biggest chunk of your budget. That's why you want to explore your options, visit the top contenders, and ultimately select a place that fits your guest count, style, and budget.
While selecting your venue, trust your gut—this decision is about how you feel when you're there. You'll remember the place you got married, and it'll be important to you because you'll be inviting your closest family members and friends there. So, it's important to be equally passionate about it or at least come to a happy compromise.
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Venue
Choosing a wedding venue is one of the most important decisions in the wedding planning process. The venue you select will influence the wedding's tone and style, and many of your other plans will hinge upon this choice. Here are some essential factors to consider when deciding on a venue:
Location
The location of your wedding venue will impact the overall accessibility for your guests, especially if they are travelling from out of town. Consider whether the venue is easily accessible and whether there is accommodation onsite or nearby hotels for guests. If you are planning a destination wedding, choose a location that fully supports your union. Also, think about the travel time between different venues if you plan to have the ceremony and reception in separate places.
Capacity
Ensure the venue can accommodate your guest count. Consider whether the space is suitable for the number of guests you plan to invite. You don't want a venue that is too cramped or overly spacious for your guest list.
Budget
The venue will likely take up a large portion of your wedding budget, so it's important to select a place that fits within your financial parameters. Consider the overall cost of the venue, including any additional costs for rentals, catering, decor, and entertainment. Some venues offer all-inclusive packages, while others require you to bring in external vendors for various services.
Style and Decor
Think about whether the venue matches your wedding vision and style. Consider if you prefer an indoor or outdoor reception and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. Ensure the venue allows you to incorporate any personal touches, traditions, or cultural customs that are important to you.
Logistics and Restrictions
Before finalising your venue, understand any restrictions or limitations the venue may have. For example, some venues may have strict policies regarding live music, pets, or external catering. Ensure you are aware of any rules and regulations that may impact your plans.
Timing and Availability
Start your venue search early, as popular venues can get booked up 12 to 18 months in advance. Have a few potential wedding dates in mind and be flexible with your preferred date, as your desired venue may not be available on your first choice of date.
Remember to trust your instincts and choose a venue that feels right for you and your partner. Happy planning!
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Wedding party attire
Wedding attire is often chosen as a reflection of the couple's style and personality. The dress code may be influenced by the location, season, time of day, and venue. Here are some ideas for wedding party attire:
Bridesmaids
Bridesmaids no longer need to wear matching dresses. Instead, you could opt for a mix-and-match style, with each bridesmaid wearing a dress that reflects her unique personality. You could provide a designated color palette, such as ombré or jewel tones, or a central theme, such as the Roaring Twenties. If your wedding has a relaxed feel, you might want to let the groomsmen go without ties.
Groomsmen
Groomsmen can wear lightly hued, summer-appropriate suits or monochromatic suits that complement the bridesmaids' dresses. If you're going for a coastal or nautical theme, individual ensembles that play off the ocean or the wedding's backdrop can be a great choice. For a more formal wedding, the groom can choose between a tux or a suit, while the groomsmen can wear black tuxes or light-colored suits.
Guests
It is common to specify a dress code on the wedding invitation, such as black-tie, cocktail, semi-formal, or casual. However, these dress codes can be confusing, so it's a good idea to provide additional guidance or visual inspiration for your guests, such as a mood board. If no dress code is provided, guests should aim for semi-formal or cocktail attire to avoid being underdressed.
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Music and entertainment
Prelude
Prelude music is light and ambient, setting the mood while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. It usually starts when the doors open, or up to 45 minutes before the ceremony. You'll need between five and ten songs for this period.
Processional
The processional is when music accompanies the entry of the wedding party, family, and the bride. Most couples choose different songs for each group, including parents and wedding party members. You'll need at least two songs for the processional: one for each partner's entrance. If you have a large wedding party, you'll need a longer song, and the length of the aisle should be considered.
Recessional
After the first kiss, you'll want celebratory music to fill the room. Select a song for your recessional, then have two to three additional songs as guests are filing out.
Other musical moments
There are several other moments when music will be necessary, such as while guests are arriving at the ceremony, during cocktail hour, and the wedding party's reception entrance.
Live music vs. DJ
You'll need to decide whether to hire live musicians or a DJ for your wedding. Live music creates a unique and memorable experience for your guests, with different instruments and ensembles evoking different vibes. A string ensemble, for example, tends to feel more formal, while a guitarist or keyboard player is more casual. However, a DJ might be a more affordable option and can still get your guests dancing into the night.
Venue and volume
Consider the size and location of your venue when choosing your musicians or ensemble. A large brass quintet, for example, may overwhelm a small chapel, and an outdoor wedding may not accommodate a traditional piano. Secular locations may have guidelines and restrictions on noise and volume, and some houses of worship may only allow instrumental music with no recorded words.
Budget
The cost of wedding music varies depending on the type of ensemble, the number of musicians, the location, and the time of year. The average couple spends around $500 on wedding ceremony music, but the best musicians get booked first, so it's important to start your search early.
Entertainment
In addition to music, you may want to consider other forms of entertainment for your wedding, such as dance performances, costumed entertainers, celebrity music performances, or even a VR party arcade. Think about what feels authentic to you as a couple and your celebration's aesthetic.
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Vendors
The next step is to research and select your vendors. Prioritize the most important ones first, such as venues, photographers, florists, caterers, rental companies, videographers, and hair/makeup stylists. Be sure to investigate prices, packages, and restrictions from several different vendors before making any decisions. Don't be afraid to ask for advice from friends and family who have recently planned a wedding.
When it comes to booking, take your time and don't rush into any decisions. It's also a good idea to consult with your partner or a close friend/family member to get their input. If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a wedding planner to help you navigate the process and handle the logistics.
Finally, remember that your vendors will likely be one of the biggest expenses in your budget, so it's important to give yourself some wiggle room for unexpected costs or last-minute changes.
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Frequently asked questions
Setting a realistic budget is one of the first steps to planning a wedding. This will be the driving factor for many of your decisions, so it's important to tackle this early on. It's also a good idea to think about the overall vision and vibe you want for your wedding.
The venue is usually the first big decision and will impact many other aspects of your wedding, from the number of guests to the flowers on the table. It's also important to decide on the guest list, whether you're inviting children, and who will be allotted a plus-one. Another key decision is the wedding party entrance, including who will walk down the aisle with the bride and whether you want a flower girl or ring bearer.
The music and songs you choose for the processional and your first dance as a married couple will be unforgettable. Take your time to pick songs that are meaningful to you as a couple and set the right tone. It's also important to decide whether to hire a wedding planner, as they can guide you through the process and handle logistics.
