Planning A Wedding: Key Things To Consider

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. There are many resources available to help you plan your big day, from printable checklists and timelines to step-by-step guides. The first step is to set a realistic wedding budget and decide on who is contributing what. This will be the driving factor for many of your decisions, so it's important to get this sorted early on. Next, you'll want to choose a date and start thinking about your guest list, as this will dictate the size of your venue and how much you'll spend on vendors. You should also consider hiring a wedding planner to help you assemble a team of vendors, including a photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, and musicians.

Budgeting and financing

Discuss and Set a Realistic Budget:

Start by having an open and honest conversation with your partner about finances. Be intentional about setting aside time early in the planning process to discuss expectations and align your values and goals. This conversation may extend to family members or others who will be contributing financially to the wedding. It is important to set a realistic budget that you can stick to, while also giving yourself some wiggle room for unexpected costs or last-minute changes.

Determine Financial Contributions:

If family members or others are contributing, discuss what they are comfortable spending. If you are footing the bill yourself, take a close look at your finances and prepare for any necessary adjustments or savings strategies. It is crucial to only accept contributions that you are comfortable with and can tolerate, to prevent any issues down the line.

Prioritize and Allocate Funds:

Your budget will influence many choices, from the venue and catering to entertainment and attire. Prioritize the aspects of the wedding that are most important to you and allocate funds accordingly. For example, you may opt for a more intimate guest list to allow for a higher-end menu, or choose to splurge on a particular vendor that aligns with your vision.

Research and Compare Vendors:

Research and compare different vendors, including caterers, photographers, florists, musicians, and more. Get multiple quotes and ask detailed questions about what is included in their services. This will help you make informed decisions about where to allocate your budget and ensure you are getting the best value for your money.

Consider DIY Options:

DIY wedding décor and favours can be a cost-effective way to add personal touches to your special day. However, be mindful not to overwhelm yourself, as some projects may require more time and effort than expected. Focus on DIY elements that can be done well in advance, and leave the more complex tasks to professionals, especially for time-sensitive items like wedding-day flowers or food.

Track Expenses and Stay Organized:

Stay organized by using a wedding notebook, virtual documents, or a wedding planning app to track expenses and manage your budget. Keep all your receipts, brochures, and other vendor-related items in one place for easy reference. Additionally, consider setting up a simple wedding website to share essential details with your guests, reducing the number of last-minute questions or changes.

Remember, budgeting and financing for a wedding can be a complex and stressful process, but with careful planning, open communication, and a realistic approach, you can create a memorable day that aligns with your financial means.

Wedding venue and styling

The venue you choose will determine the look and feel of your wedding and set the tone and theme. It is one of the first decisions you'll need to make when planning your wedding, so it's important to choose a venue that suits your style and let it inspire your theme, furniture, and decor choices. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, you may want to use light colours and soft tones with beachy, boho furniture. If your wedding is in a city, you could opt for an industrial theme with chrome, concrete, or geometric features.

When it comes to styling, it's important to understand the event venue. Consider the architectural features, colour schemes, and overall ambiance of your venue. If it's a historic venue with ornate details, think about how to complement or highlight these. If it's a modern space, opt for minimalist yet elegant decor. The size of the venue will also impact your styling choices—a large venue will require a different approach to a small, intimate one.

Your colour palette is another key consideration and will determine the overall look and style of your wedding. Choose one colour you love, then pair it with complementary colours. Remember that the background of your venue and the furniture materials used will also contribute to your colour palette.

To add a personal touch to your venue, incorporate decorative backdrops, floral installations, or unique props that align with your theme. Designate specific areas for photo opportunities, and consider adding personal touches such as monograms on stationery, engraved table settings, or family heirlooms as part of the decor. Seating arrangements can also contribute to the aesthetics—experiment with different styles, from elegant chairs to cozy lounge areas.

Finally, don't forget the small details. If you're having a candlelit ceremony, ensure the venue allows candles. Check the setup and tear-down times, curfews, noise restraints, and whether you can bring your dog! Some venues provide tables and chairs, linens, and parking, while others may require you to rent these items separately.

Vendors and suppliers

Once you have a budget in mind, you can start to assemble your team of vendors and suppliers. This might include a wedding planner, photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, musicians, cake designer, and stationer. It's important to get all the details in writing and to ask for recommendations from friends and family.

When it comes to the wedding day itself, there are a few key vendors and suppliers to consider. Firstly, decide on your wedding transport and book this in advance. You'll also need to confirm the arrival times of your vendors and suppliers and send this information to your wedding party and key family members.

On the day, the wedding cake should be delivered to the reception venue, and flowers should be delivered to the bride. It's also a good idea to introduce your reception coordinator to your wedding planner, or the best man/bridesmaid if you don't have a planner, so they can be a point of contact for any questions or problems. Don't forget to assign someone to be the photographer's contact, so they know who's who. Finally, remember that it's customary to tip certain vendors, such as musicians, DJs, hair stylists, makeup artists, drivers, bartenders, and servers.

Guest list and invites

The guest list is one of the first things you should tackle when planning your wedding. It will affect every decision about how you plan your wedding, from the size of the venue to how much you'll have to spend on various vendors. It also determines what kind of food you'll serve and whether you'll have a band or a DJ.

Begin by compiling a preliminary guest list. This will help you choose a venue and also give you a rough idea of the budget. You can then refine your guest list and create a gift registry. It's a good idea to have three hotels at different price points for out-of-town guests.

For destination weddings or weddings around a holiday, consider sending out Save the Date cards or emails. You can also create a wedding website where guests can see all the essential details, including dates, times, locations, dress codes, registries, transportation, and lodging.

Finally, you can send out your wedding invitations. Develop a system for organizing RSVPs and include a day-of itinerary on your wedding website.

Honeymoon planning

Planning your honeymoon is one of the most exciting parts of wedding preparations. It can also be stressful, especially if you plan to travel internationally. Here are some tips to make the process fun and stress-free:

Start planning early

The earlier you start planning, the better. Booking months in advance can help you save money and give you a wider range of options for flights, accommodations, and experiences. Popular honeymoon destinations can get booked up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. So, once your wedding date is set, start brainstorming your travel plans to secure the best deals and availability.

Establish a realistic budget

Knowing your budget will help narrow down destinations and activities that are within reach. Factor in all expected expenses, from flights and accommodations to meals, activities, and any splurges. The average cost of a honeymoon is around $5,000, and this number is steadily increasing each year, so be sure to plan and budget accordingly.

Decide on the type of honeymoon you want

Do you want a relaxing beach vacation, adventurous excursions, cultural exploration, or a combination of activities? Knowing what kind of experiences you and your partner enjoy will help you narrow down your options. Consider the length of your trip and the time of year you are travelling, as this may impact your destination choices.

Research and book in advance

Look into experiences that you can share with your partner, from couple's massages to sunset boat rides or guided tours. In popular honeymoon destinations, tours and tickets to attractions can fill up fast, so planning ahead is essential.

Consider travel insurance and other essentials

If you have health issues, are concerned about safety, or are travelling during a risky time of year (e.g., hurricane season), consider purchasing travel insurance. Additionally, invest in a nice camera and luggage, and practice using your camera to ensure it is working properly before your trip.

Enlist professional help if needed

If you feel overwhelmed, consider hiring a travel agent or planner to help you arrange the details of your honeymoon. They can provide valuable insights, up-to-date information, and connect you with the best options for your trip.

Remember to start planning early, be clear about your budget, and choose activities that excite both you and your partner. With careful planning and communication, you can create a memorable honeymoon experience to celebrate the beginning of your new life together.

Frequently asked questions