George Boyle
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but booking the venue is a great first step that sets the wheels in motion. After booking your venue, you should start planning the remaining details, such as finalising your guest list, sending out 'save the dates', and confirming dates and deadlines with your venue. It's also a good idea to start booking vendors, such as photographers, caterers, DJs, and bands. You may also want to consider hiring a day-of coordinator to ensure your wedding day goes smoothly. Don't forget to plan your honeymoon and choose your wedding bands. Lastly, don't neglect the essential step of obtaining your marriage license!
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What You'll Learn
Finalise the guest list
Finalising the guest list is a crucial step in wedding planning. The number of guests you invite will influence many other aspects of your wedding, from the budget to the venue. Here are some steps to help you finalise your guest list:
Create a Preliminary List
Start by brainstorming a list of everyone you would consider inviting to your wedding. Include close friends and family, extended relatives, colleagues, and any other acquaintances you wish to share your special day with. At this stage, don't worry about the specific number; just create a comprehensive list of potential guests.
Consider Your Venue Capacity
Refer back to your chosen venue and its capacity constraints. Find out the maximum number of guests the venue can accommodate, as this will help you narrow down your list. If your dream venue has limited space, you may need to make some tough choices or consider adjusting your budget to accommodate a larger venue.
Prioritise and Categorise
Prioritise the guests on your list into categories such as "must-invite," "would like to invite," and "optional." This will help you make decisions if you need to cut down the numbers. Consider your relationships, the frequency of contact, and the significance of each person in your life. Be mindful that some guests may have plus-ones or children, which will impact your final count.
Gather Guest Information
For each guest on your finalised list, gather essential information such as their full name, postal address, phone number, and email address. This information will be necessary for sending out invitations and keeping track of RSVPs. It's a good idea to create a spreadsheet or use a wedding planning app to organise this information efficiently.
Save the Dates and Invitations
Once your guest list is finalised and you have confirmed your wedding date, it's time to send out Save the Dates to give your guests a heads-up about the upcoming event. This is especially important if you have guests who need to travel or make special arrangements. Later on, you will send out formal invitations, typically eight to twelve months in advance, to gather RSVPs and finalise attendance.
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Book vendors
Booking your wedding vendors is one of the most important steps in the wedding planning process. On average, couples hire 14 vendors for their wedding, including wedding planners, photographers, videographers, caterers, DJs or bands, hair and makeup artists, and bridal boutiques. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:
Prioritize your vendors
Before booking any vendors, it's essential to decide on your top priorities for your wedding. Do you want your guests to remember the music and dancing? Then, your priority might be a DJ or live band. Or, if you want them to remember the beauty of your ceremony and reception, you might prioritize a florist. List your top 3-5 priorities and ensure your budget reflects them.
Book early
Vendors can get booked up as quickly as venues, so it's crucial to start booking them as soon as possible. The best wedding vendors are in high demand and get reserved early, so don't procrastinate. Let your wedding planner know your priorities and preferred vendors, and they can assist with the booking process.
Photographer
Wedding photographers are in particularly high demand, and top photographers are usually booked up a year in advance. It is recommended to book your photographer early in the process, as they are one of the most important vendors for capturing the memories of your special day. Consider booking an engagement shoot with your photographer to get a trial before the big day.
High-cost vendors
It's a good idea to book your highest-cost vendors first to get the big-ticket items out of the way and see what remains in your budget for other expenses.
Other considerations
When booking vendors, it's essential to coordinate with your venue and planner to ensure outside vendors are allowed and to check if they have any preferred vendor lists. It's also a good idea to review your wedding budget and set up accounts for any organizational tools and spreadsheets to help you stay on track.
Remember, the sooner you have your vendors booked, the less stressed you'll be as your wedding day approaches!
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Plan decor and rentals
Planning the decor and rentals for your wedding can be a fun and creative process. Here are some steps to help you get started:
Define Your Priorities and Budget
Start by listing your top 3-5 priorities for the wedding. This could include aspects such as music, floral arrangements, photography, or decor. Ensure that your budget aligns with these priorities. For instance, if stunning visuals are a must-have, allocate a generous portion of your budget towards decor and rentals.
Revisit the Venue
A few months after booking your venue, plan another visit. This will help you gather ideas for decor, assess accessibility, and meet the venue's preferred suppliers. During this visit, you can start envisioning the layout and placement of various wedding events, which will guide your decor and rental choices.
Research and Book Vendors
Coordinate with your venue and planner to confirm if outside vendors are permitted and if they have any preferred vendors. Research and book vendors that align with your priorities and budget. For decor and rentals, consider factors such as style, functionality, and cost.
Explore Rental Options
There are numerous rental companies that offer a wide range of wedding decor and essentials. From lighting to linens, backdrops, canopies, arches, table settings, and more, these rentals can elevate the ambiance of your wedding. Many companies provide online services and nationwide shipping, making it convenient to browse and select items that match your vision.
Plan the Details
When planning your decor and rentals, consider the following:
- The style of wedding you are planning, including any themes or colour schemes.
- The layout of the venue and how you can enhance the space with decor and rentals.
- Any DIY elements you wish to incorporate, keeping in mind the time and effort required for setup and takedown.
- The number of guests and their accessibility needs to ensure adequate seating and table space.
- The placement of key areas, such as a dance floor or photo booth, and how these can be accented with decor and rentals.
Remember, planning your wedding should be an enjoyable experience. By staying organized and taking advantage of the many rental options available, you can create a beautiful and memorable celebration.
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Send save-the-dates
Once you've booked your wedding venue, it's time to start planning the finer details of your big day. One of the first things to do is to send out save-the-dates to your guests. Save-the-dates are typically sent out between six and eight months before the wedding, or even up to 12 months in advance if it's a destination wedding. This gives your guests plenty of time to plan and ensure they can attend.
When creating your save-the-dates, you can choose from various formats, such as cards, postcards, magnets, or even digital invitations. You can also decide whether to include additional details beyond the essential information, which typically includes the names of the couple, the date, and the city and state of the ceremony. Many couples choose to include engagement photos, fun messages, or design elements that reflect their wedding theme and style. You can find templates and custom design services online to help you create save-the-dates that match your vision and personality as a couple.
It's important to be thoughtful about who you send save-the-dates to, as they are typically reserved for guests who will definitely receive an invitation. You can use online tools and guest list managers to help you stay organized and collect guest addresses. Sending save-the-dates is a great way to get your guests excited about your wedding and ensure they mark the date on their calendars.
When planning the timing of your save-the-dates, consider any holidays or travel constraints that may impact your guests' ability to attend. It's also a good idea to have your venue and location confirmed before sending them out. Save-the-dates are just the beginning of your wedding planning journey, and they help set the tone for your upcoming celebration.
Sending save-the-dates is an exciting step in the wedding planning process, and it's a great way to share your joy with your loved ones and get them involved in your special day. Whether you choose a classic or creative approach, your save-the-dates will be a memorable part of your wedding journey.
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Book your honeymoon
Booking your wedding venue is an exciting step in the wedding planning process, as it helps you envision the style of your wedding and makes it easier to make other major decisions. One of the next steps is to book your honeymoon, which can be done in conjunction with other wedding planning tasks. Here are some tips to help you book your honeymoon:
Timing:
It is generally recommended to start planning your honeymoon 8-12 months in advance. This timeframe offers the most options and flexibility, allowing you to secure your preferred travel choices and take advantage of early booking discounts. Planning early can also reduce stress as you get closer to your wedding day. However, last-minute bookings may result in cost savings, but they might limit your travel and accommodation options.
Destination and Accommodations:
When choosing your honeymoon destination, consider a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. Places like Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe offer rich experiences at a lower cost. The season and weather at your chosen destination should also be considered, as certain months may offer more idyllic conditions. Research and decide on the type of accommodations you prefer, whether it's a sleek city penthouse, a secluded mountaintop villa, or an oceanfront cottage.
Travel Arrangements:
If you're using a credit card with rewards points or frequent flyer miles, now is the time to redeem them for flights, hotel stays, or upgrades. Compare prices among different airlines, and consider being flexible with your travel dates to find better deals. Don't forget to purchase travel insurance for your tickets in case of unforeseen circumstances. When booking your accommodations, call the hotel directly instead of using a toll-free reservations number, as this can provide more personalized service and information about promotions and packages.
Travel Agent or Planner:
Consider using a travel agent to save time and money, as they have relationships with hotels and knowledge of various travel packages and discounts. Be honest about your budget and priorities, and they can guide you toward cost-efficient options for your chosen destination. If you prefer to plan your honeymoon independently, consult honeymoon travel guides and apps to research locations, transportation options, and accommodations.
Wedding Night Hotel Room:
Don't forget to book a hotel room for your wedding night, especially if you're not leaving for your honeymoon immediately after the wedding. You may want to book a guest room block at a hotel near your venue for convenience and potential discounts. If privacy is a priority, consider booking a separate hotel from your guests.
Happy planning, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
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