Planning A Wedding: Key Considerations For Your Big Day

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially if you're doing it for the first time. There are many things to consider, from setting a budget and creating a guest list to choosing a venue and selecting a wedding date. It's important to start by determining your vision for the wedding and prioritizing what is most important to you and your partner. This will help guide your decision-making process. While you can plan your own wedding, hiring a professional wedding planner can make the process less overwhelming and ensure that your special day runs smoothly. When selecting a wedding planner, it's crucial to find someone detail-oriented, organized, and able to handle stress. Good communication between you and your planner is also essential.

Budgeting

Once you have determined your budget, you can start allocating funds to different categories. These may include the venue, catering, photographer, videographer, wedding attire, beauty, flowers, rings, transportation, food, music, alcohol, and gifts. It is recommended that you do not spend more than 40% of your budget on the venue, rental fees, food, and alcohol combined. You may also want to consider allocating around 10% to photography and videography, and 12% to entertainment.

To keep track of your spending, create a detailed budget breakdown. This can be done using an Excel spreadsheet or Google Doc, or by using a wedding planning app or budgeting app. Add each category and divide each cost into its component parts. For example, under "bride's attire," you can include line items for the dress, accessories, and alterations. Don't forget to include vendor contract information, estimated cost, actual cost, additional service fees, transportation costs, and taxes.

It is also important to be prepared for unexpected costs. A good way to do this is to create a buffer in your budget, so you have some flexibility if costs end up being higher than expected. Additionally, be sure to review your contracts closely to understand what is and isn't included in the price. For example, if your venue package doesn't include alcohol, you will need to budget for that separately.

Finally, consider whether you want to hire a wedding planner. While this will add to the overall cost, a wedding planner can help you save money in the long run by leveraging their relationships with vendors to get you the best prices. They can also help you avoid overspending on unnecessary items.

Selecting a wedding planner

Wedding planning can be a complex and stressful process, and a professional wedding planner can be a valuable asset. Wedding planners can help you create a budget, select vendors, and coordinate the details of your big day. With so many wedding planners to choose from, it's important to select the right one for you. Here are some things to consider when selecting a wedding planner:

Compatibility

It is important to find a wedding planner with whom you feel comfortable and compatible. You will be communicating with your planner frequently and sharing your vision for your special day, so it is crucial to find someone who understands your unique needs and can guide you through the planning process. Ask yourself if you feel heard during your consultation call and if they take the time to learn about your wedding vision.

Communication

Effective communication is essential in a wedding planner. They should be able to provide you with a clear roadmap to your perfect wedding and keep you informed every step of the way. Assess their communication compatibility by understanding their preferred methods of communication (e.g., Zoom, email, text, phone call) and how that aligns with your preferences.

Detail-oriented and organized

A good wedding planner should be detail-oriented and highly organized. They should be able to handle multiple plans and be prepared to make changes as needed. Ask the wedding planners you're interested in about their planning techniques, software, and strategies for keeping you involved and ensuring a smooth planning process.

Availability and flexibility

Consider your wedding planning schedule and the planner's typical hours and availability. If you live in a different time zone, find someone who can accommodate late-night or early morning meetings if needed. A flexible wedding planner will be able to collaborate with you effectively and include you in the planning process as much as you desire.

Specialization

If you have specific requirements for your wedding, such as a religious or destination wedding, look for a wedding planner who specializes in that area. A specialized planner will already understand your unique needs and be able to guide you through the nuances of planning a wedding that aligns with your vision.

Pricing

Wedding planner pricing can vary depending on location, complexity, and the extent of the services required. Be sure to discuss service options and pricing upfront to ensure there are no surprises. Find a planner who fits within your budget and offers the level of service you require, whether it's partial or full planning packages.

Remember, selecting a wedding planner is about finding someone who can relieve your wedding planning stress and bring your dream wedding to life. Take the time to find the right fit, and don't be afraid to ask questions and assess their compatibility with your vision and planning needs.

Choosing a theme

Vision and Style

Start by determining the vision for your wedding. Do you prefer a formal and elegant wedding, or a fun and casual celebration? Do you want a large or small wedding? Would you like a candlelit evening in a mansion or a barefoot ceremony on a tropical beach? Answering these questions will help you narrow down your theme options and guide your planning process.

Personal Touch

Think about ways to infuse your personalities and interests into the wedding. Consider your favourite colours, themes, and styles. Are there any hobbies or passions you share that could be incorporated into the decor, entertainment, or catering? This is your opportunity to make your wedding unique and memorable.

Inspiration

Look for inspiration from various sources, such as Pinterest, Instagram, magazines, and wedding websites. Create a mood board or a style quiz to gather ideas and narrow down a look that resonates with you. Don't be overwhelmed by the abundance of inspiration available; limit your time spent browsing to avoid feeling inundated.

Details and Cohesion

Once you have a general theme, start thinking about the smaller details that will bring it to life. Consider the decor, flowers, food, music, and photography. Ensure that your theme is consistent throughout, from the invitations to the wedding cake. This will create a cohesive and well-planned event.

Logistics

Keep practical considerations in mind when choosing a theme. For example, if you're set on an outdoor wedding, choose a theme that suits the natural environment. Think about the time of year and how it might impact your theme. Also, consider any cultural or religious traditions you want to incorporate, as these can influence your theme and the overall flow of the day.

Remember, choosing a theme is a creative process that should be enjoyable and reflective of your personal style. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and make your wedding a true representation of who you are as a couple.

Wedding attire

Semi-formal attire strikes a balance between elegance and comfort. For women, a classic cocktail dress or a midi-length dress with dressy pants or tights is appropriate. Men can opt for a suit and tie, with the option of adding a creative pocket square. It's important to avoid overly casual clothing like jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers, unless specifically stated otherwise.

The location and time of the wedding also play a role in determining wedding attire. For a beach wedding, lighter fabrics and colours are more suitable, while a garden wedding might call for flowy silhouettes and earthy tones. Outdoor weddings can be an opportunity for guests to experiment with their looks, while country club settings usually lean towards classy and stylish attire.

It's also essential to consider the wedding's theme and any specific guidelines provided by the couple. Some weddings might have themes like "beach chic" or "whimsical garden party," which guests should try to incorporate into their outfits. Additionally, it's respectful to avoid wearing white or similar colours to the bride to ensure you don't overshadow her.

Lastly, don't forget to plan for temperature variations. Layering your outfit allows you to adjust to changing temperatures throughout the event, ensuring comfort during the festivities.

Guest list

Planning a wedding guest list can be a daunting task, but with a little preparation and organisation, you can put together your guest list like a pro. Here are some tips to help you create a seamless guest list:

Start with a Must-Invite List

Begin by listing the people you absolutely must invite, such as your immediate family and closest friends. This will give you a baseline number to work with and help you determine how many additional guests you can accommodate.

Consider Your Budget and Venue

The number of guests you can invite will depend on your budget and the capacity of your venue. Consider how many people your chosen venue can accommodate and work out a budget for each guest, including costs such as food, drinks, and any favours or gifts. This will help you decide how many guests you can comfortably accommodate.

Manage Expectations

Traditionally, both sets of parents may want to have a say in the guest list, especially if they are contributing financially. It's important to have open and honest conversations early on and set clear expectations. Decide how much input you are willing to give others and communicate any boundaries you may have. Remember, it's your special day, and you can choose to plan it your way.

Plus-Ones and Children

Decide on a clear rule for plus-ones and stick to it. You are not obligated to provide a plus-one to every guest. Consider factors such as the length of the relationship or whether you have met the partner. If you're worried about solo guests feeling awkward, you can always arrange a "singles table" to encourage mingling.

Use Digital Tools

Take advantage of the many digital tools available to help you manage your guest list. Spreadsheets and online platforms can make it easy to track RSVPs, gather guest information, and stay organised. Some platforms even offer interconnecting apps and websites to streamline the process.

Be Mindful of Relationships

Creating a guest list can sometimes involve navigating complex relationships and dynamics. Be thoughtful and considerate in your decisions, and remember that your guest list may need to be flexible to accommodate certain circumstances or exceptions.

Planning a wedding guest list requires time and careful consideration. Remember to personalise your approach to fit your unique circumstances and always refer back to your budget and venue constraints.

Frequently asked questions