Planning A Wedding: When Do Most Brides Start?

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and many couples spend at least a year getting their big day just right. There are many factors to consider, such as the budget, venue, date, and theme. While some couples prefer to tie the knot during the mild weather of late spring or early fall, others may opt for a winter wedding to take advantage of potential deals on venues and vendors during the off-season. It's important to start planning early, especially if you have your heart set on a particular date or vendor, as the most sought-after wedding professionals can book up quickly.

Budgeting and choosing a date

Budgeting

• Determine your budget early on: Discuss with your partner and both families how much everyone can contribute. Be realistic about what you can afford, and don't be afraid to cut back on expenses to save for the wedding.
• Consider the type of wedding and location: Weddings in certain states, like Rhode Island, New York, and California, tend to be more expensive. The time of year and number of guests will also impact costs.
• Prioritize your spending: Decide what aspects of the wedding are most important to you and allocate funds accordingly. For example, if you want a beautiful venue, you might spend less on decorations.
• Look for cost-saving measures: Opt for DIY decorations, email invitations, or a venue's buffet package instead of a plated dinner.
• Hire a wedding planner: They can guide you in selecting a venue, tracking your budget, and handling logistics.
• Use a budget app or spreadsheet: This will help you stay organized and ensure you don't overspend.

Choosing a Date

• Consider the season: Late spring and early fall are considered prime wedding seasons due to mild weather. If you're looking for a deal, consider an off-season wedding in winter months, as venues and vendors may offer lower prices.
• Think about your guests: An off-season wedding can be a money-saver for guests, as flights and hotels are typically cheaper. Avoid dates with local events or holidays to keep costs down for out-of-town guests.
• Venue availability: Once you have a preferred date or time frame, start looking for venues. Keep in mind that popular venues may be booked far in advance, so you may need to be flexible with your date.
• Your own availability: If you or your partner have busy work schedules or other commitments, make sure to choose a date that works for both of you.
• Symbolic dates: You might also want to choose a date that holds personal significance, such as the anniversary of when you met or proposed.

Selecting a venue

There are several factors to consider when selecting a venue. Firstly, decide on your budget and how much you want to allocate to the venue. Some venues may include essentials like tables and chairs in their pricing, while others charge extra, so it's important to understand what is included in the venue package.

The next step is to create a guest list. This will help you choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate all your guests. Consider whether you are planning a huge celebration or an intimate party, and select a venue that is the right size for your guest list.

The location of the venue is also crucial. If you have a specific area in mind, research the venues in that area and compare their prices and availability. Consider the time of year you want to get married, as this will impact the availability and pricing of venues. For example, late spring and early fall are considered prime wedding seasons in some regions due to mild weather, while off-season weddings during the winter months can be more affordable.

To help you decide on a venue, create a wedding mood board or write down your expectations and priorities. For instance, you may want a venue with a large dance floor or a beautiful garden. You can also seek suggestions from friends and family, especially those who have recently planned weddings.

Finally, when visiting venues, trust your instincts and go with a place that feels right. Consider the venue coordinator and whether they make you feel comfortable and professional. Selecting a venue that aligns with your vision and makes you feel excited to celebrate your special day is essential.

Picking a theme

There are many factors to consider when planning a wedding, and one of the most important is picking a theme. The theme will set the tone for the entire event and guide your planning process, from the invitations and decor to the food and entertainment.

Start by discussing your general vision and priorities with your partner. Do you want a formal or casual affair? A traditional or modern celebration? Are there any specific colours, cultures, or themes that are meaningful to you as a couple? For example, perhaps you met at a music festival and want a festival-themed wedding, or you share a love of books and want a literary-themed celebration.

Consider the season and location of your wedding. If you're getting married in the fall, you might want to incorporate fall hues and foliage into your theme. A summer beach wedding will have a very different feel from a winter wonderland celebration. Think about the practicalities, too—for example, if you're getting married outdoors in the summer, you'll want to provide shade and plenty of cool drinks for your guests.

Your wedding theme can also be influenced by your budget. If you're trying to save money, consider an off-season wedding, as venues and vendors often offer lower prices during slower seasons. You can also add personal touches with DIY decor elements, but be careful not to take on too much—you don't want to overwhelm yourselves with additional work.

Finally, remember that your wedding day is about you and your partner. While it's important to consider your guests' comfort and enjoyment, ultimately, the theme and style of your wedding should reflect your unique relationship and what is meaningful to the two of you.

Guest experience

Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, and creating a positive guest experience is a key priority for many brides. Here are some tips to ensure your guests feel valued and have a memorable time:

Save the Dates and Invites

It is important to give your guests ample notice, especially if they need to make travel arrangements or take time off work. Sending out "save the dates" in advance is a good idea, and be sure to include all the relevant details such as date, location, and your wedding website if you have one. For the invites, consider including RSVP cards with pre-stamped and pre-addressed envelopes to make it as easy as possible for your guests to respond.

Accommodation and Transport

If your wedding venue is in a remote location or you have guests travelling from out of town, it is considerate to organise group transportation to and from the ceremony, reception, and hotels. You could also look into blocking off a number of rooms at a discounted rate in one or several hotels near the venue. This ensures your guests are all within easy reach of the wedding and can take advantage of lower travel costs.

Timing and Season

The time of year and season you choose for your wedding can impact your guests' experience. Late spring and early fall are considered prime wedding seasons due to milder weather, but be mindful that summers can be hot and humid, and winters very cold and snowy. An off-season wedding can be a great option to save your guests money on travel and accommodation, but be mindful of local events, conventions, and holidays that may clash with your date.

Guest Comfort and Entertainment

From the seating plan to the temperature of the room, there are many factors that can influence how comfortable your guests feel. Consider the venue's floor plan, whether you will have a head table, and the design of the place cards and escort cards. You may also want to provide welcome bags with thoughtful touches like favours, fans, or personalised items. Ensure there is enough food and drink to go around, and if your wedding is outdoors, provide shade or blankets to keep your guests comfortable.

Pre-Wedding Events

In the lead-up to your big day, there are often pre-wedding events like engagement celebrations, showers, and bachelor/bachelorette parties. While these are usually hosted by friends or family, you may want to get involved in some of the planning to ensure your guests have a cohesive and enjoyable experience throughout the entire process.

By focusing on these key areas, you can create a positive and memorable guest experience, ensuring your guests feel valued and appreciated as they celebrate this special day with you.

Wedding party

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, but it is important to remember that it is also a fun and exciting time. One of the first things to consider when planning a wedding is the budget. The budget will inform many of the decisions you make, so it is important to have a clear understanding of how much you are willing to spend. This may involve having conversations with family members to determine how much they are comfortable contributing. It is also a good idea to build in some flexibility to your budget, to account for any unexpected costs or last-minute changes.

Once you have determined your budget, you can start thinking about the type of wedding you want. Do you want a traditional wedding or something more unique? Are you interested in a destination wedding or a local celebration? Considering the time of year and the type of venue you want is also important, as this will impact the availability and cost of venues and vendors. For example, late spring and early fall are considered prime wedding season in some regions, so venues and vendors may be more expensive during these times. On the other hand, if you choose an off-season wedding, you may be able to score a deal on venues and vendors, and your guests may benefit from lower travel costs.

Another important aspect of wedding planning is the wedding party. The wedding party is typically made up of the bridesmaids and groomsmen, who provide emotional and tactical support throughout the planning process and on the big day. When choosing your wedding party, it is important to consider not only who you want standing next to you on your wedding day but also who is capable of performing the duties required of their position. It is also a good idea to consult with your partner to decide on the size of the wedding party, as this will impact the overall dynamic and logistics of the wedding.

Finally, don't forget to enjoy the planning process and spend time with your partner outside of wedding planning. This is a special time in your life, so make sure to savour it!

Frequently asked questions