Plan A Weird Wedding: When Will You Tie The Knot?

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and while there is no right way to do it, it's important to make sure the day is a unique reflection of the couple. Some couples may opt for a traditional wedding, while others might prefer to add a twist of weirdness to their special day. Wedding planning often involves many layers and steps, from creating a vision and budget to selecting vendors and building a registry. It's also a good idea to be mindful of work, holidays, and personal time during the planning process, as it can be all-consuming. While social media can offer inspiration, it's crucial to stay true to your own dreams. For those wondering when will I get married?, the answer may lie in a variety of factors, including age, thoughts on marriage, and life experiences. Every couple is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all timeline for getting married.

Budgeting and unexpected costs

Budgeting for a wedding can be a daunting task, especially with all the hidden costs that can catch you off-guard. The average wedding costs $33,000, but this can vary significantly depending on your priorities and preferences. Here are some tips to help you navigate the financial maze of wedding planning:

Start with a Budget

The first step in planning your dream wedding is determining how much you and your partner can contribute. Be realistic and consider your daily expenses, such as rent, car payments, and debts, as well as future costs like a down payment on a home or medical expenses. Discuss with your family if they plan to contribute and how much they are comfortable spending. This will give you a clear understanding of your financial boundaries.

Prioritize Your Preferences

Sit down with your partner and decide on the three most important aspects of your wedding. Is it the venue, the date, a specific photographer, or a live band? Prioritizing these details will help you allocate your budget effectively and allow you to be flexible in other areas.

Research and Plan

Before meeting with vendors, research wedding styles and create a list of likes, dislikes, wants, and don't-wants. This will provide a clear vision and help you stay focused when navigating the endless options and ideas out there.

Understand Hidden Costs

Be aware of hidden fees and unexpected expenses. Site fees, for example, can be misleading. They may not cover all services and equipment, and they can vary based on the venue and time of year. Understand what's included in the site fee for each venue you consider. Also, don't forget about sales tax and service charges, which can add up quickly.

Build an Emergency Fund

Allocate a certain percentage of your budget, typically 5-15%, for unexpected costs. This will cover surprises like an emergency rain tent, additional event space for outdoor weddings, or permits for tents and heaters.

Tips and Gifts

Remember to set aside a small amount for gratuity. Many vendors expect to be tipped, and it's a nice gesture to give gifts to your wedding party and those who played a significant role in your planning journey.

Post-Wedding Costs

Even after the wedding, there may be additional costs like cleaning and preserving your wedding dress, purchasing thank-you cards, or buying souvenirs on your honeymoon.

Remember, it's essential to give yourself some wiggle room in your budget to accommodate unexpected costs and to ensure you don't overspend. Happy planning!

Choosing a date and venue

Choosing a Date:

• Picking a wedding date should be one of the first steps in the planning process. You can choose a date that is special to you, like your first date or your grandparents' wedding date, and then consider only venues that are available on that date. Alternatively, you can be more flexible by finding your dream venue first and then picking a date based on its availability.
• If you're set on an outdoor wedding, choose a season with mild weather, like summer for free-spirited, fun, tropical-inspired vibes or winter for opulence and snowfall. Fall is perfect for rich colours and nostalgia, while spring offers freshness and pastels.
• Wedding season typically falls between May and October, so prices are higher due to high demand. If you're on a budget, consider choosing an off-season date when venue and vendor costs may be lower. Months like January, March, April, and November tend to be more affordable.
• Avoid holiday weekends, as travel and accommodation prices tend to be higher, which could impact guest attendance. Also, check for any big events, like the Super Bowl, or smaller events like local 5Ks, that could clash with your chosen date and venue.
• While it's exciting to start planning, giving yourself at least a year to plan your wedding can be helpful. This will give you enough time to find a dress, book a venue, and sort out all the other details.

Choosing a Venue:

• Your wedding budget will be a significant factor in choosing your venue, so it's essential to have a clear understanding of your finances and what you're comfortable spending.
• Once you have a budget, start researching venues that fit your style and vision. Use resources like Pinterest, Instagram, and bridal magazines for inspiration, but don't overwhelm yourself. Make a list of your likes and dislikes to help guide your search.
• Popular venues often book up to 12-24 months in advance, especially during peak seasons, so start looking early to ensure you have more choices.
• Don't forget to reserve time to get your marriage license and gather the necessary documents. These are typically only valid for a couple of months, and destination weddings may have different requirements.

Remember, choosing a date and venue that reflects your personality and priorities is essential. Whether you opt for a sentimental date, a unique season, or a dream venue, make sure it's a decision you and your partner are happy with.

Photography and timelines

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, but creating a timeline for your wedding photography will help you stay organised and ensure you get the photos you want.

First, decide whether you want to do a "first look". A first look is when the couple sees each other before the ceremony and takes many of their wedding photos then, so they can enjoy cocktail hour with their guests. If you're nervous about the ceremony, a first look is a great way to share a quiet moment together and front-load your photos. You can also use this time to get bridal party and family photos out of the way. If you decide not to do a first look, the cocktail hour will be the prime opportunity for portraits, bridal party shots, and family photos.

Next, consider the time of day and sunset time. The position of the sun will impact the look of your photos, so plan accordingly. For example, if you want golden hour photos, schedule portraits around sunset. If you have a winter wedding, consider a first look and/or earlier ceremony time to make the most of the daylight.

Now, create a written-out schedule for your wedding day, including the photography timeline. Be realistic about how long things will take and add in transit time between locations. Factor in time to get your hair and makeup done, and for any last-minute touches before putting on your dress or suit.

Discuss with your photographer how much time they will need for the different types of portraits. As a guide, wedding party portraits take about 30 minutes, family portraits take about 20-30 minutes, and couple portraits take between 30 minutes to an hour. If you're not doing a first look, you can take separate family formals and bridal party photos before the ceremony.

Finally, decide where you'll be taking your photos. The ceremony and reception venues are obvious choices, but you may want to consider other locations that are meaningful to you. Don't forget to factor travel time into your timeline and plan for transportation for your VIPs.

Remember, your wedding schedule is up to you, so don't feel pressured to change your vision. With a well-planned timeline, you can relax and enjoy your special day, knowing you'll get the photos you want.

Marriage licenses and paperwork

Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet overwhelming process, and it's easy to get lost in the minutiae of details. Amid all the excitement, don't forget to reserve time to obtain your marriage license and ensure all the necessary paperwork is in order. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process of acquiring your marriage license and related documentation.

Marriage License and Paperwork:

Understanding the Difference:

Firstly, it's essential to understand the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate. A marriage license is a permit that allows you to get married in a specific location. It is a legal document stating that you and your partner are eligible to marry each other. On the other hand, a marriage certificate proves that you have officially tied the knot.

Timing and Validity:

Marriage licenses are typically only valid for a limited period, usually a couple of months. Therefore, it's crucial to plan accordingly and be mindful of the timing. Check with your local jurisdiction to determine the validity period for marriage licenses in your area. Aim to file for your license no later than one week before your wedding and no earlier than 90 days in advance.

Location-Based Requirements:

Marriage licenses are issued based on the location of your wedding ceremony. Before applying for a license, you must finalize your wedding location, including the city, district, and county. Each municipality has its own set of requirements and locations for obtaining the license, so be sure to research the specific rules and regulations for your chosen wedding destination.

Required Documentation:

To obtain your marriage license, you will need to gather specific documentation for both you and your partner. This typically includes proof of identity, such as a government-issued ID or passport, and birth certificates. If either of you was previously married, you may also need to provide divorce or death certificates from your previous spouse. In some cases, if you are under 18 years old, you may need permission from a parent or court order to marry.

Application Process:

Once you have settled on a location and gathered the necessary documents, it's time to apply for your marriage license. Visit your county's clerk office with your partner and all the required paperwork. During this visit, you will typically complete the application process and receive your marriage license within a relatively short time, often about an hour. Be sure to check the specific requirements and procedures for your county or state.

Fees and Payment Methods:

Keep in mind that there is usually a fee associated with applying for a marriage license, which can range from $35 to $150, depending on your state and county. It's important to be prepared with the proper payment method, as many offices do not accept credit cards. Cash or check is generally preferred, so ensure you have the correct payment ready to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Social media strategy

Social media has become an integral part of wedding planning, with many couples using it to seek inspiration, connect with vendors, and share their special day with the world. Here are some tips to help you create a comprehensive social media strategy for planning your dream "weird wedding":

Choose the Right Platforms:

Not all social media platforms are created equal when it comes to wedding planning. Select platforms that align with your needs and target audience. For visual inspiration and planning, Pinterest and Instagram are ideal. You can create private boards on Pinterest to keep your ideas organised and hidden from prying eyes. Instagram is perfect for showcasing your unique wedding style and finding inspiration from other users. Facebook and Twitter are excellent for staying connected with vendors, venues, and wedding planners, and for sharing updates with your network.

Understand Your Audience:

Knowing your target audience is crucial for creating content that resonates with them. Consider the age group, interests, and preferences of your guests and those involved in the planning process. This will help you tailor your content and choose the right platforms to reach them effectively.

Engage and Interact:

Social media is a two-way communication channel. Respond to comments and messages from your guests and vendors to build a strong relationship. Run polls and surveys to gather feedback and create a sense of community. Use hashtags related to your wedding theme, date, or location to increase visibility and encourage guests to do the same. This will make it easier for others to find and share your wedding content.

Share and Inspire:

Share glimpses of your planning journey, behind-the-scenes moments, and sneak peeks of your unique wedding elements. Posting consistently will keep your audience engaged and excited. Share tips and tricks you discover during your planning process, and don't be afraid to ask for advice or recommendations from your network.

Collaborate and Delegate:

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, so enlist the help of your friends and family. Assign specific tasks, such as creating Pinterest boards for floral arrangements or colour themes, to get different perspectives and keep things organised. Just remember to swear them to secrecy on certain details you want to keep as a surprise!

Create a Centralised Hub:

With so much content and inspiration, it's easy to get scattered across different platforms. Create a private planning website or use a social media aggregator to bring all your feeds together in one place. This ensures that you and your trusted helpers can easily access and organise all the information in one spot.

Optimise Your Content:

When posting about your wedding, be mindful of the captions and hashtags you use. Instead of a generic caption, provide details about your unique theme or venue. For example, "#BlueAndSilverWinterWedding" or "#RosemontResortVows". This will help other couples planning their weddings find inspiration from your special day.

Remember, social media is a powerful tool to make your wedding planning journey more fun and interactive. By using these strategies, you'll be able to create a memorable online presence for your "weird wedding" and engage your audience every step of the way.

Frequently asked questions