Planning A Wedding: Where Brides Go For Resources

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, but there are many resources available to help brides and grooms create their dream wedding. From wedding planners and venues to hair stylists and florists, there are numerous vendors and services to choose from. To make the process more manageable, brides and grooms can create a wedding planning checklist and timeline, seek inspiration from bridal websites and magazines, and use online tools and templates to plan their big day.

Budgeting and hiring a wedding planner

Budgeting is one of the most important aspects of planning a wedding. It is essential to determine how much you can afford to spend on your wedding and to allocate your funds accordingly. Creating a comprehensive wedding budget breakdown can help you stay organized and ensure that you don't overspend. It is recommended to have a 10-15% buffer in your budget for unforeseen fees.

When creating your budget, consider the following expenses:

• Venue: The location of your wedding can impact various other aspects, such as the number of guests, decorations, and transportation. It is usually one of the most significant expenses, so choosing a place that fits your guest count, style, and budget is crucial.
• Catering: Food and drinks can be a significant expense, and it's important to consider the cost per person, as well as any additional charges for services and rentals.
• Attire: This includes the wedding dress, suit or tuxedo, and any accessories or jewellery.
• Wedding Party: If you have a wedding party, you may need to budget for their attire, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and other related costs.
• Decorations and Flowers: These can add up quickly, so it's important to prioritize and decide which decorations are most important to you.
• Photography and Videography: Capturing your special day through photos and videos can be a significant expense, but it is an important investment for preserving memories.
• Entertainment: This includes music, DJs, live bands, or any unique experiences you may want to provide for your guests, such as dancers, painters, or interactive food stations.
• Stationery: Wedding invitations, save-the-dates, and other paper goods can also add up, so be sure to factor them into your budget.
• Transportation: Consider the cost of transportation for guests, such as shuttle buses or limousines, especially if your wedding venue is not easily accessible.

After finalizing your budget, you can decide whether to hire a wedding planner or plan the wedding yourself. Wedding planners typically offer different levels of service, such as full-service planning, partial planning, or day-of coordination. The cost of a wedding planner can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the level of service required. Full-service wedding planners usually charge a percentage of your overall wedding budget, ranging from 10% to 20%, while partial planning services are often priced lower, around $1,500 to $3,000. Day-of coordinators are typically the most affordable option and manage the logistics and execution of your wedding day.

When hiring a wedding planner, it is important to consider your budget, venue, guest count, and how much time you can invest in planning. Wedding planners can offer valuable assistance with budgeting, finding vendors, design ideas, and logistics. They have industry connections and can often negotiate better deals, saving you money. Additionally, they can handle any last-minute issues that may arise, allowing you to fully enjoy your special day.

In conclusion, budgeting and hiring a wedding planner are crucial steps in planning your dream wedding. By creating a comprehensive budget and deciding whether to hire a full-service, partial, or day-of planner, you can ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly and meets your expectations.

Choosing a venue

Choosing a wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning your wedding. The location will affect almost everything else, from the number of guests you invite to the flowers on the table. It is also likely to be the biggest chunk of your budget. So, it is important to explore your options, visit your top choices, and select a venue that fits your guest count, style, and budget.

When choosing a venue, it is important to trust your gut. This decision is about how you feel when you are there. It is also important to consider the venue's parking situation, guest access to car services or public transportation, and the cost you are asking them to incur. If it is going to cost your guests $20 or more, especially if they are already travelling for a destination wedding, consider providing a shuttle bus.

The style of venue you choose will depend on the style of your wedding. If you are planning a modern wedding, consider an art gallery, well-designed restaurant, or warehouse space. If you are having a more natural wedding, an outdoor venue such as a park, backyard, or ranch might be better. If you are a classic bride, you might want an indoor setting like a grand ballroom. A rustic wedding could be held in a barn, winery, or garden, and a bohemian wedding could take place outdoors with a beautiful natural backdrop, which could reduce the amount you need to spend on decor.

Before choosing your venue, it is a good idea to know how many guests you are expecting. You don't want to choose a venue that is too small for your guest list, or too large, as this can make the event feel awkward. It is also important to consider the ending time of the venue, as some venues have to obey noise ordinance restrictions. If you want to dance the night away to loud music, be sure to look into overtime fees. You should also ask about any scheduled renovations or large projects planned near your date, as construction noise could be a distraction.

Other things to consider when choosing a venue include whether it has a bridal suite, whether it offers in-house catering, and whether it fits within your budget.

Selecting a wedding party

Size of the Wedding Party

Consider the size of your wedding when determining the number of attendants. For a smaller, intimate wedding, you may want to have fewer bridesmaids and groomsmen, such as four or less on each side. For larger weddings, you can expand your wedding party accordingly. Keep in mind that a larger wedding party means more details and costs to coordinate, including hair and makeup timing, bouquets, and gifts.

Vision and Theme

Think about the vision and theme you have for your wedding. If you want your wedding party to be actively involved in the planning process, attend pre-wedding events, and provide support throughout, choosing friends or family members who are local and have the time and availability to commit to these tasks may be important. On the other hand, if you simply want them to celebrate with you on the day of the wedding, you can be more flexible in your selections.

Relationships and Dynamics

Consider your relationships with your potential wedding party members. Choose individuals who have supported you and will likely continue to be a part of your life for years to come. This could include close friends, family members, or even your future siblings-in-law. If you have large families, you may want to include younger siblings or cousins in other roles, such as ring bearers, flower girls, ushers, or musicians.

Even or Uneven Numbers

There is no rule that dictates you must have an even number of attendants on each side. Feel free to choose an uneven number if that suits your preferences. You can get creative with processional entrances and seating arrangements to ensure your wedding party feels included and your photos look great. If having an even number is important to you, consider adding additional roles, such as ushers, to balance out the numbers.

Timing and Communication

It is generally a good idea to propose to your close friends and ask them to be a part of your wedding party early in the planning process. This will give them time to plan and budget for any expenses, such as attire and pre-wedding celebrations. Be considerate and communicate all the expectations and costs involved so that they can make informed decisions.

DIY decor and professional services

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, but there are many resources to help brides and grooms. Wedding planning books, websites, and apps can provide checklists, timelines, and other tools to keep you organized. You can also hire a wedding planner to guide you through the process and handle the logistics.

DIY Decor

Couples who want to add personal touches to their wedding can opt for DIY decor. This allows you to save money and create unique decorations that reflect your style and theme. Here are some ideas for DIY decor:

• Table decorations: Create table runners made from gauzy fabrics, trails of moss and ivy vines, or eucalyptus and olive branches. You can also add candles and flower petals for a romantic touch.
• Centerpieces: Wine bottles decorated with ribbons, flowers, and plastic grape clusters can be used as centerpieces. Alternatively, use old hexagon planters and tin cans filled with succulents or your favorite plants.
• Aisle decorations: Line the aisle chairs with framed photos of the couple as children or design postcards of places they've visited together and ask guests to write notes on the back.
• Bouquets: Create your own bridal bouquet with a mix of flowers and a pinned photo of a loved one who is no longer with you.
• Beverage display: Serve pre-mixed drinks in glass dispensers, such as Palomas, lemonade, or iced tea. Use mason jars for a rustic look or champagne flutes for a more elegant touch.

Professional Services

While DIY decor can add a personal touch, there are also benefits to hiring professional services for certain aspects of your wedding. Here are some areas where professional help can be valuable:

• Wedding planner: A wedding planner can be your right-hand person throughout the planning process. They can help you select a venue, manage your budget, and handle logistics.
• Venue selection: Choosing the right venue is crucial, as it affects many other aspects of your wedding, including the number of guests, flowers, and transportation. A wedding planner can help you find a venue that fits your style, budget, and guest count.
• Catering: While some food items can be DIY, such as pre-mixed drinks, it's often best to hire a caterer for the main meal. A professional caterer can ensure the food is delicious and safely prepared.
• Photography: Capturing high-quality photos of your special day is essential. Research and hire a reputable wedding photographer whose style you admire.
• Music: Whether you choose a live band or a DJ, investing in professional music services can ensure your guests have a great time on the dance floor.

Wedding attire and transportation

Transportation

When it comes to wedding transportation, it's essential to consider not just your journey but also that of your wedding party and guests. Ensuring everyone's timely arrival is key to a smooth wedding experience. Here are some factors to guide your planning:

• Distance between venues: If your ceremony and reception venues are more than 30 minutes apart, providing transportation for your guests is considerate and prevents inconveniences like long drives or rideshare charges.
• Location accessibility: If your wedding venue is challenging to reach, far away, or hard to find, providing transportation becomes even more important. This is especially true if many guests are travelling from out of town and may not have their own cars.
• Special needs: Make your wedding disability-friendly by arranging transportation for anyone who might struggle to get themselves to the venue, such as elderly relatives.
• Destination weddings: If your wedding is a destination event, providing transportation is essential. It's the least you can do for guests who have travelled far to celebrate with you.
• VIPs and wedding party: Keeping your wedding party and VIPs together in one transport ensures everyone is where they need to be, from preparations to photoshoots.
• Number of guests: Consider the number of guests you need to transport. Stretch limos can fit 12-14 people, while shuttle or party buses can accommodate larger groups.
• Budget: Transportation costs can add up, so budget accordingly. Pricing varies depending on the type of transport and the time needed. Stretch limos might charge by the hour, with a three-hour minimum, while shuttle or party buses offer more flexibility but can be more expensive overall.
• Booking early: Start booking your wedding transportation early to avoid disappointment. Vehicles and staff may be limited, even in big cities. Ask about the minimum number of hours for each vehicle, tipping, gas, and mileage to avoid surprise costs.
• Memorable options: From trolleys and sailboats to golf carts, there are many fun and unusual transportation options that can add charm and create memorable moments for your guests.

Attire

The wedding attire is a crucial aspect of the big day, and it's important to consider the costs involved for your wedding party. Here are some tips:

• Bridesmaids and groomsmen: If you're having a wedding party, remember that they are agreeing to spend their money on attire, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and more. Be considerate and inform them about all the plans and associated costs as early as possible.
• Gifts: Consider gifting your bridesmaids and groomsmen items they can wear on the day, like jewellery or cufflinks, to reduce their costs.
• VIP attire: If you have VIP guests, like parents or grandparents, consider offering to cover the costs of their attire or contribute to it as a gift.
• Attire for guests: While not mandatory, some couples choose to provide a dress code or colour scheme suggestions to ensure guests feel prepared and comfortable.

By planning transportation and attire thoughtfully, you can ensure that everyone, from your wedding party to your guests, feels taken care of and included in your special day.

Frequently asked questions