Planning A Wedding: A Lovely Journey

Wouldn't it Be Lovely is a wedding invitation service based in Franklin, Massachusetts, that specialises in hand lettering and calligraphy, custom watercolour paintings, sketched illustrations, and map designs. The company has a semi-custom line for couples who want to use a pre-made design, and a custom design process for those who want to create something new. They have received positive reviews from couples, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 on WeddingWire.

Wedding planning templates and checklists

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but using a template or checklist can help you stay organized and ensure you don't forget any important details. There are many online resources that offer wedding planning templates and checklists, which can be customized to your specific needs and preferences.

One popular option is to use a wedding planning spreadsheet. Spreadsheets are a great way to keep all your wedding information in one place and easily accessible. The Knot, for example, offers a free wedding planning spreadsheet that includes an Excel download and a Google Doc with a wedding planning timeline template, wedding budget spreadsheet, and more. This spreadsheet can be used to track your budget, forecast expenses, and create a customized timeline of tasks with deadlines. It also includes a guest list manager, vendor contact list, and wedding day schedule.

Another option is to use a website like Truly Engaging, which offers a free, printable wedding planning checklist that guides you through 12+ months of the planning process. This checklist includes tasks such as choosing a date, creating a wedding website, assembling a team of wedding professionals (photographer, videographer, caterer, etc.), and browsing wedding dress styles. It also provides space for you to write in your own tasks and to-dos, ensuring that you don't forget any important details.

If you're looking for something more creative and design-focused, Canva is a user-friendly platform that allows you to create and customize your own wedding checklist templates. You can design a checklist that reflects your wedding theme, using your wedding colors, romantic fonts, and even your engagement photos. Canva also offers the flexibility to save and share your checklist in different file formats, making it easy to collaborate with your partner, family, or wedding vendors.

In addition to these resources, there are many other websites and tools that offer wedding planning templates and checklists, such as wedding planning apps, online planning tools, and printable timelines. By utilizing these resources and staying organized, you can ensure that your wedding planning process is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

Choosing a wedding venue

Define Your Budget and Guest List:

Before embarking on your venue search, it's essential to establish a budget and determine the size of your guest list. These two factors are intertwined, as the venue's capacity and rental rates will impact your budget and the overall experience of your guests. A venue that is too small may feel cramped, while a venue that is too large may create a distant atmosphere.

Location, Location, Location:

The location of your wedding venue sets the tone for your celebration. Consider whether you prefer an indoor or outdoor setting, the ease of access for your guests, and any travel requirements, such as proximity to a major airport or passport necessities. The location will also influence your decoration options and potentially the date of your wedding.

Venue Amenities and Inclusions:

When evaluating venues, pay close attention to what is included in their packages. Inquire about catering options, bar services, and the availability of a bridal suite. Ask whether you can supply your own alcohol and if there are additional charges for specific requests, such as an after-party space. It is also beneficial to understand the venue's policies on external vendors if you plan to bring in outside caterers or coordinators.

Accessibility and Convenience:

Consider the accessibility of the venue for yourself, your wedding party, and your guests. This includes ADA accessibility, parking availability, and ease of movement within the venue. Additionally, contemplate the convenience of getting ready onsite, as it eliminates transportation logistics.

Aesthetics and Ambiance:

The aesthetics of the venue should align with your vision for the wedding. Consider the natural beauty of the location and how it complements your desired decoration theme. If you're opting for a destination wedding, research the "rain plan" options, ensuring there is a suitable indoor setup for ceremonies and receptions.

Communication and Response:

Effective communication with the venue staff is essential. Evaluate their professionalism, response time, and overall vibe during your interactions. It's important to feel valued and well-supported by the people managing the venue, as it sets the tone for your wedding day experience.

Remember, hiring a wedding planner can significantly alleviate the stress of venue searching. They can provide guidance, industry connections, and help you navigate potential red flags.

Happy venue hunting, and may your special day be everything you've ever dreamed of and more!

Wedding day timeline

A wedding day timeline is essential to ensure the big day runs smoothly. Here is a comprehensive wedding day timeline to help you plan your special day:

Morning of the Wedding

7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.: Hair and makeup artists arrive and begin preparations. This is also a good time for the bridal party to arrive and get ready, especially if the venue allows it, as it can ease the morning rush.

Before the Ceremony

10:00 a.m.: Final touches are applied, and the bridal party is ready. This is a good time for a first look photo session, which can help calm nerves and ensure more time for the bridal party to take photos before the ceremony, especially if it is an evening wedding.

Ceremony

11:00 a.m.: The ceremony start time. The ceremony generally lasts up to 30 minutes. This is the time listed on the invitations for guests, but the bridal party, vendors, and preparations will have started much earlier.

Post-Ceremony

11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.: The time between the ceremony and reception is crucial. If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, guests can proceed to the cocktail hour. If there is a separate reception venue, account for travel time, allowing guests to make their way to the post-ceremony festivities. This break also gives the bridal party time for additional photos.

Reception

2:00 p.m.: The reception begins. The newlyweds are introduced to the guests, often with fanfare, and sometimes with an introduction of the wedding party members.

2:05 p.m.: The first dance. The couple can choose to dance for a full song or fade out after a couple of minutes.

2:10 p.m.: The couple and family members can thank the guests for attending, and a welcome toast is made.

2:15 p.m.: Dinner is served. The catering team should be given time to set up, usually around four to five hours before dinner is served.

3:00 p.m.: Dancing and festivities continue.

End of the Reception

6:00 p.m.: The reception ends. The average duration of modern weddings is five to six hours, and this timeline ensures the day runs smoothly without guests feeling stale from a long event.

This timeline can be adjusted to fit the specific needs and preferences of the couple. Consult with your vendors and wedding planner to craft the perfect timeline for your big day.

Food and drink

When planning your wedding menu, consider soliciting ideas and feedback from family members or offering a family favorite or cultural dish. This will help make the dining experience more personal while showcasing love and unity. You could also incorporate food that reflects a part of your relationship, like a dish you ate on your first date or your go-to drinks as signature cocktails. If you're feeling unsure about what to serve, your catering team can share their expert recommendations based on your budget, meal formality, and wedding theme.

If you're looking for unique wedding food ideas, here are some suggestions:

• Grilled kabobs are a great option if you want to keep things casual but don't want to do a buffet. They are quick to cook, easily customizable, and can be filled with your favorite meats or veggies.
• If you're planning a coastal New England wedding, consider serving lobster rolls.
• Treat your guests to fried wontons if you want to infuse your Chinese heritage into your menu or simply love traditional Chinese cuisine.
• Put a twist on a fish dish by serving fresh poke, either as a selection of different pre-made bowls or allowing your guests to build their own.
• Serve bite-sized crab cakes as hors d'oeuvres, garnished with tartar sauce or classic Old Bay seasoning.
• For a sweet and savory combo, wrap thin slices of prosciutto around fresh peaches or nectarines for a summertime appetizer.

Don't forget to consider any dietary requirements when planning your menu, such as gluten-free and vegetarian options. Also, remember to pace yourself with alcohol consumption and drink plenty of water throughout your wedding day to avoid dehydration.

Some couples opt for a potluck wedding, where guests bring food instead of or in addition to gifts. This option can be economical, eco-friendly, and add a sentimental, personal touch. However, others may find it inconvenient or expect the couple to provide the meal as a "thank you" for celebrating with them.

• Breakfast: oatmeal, yogurt parfaits with nuts and granola, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, pastries, fruit, coffee, and juice.
• Lunch: salad with chicken, sandwich platters, chicken fingers, pizza, fruit and veggie platters, and smoothies.
• Snacks: protein bars, fruit, nuts, chips, mini muffins, trail mix, and grapes.
• Drinks: champagne, cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits such as rum, whiskey, and vodka.

Remember to eat regularly throughout your wedding day to maintain your energy levels and avoid feeling hungry or irritable.

Wedding vendors

The next foundational step is to select your caterer, who will ensure your guests are delighted with a scrumptious meal. Food and beverage costs can be a substantial part of your wedding budget, with catering accounting for around 30-40% of the total budget. Many venues have an in-house caterer, but if they don't, they often have a preferred vendor list.

Other essential wedding vendors include a wedding planner, who can help with everything from budget management and vendor selection to coordinating the wedding day timeline; a wedding photographer, who can immortalize your special day; and a wedding videographer, who can capture picture, movement, and sound to create a film of your wedding day. Begin searching for these vendors about nine to 12 months ahead of your wedding to secure the best talent in your area. Professional photographers and videographers typically charge between 10-15% of the overall budget.

Other vendors you may want to consider are a florist, a cake baker, a DJ or band, a hair stylist and makeup artist, and an officiant.

Frequently asked questions