Congratulations on your engagement! Planning a wedding will be one of the most exciting times in your life; but, it can also be a bit overwhelming. Take full advantage of all the perks that come along with being engaged, such as attending wedding showcases, food and cake tastings, and dress or tuxedo shopping with friends. Once you’re ready to start planning your wedding, you may be faced with the question, “Where do I begin?”
Well, believe me, you’re not alone! Wedding planning has its highs and it can have its lows, but there’s good news: preparation helps tremendously. To you get started on your wedding planning journey, I’ve listed a few tips to help you feel more prepared and organized for all the fun!
First, sit down with your fiancé (yes, he or she should be included in the decision making process) to discuss the type of wedding you both want and how much you’re willing to spend.
Since you’re talking about money at this point, it’s also a good time to put some thought around your budget. As you begin to formalize your budget and determine what wedding expenses should be included, I’d encourage you to use Wedding Wire’s Wedding Budget Tracker. You should create a realistic budget by doing your research on the cost of wedding services in the area that you’re getting married, as they can fluctuate based on location. If you’re still unsure if your budget is realistic, meeting with and hiring a wedding planner can assist with steering you in the right direction. (Editor’s note: There are many other reasons why you should hire a wedding planner, but that’s another blog for another day!) Whether you decide to hire a full wedding planner or one that helps you tie loose ends and flawlessly execute your wedding day vision, hiring one can assist you with managing your budget.
Finally, begin your guest list. The number of guests that you host at your wedding will dictate everything—the number of centerpieces, invitations, favors, etc.—so you’ll want to add guests to the list carefully. Tackling your guest list is no easy feat, but planning early will pay off.
While wedding planning can consume you for many months, take time for each other. After all, the wedding is just one day; the marriage lasts a lifetime. Get in touch with us to chat all things budget and wedding planning fun!
Until next time...
Kristin