We have put together a Wedding planning list to help to get you started on the biggest ‘to do’ list you’ll ever have.
The minute you get engaged, everyone will be asking for your wedding date. But in reality, you won’t be able to set an exact date until other major decisions—like choosing and booking your venue are made. So first, focus on determining a range of dates that’ll work for you. The average engagement lasts 12-14 months, but also think about what season you’d prefer, any major holidays you want to take advantage of or family events you’d like to avoid conflicting with, and how long you predict you’ll need to plan.
Before you try on a single gown, book your cars or sample a bite of cake, look at the big picture and imagine what kind of style and vibe you want to set for your wedding—and where you want to hold it. Close your eyes and picture your fantasy wedding. Now rain it in and be a bit more realistic, and think about what you can afford. We can’t all get married at Versailles and honeymoon at Bora Bora.. Sigh!! What do you see? Are you walking barefoot on a beach in the tropics? Is it at a family property, a stunning venue, or maybe it’s a place that’s special to you both. This is a tactic that will help cut through all the noise. While you’re picturing your ‘realistic wedding’, here are some key questions to ponder: Big.. everyone you know, or small.. Just close friends and family? Outdoors or in? or away (a destination wedding)? Modern, classic, romantic, vintage, rustic or all-out glam? Fancy, casual or somewhere in between? To help you get a better idea of what you want (and what you don’t want), spend some time gathering inspiration.
Pinterest will be our greatest friend while planning a wedding, use it to the max, and create boards for all styles you love. It keeps all your ideas together and will be a great tool to show suppliers exactly what you like.
How to use this tool effectively.
Collect imagery to help realise what style/styles speak to you. Create a mood board with all your favourite images. Once all images together you will find re-occurring themes, details, colours, shapes, silhouettes etc. This helps you to make sense of all your research/ inspiration images. E.g. I love gold themes, I prefer beach or garden weddings.
By closely analysing your images you should now see that you are drawn to particular themes. Now start collecting images of all different sectors flowers/venues/dresses. Delete any pics that don’t relate or that are a crazy fantasy, yep your not alone we all have that 10K flower display pic
The budget really affects aspects of a wedding from venue, to No’s and even the dress. Sit down with your families and figure out how much everyone is contributing . This number will affect every decision and purchase you make, so be sure to work out your tentative budget before you start planning. It can be an uncomfortable conversation, but it’s better to get it out of the way now and not assume things are paid for. If you are like most over 30 couples tying the knot you’ll be paying the biggest chunk yourself, so best be prepared. Sounds weird but it’s also best to plan to go over budget, (hence tentative budget). Budget blow-out is apparently a contagious condition that affects 98% of brides.
Wether you’ve gone over budget or just didn’t plan for some items the outcome is the same… more $$$
My wedding came in under budget…. Said no bride ever.
As you begin to build your guest list, you’ll need to consider a number of factors. If you have a particular ceremony or reception site in mind, for instance, you’re going to be limited by how many people it can accommodate, you can’t squeeze 300 of your dearest into a country chapel that seats 50. Would you rather have quality one-on-one time with each guest or throw a once-in-a-lifetime party for all your friends and family? If mom and dad won’t budge about inviting throngs of friends and family, you’ll have to hear them out—especially if they’re footing a major part of the bill. While you think your wedding is all about you, it is worth keeping in mind all your parents friends that have watched you grow up. Small compromises can go a long way to keep the peace, as long as your still happy. However the more people the higher the cost. So, in addition to location, your budget will have a big influence on the size of your guest list.
Worried that you’ll look gift-grabby if you register ? Don’t! With all the engagement parties, bridal showers and well-wishing relatives in your future, everyone will appreciate your foresight. And although gifts are optional for engagement parties, some of your guests may want to give you something to commemorate the occasion, so register for at least a few items beforehand so they don’t have to ask (or guess) what you’d like. I’m a big fan of a wishing well / travel vouchers.
You can never have too much money to spend on a honeymoon.
Now it’s your turn to propose to your bridesmaids and groomsmen Remember, the earlier you ask, the sooner you can enlist their help and begin the planning. And keep in mind that your wedding party is agreeing to spend their hard-earned money and donate their precious time—be considerate and kind by informing everyone about all your plans, showing them a good time and making sure they know how much you appreciate them.
Your reception venue will become the backdrop for a lot your photos and can influence everything from your budget and guest list size to smaller details like your menu. Ensure that you get the look, price and extras you want by scouring local listings, shopping around, scheduling visits and booking early. Bonus: By signing your venue contract, you will officially have your wedding date (congrats!)!
If you just can’t imagine getting married without a certain band playing at the reception or a photographer whose work you love, act fast. Many top wedding photographers and other in-demand vendors are hired more than a year in advance, and once they’re booked, they’re gone. Translation: Figure out what your highest wedding priorities are, whether it’s world-class catering or exquisite flowers, and snap up the vendors whose work you love.
You wouldn’t be the first bride to start their dress search scouring the internet and often falling in love with a specific design, but you also wouldn’t be the first to learn that what looks amazing on a model will look different on you, or it’s a pic from 5 years ago or it’s a 20K dress Yikes!! Welcome to world of wedding planning. Before you get your heart set on an unavailable dress I strongly suggest look into designers and bridal boutiques in your area,(this is most likely where you’ll buy your gown) see what designers have the style dresses you like and read their reviews. Past brides are a great way of getting an insight into the service and experience they’ve had. .Go shopping with a good attitude and an open mind to try on various designs. If you don’t yet that WOW feeling in a gown you defiantly narrow down the styles and aspects of a gown that you love.
Keep the venue and climate in mind. The season will also affect your choice.
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