If your loved one has finally got down on one knee and popped the big question, you now have a lot of work to do. You may have no idea how to plan for your wedding and be confused about just where to begin. One thing you know for sure though is that you want your wedding to be the perfect day with lots of lovely features. The venue, the food, the drinks, the guest list and entertainment. There is an awful lot to think about in terms of logistics etc. Then you have to wonder about your dress, the crowing point of the day, or that stunning jewellery.
Create a Budget
When you set a budget, the most important thing you can do is stick to it. You will have created the budget with all your income and outgoings catered into the equation and any contributions family members are willing to make. So, don’t start juggling with the numbers just because you see a venue way out of your price range. You need to be honest with yourself and live within your means. Otherwise, it may turn into an unmitigated nightmare.
Plan Well Ahead of Time
The best weddings are planned well in advance of the big day. So, do not rush as this will cause a lot of unnecessary stress. First, you should try and get everything you can think you need on paper and create a rough estimate of costs, bearing in mind your budget. Perhaps you could create a subheading of ‘need’, and ‘would like’, this can help you organise. It is best you look to create a plan that is under budget. That way you have room to manoeuvre money-wise when it comes to the last little details. If you are struggling to make sense of it all, then wedding planning services are worth considering. They know exactly what they are doing and can take a lot of stress off of you.
The Guest List
You will probably not be able to invite everyone you want, especially if you have a tight budget, so you need to be very selective with whom you choose. The cost per head can quickly run that budget up, so don’t worry about anyone else, worry about that. Don’t allow anyone to guilt-trip you.
The Venue
You need you visit a lot of different places to really get a feel for the type of wedding you want to have. The beauty of doing the planning well ahead of time means you can actually get out and about and do all the visiting you need to. You need to consider how feasible it is to have places that mean you have a travel a long way. Are there appropriate lodgings for all who may need it? When you are at a place, really try and envision all your guests o there. Think about toilet facilities and parking, do you need a bar or is everything being provided?. Every wedding has different priorities, so work out what’s important to you and go from there.
This is a collaborative post.