There were approximately 1,934,982 weddings in the US in 2021 alone. Marriage is incredibly beautiful, and we’re hoping to see even more weddings.
Are you planning to say I do? If so, you’re likely looking for advice on how to make the event planning process as smooth as possible.
Wedding planning can be stressful and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Planning and executing a memorable wedding will be a cakewalk with the right wedding planning tips.
If you’re looking for amazing wedding planning tips, you’re in the right place. In today’s post, we’ll be highlighting a couple of amazing wedding planning tips to help bring your dream wedding to life.
1. Pick a Date for the Wedding
One of the first things you need to do when planning your wedding is to pick a date for the wedding. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to consider a few things before finalizing a date.
For starters, you need to make sure that the venue(s) you’re considering are available on the date(s) you need them. Most people hold their weddings during spring and summer because of the weather. However, these are also the seasons when most venues are fully booked.
Pick a date a few months before the wedding season to get the perfect venue for your guests. Remember to pick a convenient date when everyone, or most people, is available.
Saturday nights are great since most people are accessible on the weekends. Guests can travel on Friday, attend the wedding on Saturday, and go back home on Sunday.
2. Create a Budget for Your Wedding
Money tends to be a sticky subject during weddings, but it’s something you’ll have to discuss. The couple needs to have a definite budget for the entire wedding.
The first step in creating a proper budget for your wedding is deciding how much you’re willing to spend. The average cost of a wedding in 2021 was $22,500. Your wedding can cost much higher or lower, depending on how many guests you have and other factors.
Setting a proper budget will set the tone for the rest of the wedding. So, liaise with all contributors and create a proper budget for your wedding.
3. Get a Guest Count
Naturally, you’d want as many people as you know to attend the wedding. However, this is rarely the case and not too practical. The better route is to create a guest list of all the people you want to come to your wedding.
Talk to your partner and create this guest list to have a proper guest count. Your guest list will determine a few things, such as the size of the venue you need to get and how much food you’ll need.
It’s important to have a realistic guest count. That way, you won’t spend too much money on unnecessary things.
4. Book a Venue
It’s not uncommon to find the most sought-after wedding venues fully booked. That’s why some couples book their venue as early as a year before the wedding.
If you have your heart set on a specific venue, we recommend that you book it as soon as possible. This will ensure that the venue is available on your wedding day.
When looking for a wedding venue, keep in mind the number of guests you’ll be having and look for a place that can comfortably accommodate everyone.
Another thing to keep in mind is the theme of your wedding. You want the venue to fit the overall theme and vibe of your wedding. For example, if you’re planning a rustic-themed wedding, you’ll want to find a venue that fits that aesthetic.
Do some research and look for venues that match your desired theme before picking one. Some couples take it up a notch and have destination weddings. This means they hold their weddings somewhere far away from their home town.
It’s fun and memorable but a lot more complicated. That’s why most couples hire professionals to help plan their destination wedding.
5. Decide on a Wedding Theme or Color Scheme
Your wedding theme or color scheme will be present in everything from the invitations to the decorations. That’s why you must decide on a theme or color scheme early on in the planning process. Pick at least two colors that you want for the wedding and stick to them.
Your wedding theme should reflect your personality as a couple. If you both love nature, then consider having a garden-themed wedding.
If you want something more unique, think about having a themed wedding. For example, you could have a Harry Potter-themed wedding or a Great Gatsby-themed wedding.
6. Buy a Wedding Dress
This is probably one of the most important things on the wedding-planning to-do list. The wedding dress is a big part of the wedding day and even the highlight for some. If you decide on a custom-made dress, ensure you order it at least 9 to 12 months before the wedding.
Alternatively, you can purchase an off-the-rack wedding dress even a day before the wedding. To pick the perfect dress, you’ll first have to consider the style and silhouette. You can check out the current trends in wedding dresses and pick a style that matches your taste.
Ensure you also take the weather and season into account when picking a dress. Strapless dresses with an A-line might be perfect for summer. The same dress, however, is terrible for winter because of the cold.
Explore your options and pick a gorgeous wedding dress for your big day. The bridegroom should also make arrangements to find a lovely suit for the occasion.
7. Pick a Caterer
What good is a wedding without delicious food and drinks to commemorate the event? If you want to leave a proper impression on your guests, you better serve delicious food. Serving delicious food starts with finding the right caterer.
Different caterers serve different purposes. For instance, the big catering companies can handle weddings with hundreds of guests.
On the other hand, the smaller ones, or even individuals who cook for a living, can cater to smaller weddings. The most important thing is to find a catering company that can make delicious food.
Go online and look for viable catering companies that can feed your guests. Do your homework on any company you’re considering before taking your pick. Check out online reviews on authority sites like Yelp and the BBB.
Ensure you pick a company that matches your budget to avoid overspending. Also, make sure the catering company has adequate staff members, supplies, and equipment to feed all your guests. It would be a huge shame if some of your guests missed the food at the wedding.
8. Book the Right Vendors
Your wedding planning will be a lot easier if you book the right vendors. These are the people who will help make your wedding day special. They include the photographer, videographer, florist, band or DJ, and officiant.
When booking these vendors, you should first check if they’re available on your wedding date. Once you’ve confirmed that, compare their prices and see which one is within your budget.
Read online reviews before booking any vendor to sidestep scammers and subpar services.
9. Pick the Bridal Party Early On
Give everyone who’ll be part of your bridal party a heads up a few months before the actual wedding. That way, they can free up their time and actively participate in putting your wedding together. This is especially true if some of your bridesmaids also are getting married in the same year.
You can pick anyone from your social circle to be part of the bridal party. This includes your friends, coworkers, cousins, and anyone else. Just be sure to tell them in advance, so they can accept or decline your request.
10. Find a Wedding Photographer
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so you’ll want to document it properly. That’s where a professional photographer comes in. They will take high-quality photos of your wedding day that you can cherish for the rest of your life.
When looking for a photographer, start by asking friends and family members for recommendations. If that doesn’t work, go online and look for photographers in your area. Check out their portfolios to get an idea of their style and quality of work.
Instagram provides the perfect avenue for you to see the photographer’s work. Most photographers post their best shots on their Instagram pages. Check the photographer’s Instagram and see whether their shots meet your expectations.
You should also have a budget in mind to avoid overspending on this aspect of the wedding. Don’t dwell too much on photographers that are way beyond your budget. Affordable photographers will also get the job done.
Wedding Planning Tips for Your Dream Wedding
Planning your wedding can save you a lot of money and stress on your big day. Booking the right vendors, picking the bridal party early on, and finding a good photographer are all key components to planning a successful wedding. By following these planning tips, you can ensure that your big day will be everything you’ve ever wanted it to be.
For more informative content about planning advice, don’t forget to check out the other posts on the site.
Infographic created by
Grown Brilliance, a lab diamond engagement rings provider
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