Stress-Free Wedding Planning Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Wedding Planning
Wedding planning can be both exciting and overwhelming. It is a literal full time job! With so many details to consider and decisions to make, it's easy to feel stressed and to not know where to even start. Let us hold your hand and make this stressful experience, one of the most enjoyable!
Step 1: Set a Realistic Budget
One of the first things you need to do is establish a budget. Whether you determine an overall budget or break it down month by month. Sitting down and determining how much you are willing to spend on your wedding is key. You will need to pick your major (non-negotiable) vendors and set an amount to allocate to each one! For example: Venue, Photographer and Caterer
Step 2: Create a Timeline
Next, create a detailed timeline for your wedding planning journey. Break it down into smaller (monthly) tasks and set deadlines to ensure you stay on track. This will help you stay organized and avoid any last-minute stress. It also helps keep you in budget!
Step 3: Find the Perfect Venue!
Choosing the right venue should basically be step one, but budget is pretty important! Your venue determines the tone, theme and even your wedding date! Take the time to visit different locations, ask all the questions, and compare prices. There are so many things to consider; capacity, atmosphere, seasonality, how long you have the venue and the convenience of the location. Once you find the ideal venue, secure your date and sign that contract!
Step 4: Create the Wedding Dream Team!
Research! Research! Research your vendors! You need to build a reliable wedding team that you know will bring your vision to life. Hire a wedding planner if you need assistance with the entire process and if you have budget, HIRE THE COORDINATOR. The day-of coordinator will help to manage the details on your big day. Do not be afraid to ask vendors for reviews, recommendations and their portfolio! They need to align with your vision, and don't be afraid to "date" vendors until you find the right one!
Step 5: Design you Dream Decor
Let your creativity (and your pinterest board) shine by designing your wedding decor. Determine your color palette, theme, and style. Put your personality into your centerpieces and choose elements that reflect your vision. Don't forget to consider the season and the venue space when selecting flowers as well as the other decor elements! Even consider if your venue has decorations available to use/rent!
Step 6: Plan a Delicious Menu
Food is an essential part of any wedding celebration. It is one of the most talked about things at the wedding! If your caterers allow it, schedule a taste test and see what different options the caterer could bring to the event. Can they provide appetizers? Do they have a wait staff? What do they provide for cutlery? Also, keep in mind any dietary restrictions you may need to request! Whether you choose a buffet-style or plated dinner, ensure the food is exactly what you want it to be!
Step 7: Make Beautiful Memories with Photography and Videography
The Photographer will be the next most important vendor on your list (and videographer if budget allows)! These photos after all will be create the stories that you share with your family for years to come. Before you even begin the research process, determine what style editing you prefer- dark or light, natural or polaroid. That will narrow down your search! Review their portfolios, troll their social media and ask the questions!
Step 8: The Finishing Touches
In the final stages of wedding planning, take care of the smaller details and take care of yourself! Arrange transportation for you and your guests, finalize the seating plan, create a wedding website, plan a spa day and whatever other activities you want for you, your wedding party and/or your guests!
Don't let planning a wedding become a daunting task. Make it something that you enjoy! With proper organization, a clear vision, and us to hold your hand- it will be one of your favorite experiences! Remember to stay within your budget, create a detailed timeline, create a wedding vendor dream team and fricken have fun! We believe that by following this ultimate guide, you'll be well on your way to having a stress-free, dream wedding!
