Top things to remember when planning a wedding
Planning a wedding can be stressful, time-consuming and, not to mention, expensive. From researching endlessly on the internet to creating a budget and finalising the number of guests – it can be a headache. However, it does not need to be.
Even the most organised and trained planners need help, and that is one of the important elements to consider from the very beginning. If you are looking to plan your entire wedding yourself, have a family member or friend in mind to assist you with organising your big day.
As soon as you get engaged you should start having the wedding conversation. The conversation is for you to try and understand what both of you want, and what will or won’t work.
After the excitement jitters have faded away, you will have to make sure that your planning process is clear and concise. Here we have compiled a checklist of the top things to remember when planning a wedding.
Budgeting
As a newly engaged couple, it is important to have the money talk. Communicating on each person’s contributions will help with formulating an overall budget for your big day. Once a set budget is in place only then you will deep dive into the nitty-gritty details.
Be realistic with your budget and be prepared for an unexpected reality check. You might find that you cannot afford the wedding of your dreams, so in that case, you will need to refine your expectation to best suit your budget.
Your set budget will be the determining factor of all the costs related to planning your wedding. You might be planning to have a luxurious honeymoon on the Mahe Islands in Seychelles, and if so, ensure that you have a separate budget for it too.
Compile a list of important details
Have a chat with your partner and discuss the elements that are of priority for the wedding (for the both of you). To avoid having an endless list, make the list limited to three main aspects of the wedding. This could be the decor, suit and dress, and the food.
Now, just like any other loves birds, you will go back and forth about the most important items on your list. Remember that it must work for both of you and that will require some sacrifice. In addition, highlighting the most important aspects of the wedding will help you stay within your set budget.
Review your dates
The last thing you would want to happen is to have anything steal away the limelight from your wedding. Do some research to find out if your wedding dates clash with any national events, charity event or any local event that will be near your wedding venue.
Knowing this ahead of time will give you enough time to consider changing the venue for the event or changing your wedding dates. This will affect things such as traffic, room availability in hotels and even noise overpowering your smooth jams at your wedding – and you definitely do not want that.
Make a list of guest speakers
Think carefully about who will give a speech at your wedding.
You don’t want to leave this till the last minute and have that one embarrassing uncle volunteer to make a speech – no you don’t want that.
Be sure that the people on your list are aware that they will be giving a speech. This will give them ample time to prepare. Ideally, let them know as soon as the wedding reception and venue is finalised.
Book a photographer and videographer
You want to remember your big day forever and capture it beautifully. Hire a photographer and videographer for picture-perfect professional visuals. When searching for a photographer or videographer, ensure that you view their portfolio to see if he or she is the right one for you.
While you’re on the hunt, look around and compare pricing points and pick one that is within your budget.
Plan your wedding a year in advance
Planning your wedding will solely depend on when you will be getting married. Nevertheless, you should try and have at least one year to plan if effectively. Now, if you’re are a planning wizard and can do this within a couple of months, then props to you! But for the rest, give yourself some time.
The reason why we recommend that you plan your wedding a year out is that you should plan according to a timeline. For example, in the very first stages, you will need to plan your guest size, reception and venue options, etc. And as the date gets closer, you will need to start finalising things such as the flowers for the ceremony, makeup style and final menu.