When it comes to planning the perfect wedding, many people agree that it’s the most important day of your life. Read any magazine, watch any TV show or listen to any family member and they will likely utter some semblance of the phrase.
They aren’t wrong really. It’s a time where you bring your family and closest friends together to celebrate your eternal union to the person of your dreams. It’s a time for laughter, tears of joy, dancing and utter celebration.
Many wise men and women have said, “I would get married again, but I would never have another wedding.” Weddings are a one-time shot and there’s a lot of pressure, both from yourself and outside forces, to getting it right.
While there are plenty of advice articles and websites (which you should definitely make sure and check out) on how to have the perfect wedding, here are what we believe to be the four most important tips for planning your special day.
Mark Your Calendars
One of the first questions people will ask after hearing he finally put a ring on it is “So, when is it?”
Hopefully, the engagement wasn’t a surprise to you and you both have talked about a general timeline. You might have your eyes set on a summer wedding and while it may seem like there are plenty of weekends in the summer, wedding venues go off the market like half-off TVs during Black Friday.
When you have the date range down, you’ll need to start thinking about the number of guests you want at your perfect wedding. There is no wrong number and you should think about the number of family members and friends you see coming. Very rarely will you have 100% of your guests show up, so adjust your list accordingly.
Speaking of guests, it’s time to move onto…
Choosing the Ideal Venue
Your first big assignment is finding out the perfect wedding venue. Even though you might have your eyes set on the perfect place, the number of guests you’re inviting is going to determine what size venue you’re going to be able to have.
Don’t try to invite more people to fit into a bigger venue or significantly cut your list to cram into a smaller one. You might have to make some adjustments here and there, but you don’t want to completely haul over your ideas.
When you’re touring, ask about the weddings they’ve done in the past and if they have any specific rules or regulations for you. What will they help you do? Will they take care of? How expensive is the venue and are there any extra costs?
Handling the Advice
With your perfect wedding plans in the works, you’re no doubt going to get tons of advice, suggestions, and opinions from family members and friends alike. It can be good to listen to them from time to time, but think about limiting your inner circle when it comes to planning.
Too many suggestions and ideas may quickly become overwhelming, turning you into an angry, anxious bride.
Among all the noise and chaos, there will be plenty of people who will come and help you. A friend offers to come help you address invitations? Take them up on it. They ask if you need help making decorations or planning? Of course, a helping hand is always great. People should be willing to help you to make your life easier, not because they want brownie points or want to feel special.
The Money Question
When it comes to events, weddings tend to be the most expensive out there. It makes sense, with everything you have to buy and order. Plus, you’ll start to notice many places will slap the word “wedding” before an item and charge you double the price.
Sit down with your partner and plan out a budget ahead of time. If you’re not sure how much you should be paying for venues, food, etc. do some research by talking to friends or doing some investigating on your own.
Having a hard budget will help you make those tough decisions about certain items or features to your perfect wedding. Planning this out with your partner is key as so many marital arguments stem from financial disagreements or issues. Make sure and start off on the right foot.
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