Wedding days are a time of friends and family coming together to celebrate the love and commitment of the newlyweds. You have probably heard from friends or acquaintances that planning a wedding is stressful. Don’t let that discourage you or stress you in advance. When properly outlined and executed, planning a wedding is easy and can be a lot of fun. So here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for a wedding.
Choose the Date
He proposed and you said „yes“. You have told your friends and families, they are all happy for you. Now it is time to set a date. You can either choose a meaningful day for you, like when you first met, went on a date, or knew that you were in love. Or you can choose a date that is practical and works for everyone in the party.
Set Up a Budget
It is always good to know how much you plan to spend on a wedding. When you outline a budget, the most important thing is to stick to it.
Create a Guest List
Put down all the people you want to invite to the wedding. This may also be the first time you and your spouse-to-be need to compromise. If you have different wedding sizes in mind, try to meet each other halfway.
Select the Venue
Now that you have your date, it’s time to choose the venue that can support the number of guests you would like to have. This is where you choose if it is an indoor or outdoor wedding you want. For outdoor settings, you also want to consider venues that have a backup option in case it rains.
Send Invitations
Once you have dates and times, it is time to send out the wedding invitations. Do this as soon as you are able, as people need time to RSVP. Set a date by which you need their answers and clearly state it on the invitations.
Wedding Registry
You may want the guests to gift you some specific items, so set up a wedding registry. Alternatively, you can ask for money or donations. Whatever your choice, you need to communicate it clearly.
Find the Vendors
Try looking for local vendors who can help your day be truly special. Chances are if you source locally, it will save you money. Alternatively, look at the wedding package deals. You may get two or three things crossed off the list for a fraction of the price.
Shop for the Cake
Choosing your cake is important and can be a very fun experience. There are different tastes and styles to consider. Start choosing early so you can narrow down your choices in time for it to be prepared.
Look into Catering Options
Check for catering options locally. It is the easiest and probably cheapest way. Another thing to consider, try emerging caterers. They may be new to the business but are also eager to prove themselves. And that may be a win-win situation you are looking for.
Document Planning
Don’t forget the marriage license in the mids of preparing for a wedding. You need to start collecting the documents on time.
Also, if you have guests coming from other countries, you need to check with them if they need a letter of support, additional prooves for a visa, etc. If they are coming to help with wedding chores, you will need to consider the USA international license for driving, depending on their country of origin.
Documentation gathering is tedious and it takes time, so start working on it as soon as possible.
Choose the Party
Bridesmaids and groomsmen are very important. They are also the people who will help the most with your wedding, so you need to choose them wisely.
Find the Officiant
Consider carefully the person who will officiate your wedding. You can choose a clergy member or a justice of the peace, but also a friend or a family member. It is important to do your research, see if it can be personalized, get recommendations, etc. You also want to inquire if they are involved in obtaining the marriage license.
Shop for Wedding Rings
Choosing wedding rings as symbols of your love and commitment is a wonderful experience. You may not want to go down the traditional route, so consider alternatives, such as getting meaningful tattoos.
Find Your Dream Wedding Dress/Suit
When it comes to weddings, the spotlight is on you. So you want to find the perfect wedding dress or suit that you feel comfortable in and that compliments your body type.
Plan Your Party’s Outfits
To prepare for a wedding means also choosing the suits and gowns for your wedding party. Set up a matching dress code that will look beautiful in the photos.
Invest in the Photographer
You want the photos of your day to be perfect. As they say, memory is fleeting. Pictures, on the other hand, will last you a lifetime. So invest in a good photographer. It will be the best investment for your whole wedding.
Don’t Forget the Beauty Pampering
Treat yourself to a little beauty pampering before the day. The art of preparing for your wedding is investing in a great skincare routine and working in luxury skincare ingredients to glow from the inside out.
Prepare for Emergencies
When the day comes, you want to enjoy it and have fun. Preparing for a wedding is one way to achieve it. Another is to plan for emergencies. Pack an emergency bag and entrust it with a friend or family member. It should contain products and tools that can solve any problems with the wardrobe, hair, or makeup.
Start to prepare for a wedding as early as possible. It is just the beginning. You will likely have to compromise a lot, and this can be a perfect time to start practicing the art for a life-long journey ahead of you. It is also a great time for you and your spouse-to-be to get to know each other in a new way. And come wedding day, you can be relaxed and enjoy it having fun with friends and family.
