Well, the big day is approaching and there is so much to do. Set the date, reserve the church, hire a band, get a dress, find a caterer, a photographer, a floristthe list goes on and on. For many new brides planning a wedding can seem like an overwhelming task. You are wondering how you will know what you need or where to find stuff. Well, take a deep breath and relax. It is going to be okay. Follow the tips in this easy wedding planning guide and you will be planning the wedding of your dreams in no time! The first thing that you should do is think about the time of year that you want to have your wedding, and then find a venue. It is important to think about the time of year that you want to have your wedding because that will help determine your venue. Obviously you are not going to have an outdoor wedding in the dead of winter (unless you are lucky enough to live in a warm climate all year round). It is also important to find a venue (for the ceremony and reception) before you set your date because you dont know what kind of availability the venue will have. If you care more about the date then the place, that is fine. You may, however, be limited with your venue options. After you have your venue and date set, you can get a general idea about the feel of your wedding. Is your wedding casual, or very formal? Does your location lend itself to a themed wedding? These questions will help you determine your wedding attire, decorations, and menu. The next step is to book your D.J., photographer, and caterer. These are the service professionals that book up quickly. By reserving yours in advance you have more options. The next people you want to check with would be your florist, and cake decorator. You should also decide if you are going to have live musicians playing during your ceremony and book them too. Once you have all of your reservations made and professionals booked, then it is time to find your dress and your bridesmaids dresses. There are many options for places to look for your dresses. You can shop at bridal stores, online, or even shop for used dresses. You could also ask a friend or relative to borrow their dress. This can be a very big compliment to some people! You will also need to check out where you are going to rent your tuxedos from. Find out how far in advance your groom and groomsmen need to be fitted and set an appointment. The next thing to be thinking about is invitations. It is important that you order your invitations far enough in advance to allow time for any mistakes that the printers might have, as well as any additional prints that you might need. You should send your invitations out at least 6-8 weeks in advance. This will give your guests plenty of time to clear their calendars and R.S.V.P. Other things that you also need to make plans for are the rehearsal dinner and bridal luncheon. A couple months before the wedding, if you havent already done so, you should start making appointments with your wedding professionals to iron out all the details. If you have any questions about their services, dont be afraid to ask. They are the professionals and should have all the answers to your questions. |
