First, I want to say congratulations! Being engaged is such a special moment in your relationship but it can also become stressful very quickly. You may be thinking that hiring a wedding planner is necessary, but I'm here to tell you that you can do this on your own. Planning your wedding will undoubtedly be one of the hardest, yet most rewarding, things you will accomplish to date. Just follow these 5 Easy Steps To Start Wedding Planning and planning your dream wedding will be a little less stressful.
(Photo credit: Morghan of Arowyn Photography)
Step 1: Do absolutely no wedding-related tasks for the first week
Seriously. The next few months will be chaotic, so take this week to let it sink in that you are getting married. Go on a date with your new fiancé. People will notice that new shiny addition on your finger and the glowing smile of the bride-to-be.
Seriously. The next few months will be chaotic, so take this week to let it sink in that you are getting married. Go on a date with your new fiancé. People will notice that new shiny addition on your finger and the glowing smile of the bride-to-be.
Step 2: Decide on a season
Have you envisioned a beach wedding? A Winter Wonderland wedding? A wedding in the woods? Now is the time to settle on the season and a range of dates.
Step 3: Choose a color palette
There are no rules behind picking a color scheme. You can choose your favorite colors or go with seasonal colors. I wold recommend using either 2 or 3 colors. Having too many colors can be distracting and overwhelming for your guests.
Step 4: Book a ceremony and reception venue
You have a few options when it comes to venues. You can either have the ceremony and reception at the same location or you can opt to have them at separate locations. Some people say that you will save money if both the ceremony and reception are held at the same venue. I didn't find this to be true when planning my wedding. Take time to research different venues in your area. Read all the contracts before signing and putting money down. Note: if you are holding your event at two locations, be sure to get available dates from both venues before booking.
Have you envisioned a beach wedding? A Winter Wonderland wedding? A wedding in the woods? Now is the time to settle on the season and a range of dates.
Step 3: Choose a color palette
There are no rules behind picking a color scheme. You can choose your favorite colors or go with seasonal colors. I wold recommend using either 2 or 3 colors. Having too many colors can be distracting and overwhelming for your guests.
Step 4: Book a ceremony and reception venue
You have a few options when it comes to venues. You can either have the ceremony and reception at the same location or you can opt to have them at separate locations. Some people say that you will save money if both the ceremony and reception are held at the same venue. I didn't find this to be true when planning my wedding. Take time to research different venues in your area. Read all the contracts before signing and putting money down. Note: if you are holding your event at two locations, be sure to get available dates from both venues before booking.
Step 5: Research vendors
This is the time to think about photographers, videographers and florists. Most everyone knows someone, whether it be a family member or a friend, that provides one of these services. So, you're probably thinking that it could either be cheaper to hire them or that it's nice to help their business out. Bad idea! I learned this hard way. Learn from my mistakes so you don't experience the same struggles I did. Your family and friends want to enjoy your wedding day along with you, not behind a camera. Do your research, you can (and will!) find inexpensive options for these services.
Enjoy this time in your life. Someone once told me that I would be the only one to know if something doesn't get done. That's so true. Don't worry if the sparklers for your grand departure didn't arrive in time or the font on the programs is blue instead of black. Trust me, no one will notice.
I was there and I ate the cake too!
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