How to Plan Your Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide
Congratulations on getting engaged!
Planning your wedding can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With a little planning and organization, you can create the wedding of your dreams. As a wedding photographer I am often one of the first people a couple contacts to start their planning, It just so happens, That I am currently planning my wedding, for October 2024 from getting engaged on a cruise ship in norway early June 2023 to signing the last contract for our wedding plan took us just over 4 weeks, it really was easy once you we broke it down so try not to get overwhelmed.
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan your wedding:
Firstly, your Budget.
Set a budget.
Start by setting a realistic budget. How much money do you and your partner have saved up? How much are you willing to spend on your wedding? It's important to be realistic about your budget, so you don't end up overspending.
Break down your budget into categories. Once you have a general idea of how much you're willing to spend, you can start breaking your budget down into categories. This will help you track your spending and make sure you're not overspending in any one area. there are some great way’s to do this, with Hitched or Bridebook for example.
Do your research. Before you start making any decisions, be sure to do your research. This includes researching different venues, vendors, and services. The more research you do, the better equipped you'll be to make informed decisions about your budget.
Be flexible. It's important to be flexible with your budget. Things don't always go according to plan, so you'll need to be prepared to make adjustments. If you're flexible, you'll be more likely to stay on budget. if you factor a 10% buffer into your budget then you might have a nice surprise at the end of it all
Don't forget the little things. When setting your budget, don't forget about the little things. Things like invitations, favors, and transportation can add up quickly. Be sure to factor these expenses into your budget.
Start saving early. The earlier you start saving, the more time you'll have to build up your budget. This will give you more options when it comes time to start planning your wedding. Once you know how much money you need to save, set a savings goal. This will help you stay on track and make sure you reach your goal in time for your wedding.
Avoid impulse purchases. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning a wedding and make impulse purchases. Avoid this by doing your research and making sure you're getting the best possible deal.
Don't be afraid to negotiate with vendors. This is especially important for things like venue rental, catering, and photography.(even me) sometimes it may mean you get a different package or swap one thing our for something else… but you get the basic service you want.
Choosing a date and time. Once you have a budget, you can start looking at dates and times for your wedding. This will likely be set by your prefered venue/ your budget, remeber too that mid week weddings are alot cheaper sometimes, but this may impact guest attendance so bare that in mind. which brings us nicely onto finding a venue. The venue is one of the most important decisions you'll make when planning your wedding. Be sure to choose a venue that fits your style and budget.
Start your search early. The best venues book up quickly, so it's important to start your search early.
Be clear about your budget. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid overspending.
Consider the size of your guest list. This will help you choose a venue that is big enough for everyone, honestly the catering comes to alot more than you expect in the end, especially if you have 100 plus people.
Visit the venue in person. This is the best way to get a feel for the space and see if it's the right fit for your wedding.
Ask about the venue's policies and restrictions. This includes things like noise curfews, vendor requirements, and parking. asking about drone usage and fireworks also is a good thing to think about at this point too.
Get everything in writing. This will help avoid any misunderstandings down the road.
Consider the time of year. Some venues are more popular during certain times of year, so you may need to book your date further in advance if you're getting married during a popular time. depending on the season you could have a third of the cost.
Choose your vendors. You'll need to hire a number of vendors for your wedding, including a photographer, a caterer, a DJ, Band, florist, reception decorators etc. Be sure to do your research and compare quotes before making any decisions. As a wedding photographer obviously I speak to and meet alot of vendors. I’m working on compiling a list of them to help people like you planning. when its ready it will be HERE, until then feel free to reach out and ask me any questions. Always free to chat.
Once you have your Date, your venue and your vendors, there really is only one thing left to do. Send out your invitations. Be sure to give your guests plenty of notice so they can RSVP.
Enjoy your wedding day! After all of the planning, it's finally time to enjoy your wedding day. Relax, have fun, and celebrate your love with your closest friends and family.
Live happily ever after! Congratulations on your wedding! Now it's time to start your new life together. Cherish each other and your memories, and may your love only grow stronger with each passing day.
