Now that you've been proposed to and accepted the ring, what do you do? The pressure to get everything perfect for the big day may be overwhelming. Although many engaged couples seek the assistance of wedding planners, there are plenty of scenarios in which the pair choose to handle the majority of the preparations themselves.
It's a lot of additional effort, but it is possible to arrange the perfect wedding on your own. Perhaps they're on a strict budget, or perhaps they just adore the many do-it-yourself options available, even down to the wedding gown.
When dealing with decisions, to-do lists, deadlines, and the rest of life, organisation is essential for staying on track. The first order of business is to give yourselves plenty of time to organise the wedding. To be successful, you should shoot for a time frame of at least a year. Add in your partner at this stage also. To really celebrate your union, your wedding should reflect the two of you as a unit.
Planning a wedding may be stressful due to a large number of jobs and arrangements that need to be made. Wedding planning may be a difficult and time-consuming endeavour, but if you allow yourself plenty of lead time to organise your thoughts and create a detailed checklist and calendar, you'll find the process to be enjoyable rather than exhausting.
Here are some of the less enjoyable aspects of wedding preparation that should be completed early to save you time and energy later on.
- Setting your budget
It's time to get down to the boring business of crunching data. Before you can do anything else for your wedding, you need to figure out who is paying for what, and how much the whole affair will cost. Next, you'll need to prioritise inside that budget and begin distributing dollars accordingly. (Some market analysis would be helpful at this point.)
And because these figures will evolve as you prepare, it's wise to develop a comprehensive spreadsheet right now. You'll be able to keep better tabs on your expenditure and make any adjustments with ease.
- Finding your wedding dress
The search for the ideal wedding gown is an experience unto itself. In order to have adequate time for fittings and modifications, we advise beginning your search immediately following the selection of your location and completing the purchase nine months before the big day.
Between seven and eight months before the wedding, the bride and bridesmaids can start shopping for their ensembles, while the groom and groomsmen should start planning their outfits around the five-month mark. The bride and groom will require attire for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, and other pre-wedding celebrations.
- Make a guest list
If it is not finished as soon as possible, the all-knowing guest list might create a lot of issues. Once the planning process has begun, set aside some time to discuss the guest list with your fiance and your families so that you can make an informed decision.
Remember to keep your end goal in sight at all times. Do you see a massive wedding, or do you picture something more personal and cosy? The guest list needs to mirror that format. It is important to keep in mind that you shouldn't just invite everyone as you don't want to exclude anyone; this is your special day, and it should be enjoyed by people who love and care about you.
- Hire a wedding planner
It is highly advised that if you can afford it, you hire a wedding planner or coordinator as soon as possible in the preparation process. A wedding planner has experience with weddings like yours and can advise you on how to best organise the event.
If you'd rather not go into the planning process blind, a part-time planner or coordinator may help you create a wedding plan that includes a timeline, budget, and recommendations for vendors and locations. A wedding day organiser is another option who will ensure that the big day goes off without a hitch.
You may certainly organise your own wedding, but it will be a lot more pleasurable and stress-free if you have the help of a professional planner or coordinator.
- Create a workout plan
You should start thinking about a fitness and health plan anywhere from 12 months to 6 months before the wedding, based on your physical goals for the big day. Following a proactive routine of food, exercise, and mindfulness can not only have you feeling and looking your best, but also set the tone for a relaxed and stress-free planning experience.
- Select a venue
Okay, so you already know who you're getting married to. The real query at this point is, where? Count on us: One of the most significant choices you'll make right now is the location. Seriously, the venue influences practically everything else, including the number of guests you invite and the type of flowers placed on the table. Most likely, you've never put down a larger sum of change than this. You should thus research your possibilities, check out the leading candidates, and then choose a venue that meets your guest list, personal preferences, and financial constraints.
Before you sign on the dotted line, be careful to research rates, packages, and any constraints like minimum budget or guest count from a number of different prospective wedding and reception locations. Even if there is a location and package pricing that you truly like, keep on looking at other suggestions. Before settling on pricing, do some research and find out what other places are charging.
You want your wedding day to be as memorable and carefree as possible because it is one of the most significant days of your life. The easiest approach to do this is to take care of the "small" stuff first. The journey to the big day will go more smoothly if the unpleasant tasks are completed early on. Putting things off till the last minute will just increase the amount of pressure you're already under. And don't be so preoccupied with logistics that you miss out on the fun of the journey's smaller, more unexpected moments; pause sometimes to soak it all in.
