Congratulations, you just got engaged! Now what do you do? Its time to plan the wedding and can be a bit overwhelming at first. There is so much to do, where do you start? Don’t jump right into planning and booking things, take some time with your fiance to think about what you want. Decide on the elements that are important to each of you, and figure out the mood you want to create. How do you want your guests to remember your special day?
Take time to look at wedding blogs, magazines, pinterest, and think about past weddings you have attended to get ideas. What do you like or dislike? What worked well and made the wedding memorable or flow smoothly? Create a portfolio of images that present your wedding vision to show your planner or vendors. This will allow everyone to be on the same page and gives the vendors a clear understanding of exactly what you want.
Next you need to set a date. This is not the easiest thing for everyone to do. If there is a specific date with a lot of meaning to you, or you have your heart set on then you are all ready to go, but that is not the case for most people. First, think of what season you would like to get married in. Do you want a summer, outdoor ceremony with a beach reception, or a Winter church ceremony and cozy, warm indoor reception? Think about your time frame. How much time do you want, or need, to plan your perfect day? Do you want it in six months or two years? Talk with your family and close friends to figure out a time that works well for the majority of them as well. Think about having the wedding on a long weekend if you are going to have a lot of out of town guests, so they have ample travel time. Remember your wedding date will become your anniversary and will be an important day for you and your husband for a long time!
Choose your venue. Your options will vary depending on the season and date you choose. The venue will ultimately set the mood of the entire wedding. You want it to represent you and your fiance. Are you outdoorsy, beach lovers, sophisticated, extravagant… what best represents you? Pick a place you can transform into your dream vision! Don’t forget to take into account the time of day you want the wedding. You probably don’t want to have an early afternoon summer outdoor ceremony. Your guests will bake in the hot sun and be very uncomfortable.
Now its time for all the details! Vendors, colors, flowers, dresses, food, planning the rehearsal dinner, guest accommodations. Do you want to be traditional and not see each other the day of the wedding or is that not important to you. Lots of little things to think about as you go through this process, but it should be fun and as stressless as possible. Its your day and should how you want it so take the time to make it that way!
Congratulations and Happy Planning!
