January 1, 2023

 How many emotions can a person have in the span of a few seconds?
"Will you marry me?".....Elation, Joy, Love, Acceptance, Security, Hope, (maybe) Its About Time! LOL. Between those few seconds and, "You're going to have a baby!", there are few other moments in life where you are almost lifted from the ground. Everyone you love is happy for you. And so are we! For some of our readers, you have been planning for this for a long time. For others, this is your first time putting ideas to paper. If you just need a few tips or a robust rundown of what to do after, "Will you...", We hope we can be of  service to you in your journey. Take a read and let us know if we can be of any further assistance. 


                                                     
Top 10 Wedding Planning Tips:
Covering everything from creating timelines, budgeting, and choosing the right vendors.

1. How do I start the wedding planning process?
Wow! What a question. Let’s just take a breath to start. Half of you reading are excited and want to dive right in. The rest are a bit hesitant and probably overwhelmed. I can say that the next several months of planning can be accomplished with you sanity in tact. Let’s just take it piece by piece. 

Starting the wedding planning process will involve setting a budget, determining a rough guest count, and envisioning the style or theme you desire to start. One of the best concrete steps you can take in the beginning of your process is creating a vision board. This vision board can contain everything from keywords to your favorite photos of styles and colors. Also understand that this process is extremely fluid. Do yourself the biggest favor and do not stress! Things will change multiple times, even up until the day before the day of. Being a part of hundred of weddings since 2010 I can guarantee you that 99% of the people involved never knew what your initial plan was and are not looking at the same missing or erroneous details you are. 

2. When should I start booking wedding vendors, and which ones should I prioritize?
Whoa! Your next best concrete step is to create a list of priorities. These will include the venue, catering, and photography/Videography to start. Once you have what is most important to you in order, start booking vendors as soon as possible, especially for popular dates. Prioritize vendors that have limited availability or have a significant impact on your wedding, such as the venue, photographer, and caterer. Read reviews, compare quotes, and conduct interviews to ensure you're making informed choices. Go through the contracts with a fine tooth comb! Make sure there are contingencies for bad weather, acts of God, no-show, etc. You do not want to be stuck in a position where your vendor bails on you at the last minute. Here’s a tip, if you are hiring a specific person like a photographer or videographer, make sure it is highlighted in the contract that they are the ones who will need to show up and not someone who the job got outsourced to.

3. How can I create a realistic wedding budget and stick to it?
Establishing a wedding budget involves understanding your financial resources and deciding on spending priorities. Research average costs for different aspects of weddings in your area. Allocate percentages of your budget to categories like venue, catering, attire, and decorations. Create a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. Use budgeting tools or apps to track spending and make adjustments when needed. Use your list of priorities to help influence the allocation of your budget. You may absolutely love a venue, not care too much about decor, and want a Hollywood produced wedding movie. Your priority list will steer you in the right direction. Here’s a tip that, in our experience seems to hold water: You get what you pay for. Just be careful. 

4. What are some essential steps to create a wedding planning timeline?
Crafting a wedding planning timeline is vital for staying organized. Begin by setting a wedding date, then work backward, noting key milestones like booking vendors, sending invitations, and completing DIY projects. Break tasks into manageable monthly or weekly goals. Flexibility is key, as unexpected delays can occur. Regularly review and adjust your timeline as necessary. Trust your instincts! You know what you want, and not making a decision with efficiency will eat away at your timeline. Remember that this is a gathering of loved ones and friends, so have fun! 

5. What are some tips for creating a guest list and managing RSVPs?
Begin by creating a preliminary guest list, considering family, friends, and any limitations of your chosen venue. Communicate openly with your partner and families about guest count expectations. Use digital tools or spreadsheets to manage RSVPs efficiently. Set a clear RSVP deadline to finalize your guest count for catering and seating arrangements. Depending on your family culture, you might be “highly encouraged“ to invite a lot more people than you prefer. If your encouragers are also paying for the wedding, this might be a good opportunity to go through the proposed timeline if you wanted to allocate some alone-time with you and your spouse so as to not feel crowded or overwhelmed.
 
6. What are some strategies for dealing with wedding-related stress and anxiety?
There is a very strong correlation and causation between a lack of Wedding Planner and stress. Of the multiple dozen or so weddings I have been a part of where there is no planner, the day inevitably goes off the rails. Multiple parts of the timeline are either forgotten about or fall through the cracks. This scenario is also true for a family member. If you are not a professional, proceed with caution. If a wedding planner is not in the budget, it is possible to pull off a successful wedding day. Just stay organized by creating to-do lists and timelines. Here’s a pro tip: when you are creating a timeline, ensure that you have a buffer of at least 15% additional time for each smaller event (Pre photos, Ceremony, Toasts). You can always move the timeline up on-the-day. This will help you to enjoy the day. Delegate tasks when possible, and communicate openly with your partner and support system. Consider relaxation techniques like meditation or exercise. Remember that it's okay to take breaks and seek professional help if stress becomes overwhelming. It is also important to have the mindset that there WILL be delays, setbacks, and opportunities (not problems). Planning a wedding takes a significant source of energy. Be sure to surround yourself with people who are encouraging and also honest. They will let you know if you need to take a step back for a time. And just remember, that’s OK. You are only human and cannot do everything.

7. How can I ensure my wedding reflects our personal style and story?
Continue to look back on your vision board. These are often your first thoughts and your gut choices. You know what you want and you and spouse are the ones who will live with your choices. You can also incorporate personal touches, such as favorite colors, hobbies, or shared memories. Customize your vows, decorations, and even the menu to reflect your relationship. Collaborate with vendors who understand your vision and can help bring it to life. 

8. What are some ways to incorporate eco-friendly and sustainable elements into my wedding?
Choose a green venue or one with eco-friendly practices. Opt for digital invitations, use locally sourced and organic catering, and minimize single-use plastics. Consider donating flowers or leftover food after the event. Encourage carpooling or arrange transportation to reduce the carbon footprint.

9. How can I handle unexpected changes or emergencies on the wedding day?
Once again, I understand from day one that changes are inevitable. And that is OK! Your guests and family will not be able to tell a difference from your original design vs what they see. Here is a healthy tip though: Designate a trusted friend or family member to handle any last-minute issues. Don’t try to handle this yourself. Have backup plans for outdoor ceremonies in case of bad weather. Keep a wedding day emergency kit with essentials like safety pins, stain remover, disposable sanitary products, and a sewing kit.

10. Do you have advice for managing wedding planning while also working full-time or studying?
Once again, if it is in the budget, I would absolutely hire a wedding planner. Even if this person is new they will save you from losing your mind. Either way, prioritize tasks and set aside specific times for wedding planning. Delegate tasks to your partner or bridal party. Utilize weekends and breaks for vendor appointments and DIY projects.
I cannot stress this enough, do not stress! Clearly, this is easier said than done. I understand that full well. Just know that you are about to have the best party with the best people of your life. Sit back and enjoy!


There you have it. Our top 10 list. We hope you gathered some bits of information that could save you time, money or energy. If there is anything we could assist you on do not hesitate to reach out! We would love to help, discuss or extrapolate on this short blog. Happy Planning!