First Steps to Planning your Wedding

Everybody has that friend that has been planning her wedding since she was 12, but if you are not that girl, planning a wedding may not be such an easy task.  Believe it or not, there is a specific place to start planning a wedding.  An important aspect to not forget is the level of formality you wish to achieve.  This includes the size of the bridal party and the size of the guest list.  These decisions will have a huge impact on the amount of money spent on the wedding.  For example, a formal evening wedding with a dinner reception and an open bar will be far more expensive than a morning or afternoon wedding with a possible luncheon reception.  The bigger the guest list, the more money will be spent.  More people means more tables, table cloths, chairs, center pieces, decorations, a bigger location for the wedding reception, as well as a big enough church.  The size of the bridal party can also put a big dent in the budget.  It is completely up to you, your family, and your groom as to what you will purchase for the bridal party, such as the bridesmaid dresses.  To be completely honest, this decision varies between every wedding.  If you are on a low budget, paying for half of the dresses could still be an option, as well as a thank you to them for taking part in this special occasion.

The next few steps could become quite stressful.  Attending Bridal Shows is a great place to start, with an array of wedding vendors under one roof, you have the opportunity to meet them personally, view their work, and compare prices.  After reviewing options and having a few ideas in mind, your first contact must be a church or Ceremony Location to save your date.  You will need to meet with the minister/officiant to discuss your plans/wishes.  If you have any special requests, now is the time to address them.  Expect to abide by their rules and regulations, which may include counseling sessions.  If you are considering an outside ceremony, great idea!  Just remember wind, rain and heat can play havoc with the best of plans, so always have a plan B just in case! 

Next, begin contacting the services needed that can only accommodate one wedding.  For example, a florist can book many weddings, whereas a photographer usually can only attend one.  Next, meet with at least two wedding vendors.  The "at least two part" is especially important because you want to have options.  Most wedding officials are 100% excited for you and take pride in their clients, if not...move on.  You can find someone better that will not create any unexpected mishaps or disappointments.

Stated above are the initial steps to get started.  The suggested order to secure wedding services is as follows:

• Ceremony Location
• Reception Location
• Photographer / Videographer
• Ceremony/ Reception Music
• Wedding Gown / Bridesmaids Dresses
• Wedding Cake
• Florist
• Limosines
• Groom / Groomsmen's Attire
• Invitations / Personal Stationery
• All remaining incidentals such as, attendants gifts, camers, guest book, unity candle, favors, bubbles, car decorations, etc!

As you can tell already, every detail counts!  Follow my blog to see as I'll go into detail about the above listed wedding services.  Hope this gave you a place to begin, good luck!