Stuck on where to start wedding planning?
Five first steps.
He popped the question, you said yes. Suddenly you’re engaged, everyone’s asking if you’ve set a date, if you’ve chosen your colours and even where you’re going on honeymoon. You’re just celebrating the novelty of being engaged while everyone and their aunt (quite literally) are expecting you to have all the answers to questions you haven’t begun to think about!
So when the madness has calmed down and you’re ready to get planning your big day, where do you even begin? Fret not! Here’s are list of the first five things to get your wedding planning started.
1. Budget
While it’s not the most romantic part of getting married it’s best not to look at anything until you set your budget. You’ll run the risk of setting your heart on venues and dresses well out of range. Split your budget up for different aspects of your wedding. You don’t want to spend too much too soon and have nothing left for flowers and a photographer, we’ve seen this happen way too many times on our favourite show “Don’t Tell the Bride”.
2. Pick your bridesmaids
This one can be tough, do you pick your closest friends no matter how unreliable they might be, or choose you fiancé’s sisters you’ve only met a handful of times? And if you’re picking a couple of friends, are you offending another?
It can be hard to keep everyone happy, try to remember the day is about you and your husband to-be. You don’t have to feel guilty about not about meeting everyone else’s expectations. Choose the people you feel most comfortable with, the ones who’ll be there for you when planning gets stressful and will make it all the more enjoyable. Avoid choosing those that will be picky about the dress they wear, dishonest about the dresses you try on or try to make the day all about them.
3. Book the venue
Setting the place and date is a huge commitment in itself, there’s no going back to look at another place once you put that deposit down. Booking your wedding venue; whether it’s a castle, hotel or something out of the ordinary, is one of the most exciting steps as you can officially begin the countdown to your big day.
4. Choose colours and style
Having an overarching theme early on, even if it’s as basic as colours, will help you make decisions about everything else from centerpieces to bridesmaid’s dresses, from invitations to flowers. If you don’t have anything pinned down you might end up with a collection of things that you love, but clash and confuse.
5. Research entertainment
Do your research to avoid missing out. The best bands and entertainers will get booked up fast. Many have bookings even years in advance. Take a look at what’s on offer and start getting quotes. If there’s something you love and can’t bear to miss out on, book it as soon you have your date confirmed.