Unless you and your bride/groom have a successful background in planning events then planning your wedding might sound like the stuff nightmares are made of. If you are completely clueless, or just unsure of where to start, not to worry – this beginner’s guide to planning a wedding can help as you start your wedding plans.
After you and your fiancé have talked about what you have in mind for your wedding day, and have started on a budget, check out this quick list of things to be thinking about to make things simple when planning a wedding.
Venue
Where’s it all going to happen? You may find that you need more than one venue – one for your ceremony and another for the reception. Then again, your ideal venue may be able to accommodate both. Some things to look for in a venue are: size (Can they comfortably fit the number of guests you’re wanting?), appearance (Does the existing décor fit your color scheme and style? Is it a “blank slate?”), price (What is the rental fee, and what does that include?).
It’s one of the first things you’ll do when planning a wedding, and you’ll find that booking the perfect venue can be time consuming. You’ll want a place that best suits your and your partners wedding vision, (and fits your budget), so once you’ve found the ideal venue, make an inquiry as soon as possible, as some venues book up years in advance. Check out this event space, and be sure to see their Wedding Gallery to see their space and get some great décor ideas.
Dress/Attire
What are you and your fiancé going to be wearing and what dress code would you like to plan for your guests? Will your wedding be Black Tie? Semi-Formal? Casual?
It’s fantastic to know that you’ve found the perfect dress, but what about everyone else. Most of the time, whatever your guests decide to wear is fine. However, everyone’s wedding is different, and you may have a specific theme or style, and having your guests dress accordingly would be a fun addition. If this is the case, let your guests know prior to the wedding (usually a simple line added to your invitation will suffice). Remember to keep this attire choice optional, as purchasing a new outfit may not be financially feasible for them.
Dinner
What’s on the menu? Will it be a plated/served meal, buffet or food stations, and for how many people?
Maybe you’re thinking of something a little less traditional like a brunch or a dessert reception.
Another meal detail that you may may come up when planning a wedding is if any of your guests have a special dietary requirement (allergies, vegan/vegetarian, intolerances). This is more common these days and most chefs and caterers can easily accommodate this.
Asking your guests to get in touch with you if they have any specific dietary requirements will give you plenty of time to notify the chef. An easy way to gather this information is to put a line on your RSVP card requesting any dietary requirements/restrictions. That way everyone can be well fed and happy on your wedding day and as a bonus you’ll score big points with your friends for putting their needs before yours.
Party
How are you going to celebrate? Something low-key with just background music? Dancing to a live band or DJ? Maybe some karaoke? What kind of entertainment will you be smiling about for years to come?
That covers music but how about some add ons just for fun? A candy buffet or ice cream bar for those with a sweet tooth. A photo booth to collect all those fun memories.
You could even introduce a light snack (maybe french fries or pizza bites) later on in the night to keep everyone from having a few too many.
Keeping all of this in mind, as well as all the other gazillion wedding details you’re dealing with when planning a wedding, can be quite the task to take on yourself. But by starting with the basics can help keep you on the ball, and be a great start if you decide to meet with a wedding planner.
* This is a contributed post
I hope you found this information on planning a wedding useful!
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
For planning help and unique ideas for your wedding call or text me at 937-581-3647, or email me at jean@weddingsfromtheheart.net!