It’s New Year’s Eve and you just said yes to the person of your dreams. Cue the confetti and pop some champagne. But after all the bubbly is gone and January begins, there may be some thoughts, or even a little bit of panic, about where to even start with the wedding planning process. But, don’t fret, wedding planning should and CAN be a positive experience.
Of course you want to spend some time enjoying your time as a newly engaged couple. Be sure to share in the excitement with your family and friends or even throw yourselves an engagement party. Once the engagement celebration is done, it is time to start thinking about beginning the wedding planning process. So, grab a notebook and a pen and let’s begin with Elegant Affairs’ recommendations of the top items you should knock off your wedding to-do list first:
Of course you want to spend some time enjoying your time as a newly engaged couple. Be sure to share in the excitement with your family and friends or even throw yourselves an engagement party. Once the engagement celebration is done, it is time to start thinking about beginning the wedding planning process. So, grab a notebook and a pen and let’s begin with Elegant Affairs’ recommendations of the top items you should knock off your wedding to-do list first:
Time Frame: This can be one of the most difficult dates of your life to pick. Of course you want to accommodate family and friends, but think about the season you’d like to celebrate your big day in and narrow in on a month. Giving yourself some flexibility with dates can give you more options with selecting a venue and choosing your caterers. Be sure to keep your time frame far enough out that you can accomplish everything that you need to. Giving yourself 9 to 12 months will give you time to hire and book all of the details without all of the added stress and provide you various options.
Budget: How are we going to pay for all of this? Sitting down and discussing your options of what you can afford is one of the biggest and the most important part in planning your wedding. Afterall, your wedding needs funds to make your vision happen. Sit down with your computer or a notebook and see what is feasible, what can you afford to pay for now, what can you save, and set a budget for each area of the wedding process. Typically, your most expensive areas will be your venue, food, and photographer. Be sure to factor in potential payment timelines. Most vendors do require a deposit, some will require payment in portions every few months, and some vendors may ask you to pay in full. Last, ask your families, can they pitch in or support your budget in any areas? Do any of your family members have connections or resources you can tap into? Are there any contests that you can enter through social media or vendors that would provide a service you need? Get creative and don’t stress. But, be sure to be realistic with your budget and what you are able to afford. Your wedding can be perfect without busting your budget.
Wedding Planner or Wedding Coordinator: Whether you need a helping hand just the day of, or need support with planning all of the nitty gritty details, having a wedding planner is a must have. Not only do wedding planners provide support in every area of planning, they will be with you every step of the way. Wedding planners often have a network within the wedding community that can help you find vendors that fit your taste, needs, and can be trusted with your big day. Even if you don’t think you’ll need help planning all of the details, look into a day of coordinator. Family and friends are so helpful, but your guests should be able to sit back and enjoy the wedding, rather than work the wedding. Wedding day coordinators eliminate all of the “how” questions. You and your family won’t need to worry about how the wedding day will run, who will cue the DJ when it’s time to walk down the aisle, or who will support flipping the room for the reception. Meet with a planner or coordinator and find someone that not only fits your needs, but aligns with your vision and personality.
Venue: Once you’ve chosen your time frame, narrow down two or three venues that you love and would be ideal for your big day. Be sure to tour each venue in person. You want to get a good feel of the space and what is included in the rental. If you have a window of a few weeks, you’ll be able to have some flexibility with your dates to match your schedule and budget. When thinking about your venue, be sure to account for your time frame and what kind of venue would be suitable for that season. If you fall in love with a venue where you are pushing your budget, as the venue if they have cheaper rates on weekdays or in a specific season. Once you’ve toured all of your top venues, determine what best suits you wants and needs. And as always, before signing, read all of the fine print.
Take a big breath and know that you’ve got this! The wedding planning process doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. Find joy in planning your wedding and involve your family and friends for support. Be sure to first sit down and have a serious conversation about the budget. Without a realistic budget set, nothing in the wedding planning can be executed. Find a timeframe for your wedding date and give yourself grace by selecting a few potential dates and get out there and visit venues. And if you’re still feeling a little bit of panic at the end of this post, or feel like you need guidance in planning your wedding day, call and set up a consultation with a wedding planner or coordinator. We all love your Aunt Salie, but at the end of the day, Aunt Sallie needs to sit back and enjoy the wedding while your planner/coordinator handles all of the background details. So, enjoy the process and remember – one detail at a time!
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 17 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.