~ Tip Tuesdays ~ You’re Engaged!
So he has popped the question and you said yes, where do you go from there? Enjoy and savour the moment! You finally got the ring on your finger, show it off and jump around in excitement and let the notion of embarking on the adventure of being a wedded couple take over! Tell your parents, friends and family your great news and wear that smile proud.
When that frenzy is over…….breathe……. and then get organized. Get a journal or planner to document your ideas and progress. As well as keeping you on track, it will be something you can cherish and look back on.
Here are 10 steps to start you off planning your gorgeous wedding day.
Step 1 – Set the budget
It is important to do this first so you can gage exactly how much you have to spend. Use this wedding budget worksheet from about.com to plan out what you will need to pay for. This is not a definitive list but it does give you a starting point!
Using spreadsheets could be a good way of keeping all your information in one place. Have tabs for your budget, guest list, vendors etc.
Step 2 – Choose 2 to 3 possible dates
When you announce your news this will be one of the first questions people will ask you, so when is the big day? Also remember that this date will be an anniversary for the rest of your life. Consider the time of year and the peak wedding season as you may have trouble booking vendors or people being away on holiday. It always wise to have back up dates and definitely ensure enough time to plan!
Step 3 – Plan a timeline
This is where you scribble down your to-do list.
Write down everything you can think of from your wedding dress, flowers, photographer to nails, hair and make-up. Splitting the day into sections like pre, during and post will help as will doing it from the point of view of the bride, groom, family and guests. You can never be too thorough.
Go through this list and start with the most time consuming tasks and leave the smaller jobs until later.
Step 4 – Select your wedding party. Start your guest list & send out save the dates.
Important decisions to be made here! Who will be your maid of honour, bridesmaids and a best man and groomsmen for the groom? Think of special ways of asking them as this is a journey for you all, why not mark the occasion.
Consider the scale of your wedding as the number of guests will impact on your budget. Then again all the gifts could compensate!
Once you have your list send out your save the date. There are so many inexpensive ways you can do this, either through a DIY project or social media.
Step 5 – Decide on your wedding style and tone
Consider your ceremony and reception and whether you want a formal or casual affair. Is there a theme you have in mind? Sit down as a couple and brainstorm how you want the wedding to be and feel. Some people know exactly what they and others need a little inspiration, whatever it is make sure you both agree as the big day belongs to the both of you!
Step 6 – Choose & book your venue
Get your booking done in advance! Check out our Find your perfect wedding venue article for more tips. Once this is confirmed you can send out your wedding invites and wait for those rsvp’s to come back.
Step 7 –Inspiration & Research
Get acquainted with Pinterest and create a board with images that speak to you. This will slowly but surely build into an online scrapbook of how you visualize your wedding to be.
Step 8 – Inquire and Hire your vendors
There is so much out there that any bride to be can easily be overwhelmed. Check out our article Social Media and Your Wedding for further advice. Make sure you get all the ins and outs of any supplier and always read reviews and ask to see past clients weddings to get an idea of the potential available from the vendors. Get all deals in writing, know the cancellation policy and always trust your instinct! You may want to seriously consider hiring a Wedding Planner/Coordinator if you feel that it is getting to be too much!
Step 9 – Shopping
Finally the fun part, shopping! For your dress, décor, cakes, flowers, favours and whatever else you need. Explore the pretty things, go for gown fittings and tasting sessions and have fun. Just remember to stay on track and don’t stray from your theme or your budget!
Step 10 – Finalize details
Almost there! It’s time to confirm bookings, do recces of places and arrange rehearsals. Once you are happy everything is in place, why not pamper and relax yourself before your big day. Book a couples spa day and enjoy yourselves before you become Mr and Mrs. Finally after all your hardwork enjoy your gorgeous wedding!
Happy Planning Ladies!!
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Article written by Keenda Sisouphanh ~ Intern at Style & Elegance Wedding and Event Coordination
Style & Elegance Wedding and Event Coordination
519-574-9293
