14 Essential Factors to Consider When Planning Your Dream Wedding
Congratulations on your engagement! Now comes the fun bit - planning and preparing for the big day!
While planning a wedding may seem like a big task things could be a lot more simple if you break down each section. Even better would be to invest in a wedding planner journal like this one but for now lets dive into a bit of an overview of some of the things you’ll need to start thinking about as you start your exciting journey of putting together a wedding!
Setting a Budget:
The first step in planning your wedding is to establish a budget. Begin by considering your financial situation and any contributions from family members and be sure to prioritise your spending based on what matters most to you and your partner. Keeping a detailed spreadsheet to track expenses and comparing them against your budget as you go along will help you stay on track. Remember to account for any unforeseen costs that may pop up along the way!
Creating a Guest List:
Creating a guest list is definitely a collaborative effort. Start by making individual lists of guests you'd like to invite, and then work with your partner to compile a final list. Remember, it’s your wedding day so my advice would be to steer away from guests you feel you have to invite and just invite those who you’d actually want celebrating your wedding day with you. Keep in mind that each guest adds to the overall cost, so be mindful of your budget.
Choosing a Date and Venue:
Selecting a date and venue are crucial decisions (and if you’ve landed on my website then chances are you may have decided this already!) However, if you’re still undecided, consider the season and weather when choosing your wedding date. Visit multiple venues and ask about availability and pricing, ensuring the location's proximity to accommodations and ease of access for guests. Make sure the venue aligns with your wedding theme and style too!
Hiring Vendors:
Hiring the right vendors is essential for a successful wedding. This includes Photographers (maybe I can help!), food, planners etc. Meet with them in person or via video call to gauge their personalities and professionalism and don't rush into decisions; take time to compare quotes and contract terms. Clearly outline your expectations in contracts to avoid misunderstandings later.
Planning Your Ceremony:
Your wedding ceremony is a deeply personal aspect of your big day. Consult with your officiant or celebrant to create a personalised ceremony if this is something you would like. Choose meaningful readings, music, and vows that reflect your relationship and consider any cultural or religious customs you want to incorporate.
Selecting Attire:
Start shopping for attire well in advance, as finding the perfect wedding dress or suit can take time! Be open to trying on different styles to discover what suits you best and make sure you factor in alteration time when making your final selection. Ensure your attire aligns with the wedding theme and dress code and most importantly that you like how you look in the dress or suit!
Designing Invitations:
Design your wedding invitations to match your wedding theme and colours. Clearly state the date, time, venue, and RSVP details. Send out save-the-date cards well in advance, especially for destination weddings and maybe even consider electronic RSVP options for convenience.
Organising Decorations:
The decoration of your wedding venue sets the ambiance and you can either work with a wedding decorator or do it yourself, depending on your budget and creativity. Create a mood board or Pinterest board to gather inspiration and rent or purchase decorations that align with your theme. Delegate setup and teardown tasks to reliable friends or family so you’re not having to do it all yourself!
Planning the Reception:
The wedding reception involves many details. Develop a seating plan that takes into account guest preferences and potential conflicts and be sure to taste test the menu options (yum) and consider dietary restrictions of yourselves and your guests. Plan entertainment, whether it's a DJ, live band, or other activities and create a timeline for speeches, dances, and other reception events.
Obtaining Necessary Documents:
Ensure you have all the necessary legal documents. Research the legal requirements for obtaining a marriage license in your area, for example in the UK 28 days notice must be given to the Register Office before the marriage can take place and you’ll have to get married within 12 months of giving notice.
Be sure to familiarise yourself with any waiting periods or additional requirements, especially if you are planning a destination wedding
Planning Transportation:
Transportation logistics are crucial for a smooth wedding day it may be that you need to arrange transportation for the bridal party and guests, unless you’re planning on getting ready at the venue. As for those attending the wedding it’s a good idea to provide clear directions and parking information on your wedding website or invitations unless the parking situation is an obvious one! An example is this wedding in a forest clearing which Ella and Remi very clearly signposted as the location was a short walk along a country path and into the trees! Think about backup transportation options in case of unexpected issues.
Creating a Timeline:
A well-organised timeline ensures that everything runs smoothly and you can work with your vendors to create a detailed wedding day timeline. Share this timeline with the wedding party, parents, and anyone involved in the event, including buffer time for unexpected delays.
Another good tip is to not try to cram too much in! You don’t want to feel like you’re bouncing from pillar to post all day! Make sure the day is to your liking - if you’d like a chilled wedding day make sure the timeline reflects this and you’ll have plenty of time to just enjoy the day with your family and friends.
Preparing for the Unexpected:
Even with meticulous planning, surprises can happen. Develop a contingency plan for outdoor weddings in case of bad weather (every venue I’ve ever worked with that offers outdoor ceremonies has a contingency plan but make sure you know what it is and that you like the indoor area!) Consider purchasing wedding insurance to protect against cancellations or unforeseen circumstances and have an emergency kit on hand with essentials like a sewing kit, aspirin, and stain remover. Assign a trusted friend or family member to handle any unexpected issues on the day.
Relax and Enjoy:
On the big day, trust the planning you've done and focus on the moment! If you can, assign a friend or family member to handle logistical details so you aren’t having to solve issues on the day and can take time to savour special moments with your partner and loved ones. Remember that the day is a celebration of your love, and it's okay if things don't go perfectly according to plan, as long as you have a spouse by the end of the day then it’s been a great success!
Thanks for reading! Maybe you’d like to learn a little more About Me, take a look at some Real Weddings to see more of my work or perhaps you’re ready to Get In Touch!
