Congratulations! You’re engaged to the love of your life and the next step is to plan how you will both make the leap into your new phase with your wedding.
Planning a wedding is exciting but it’s difficult to know where to start.
It’s a cacophony of choices, emotions, and anticipation, and amongst the whirlwind of ideas and tasks, maintaining focus on key aspects will shape your special day, your whole wedding planning experience and your lifetime of memories.
To help you along here are the top six things (I couldn't fit them all into five) to concentrate on when embarking on this beautiful adventure, to help you keep your sanity and your budget intact.
Tip #1 - Nail your budget!
Before delving into any wedding planning, establish a clear budget. Be realistic – not all weddings need to be mega productions, and research actually shows that people these days are tending towards smaller and more meaningful weddings.
Identify the key areas where you want to allocate your funds – celebrant, venue, catering, clothes, photography, entertainment, etc. Sticking to a budget will guide your decisions and prevent overspending, ensuring a more stress-free planning process.
Format each tip's title to H2 to keep your post neat.
Tip #2 - Book your celebrant
If you haven’t got a celebrant, all you have is a very expensive party!
Your celebrant will be your guide to create the marriage ceremony that truly reflects the love between you both.
They will provide services to guide you on the legal aspects as well as the creative aspects of your ceremony, as well as completing and lodging your paperwork to make you a married couple. Your celebrant is also the person who has public liability insurance that your venue may ask for, and they should also have copyright and APRA protection which means that the music and the readings you use for your ceremony are done so legally. Remember, this is the very reason and heart of what you are doing in organising a wedding, so make sure your celebrant and your ceremony stay the priority.
To find one that’s right for you, Google marriage celebrants in your area and talk to as many as possible to find one you really feel a connection with. You can also go to the Attorney-General’s department website where there will be a list of celebrants in your area or city – if you’re looking for me go to page 13 in the SA section. I’m there as Margaret Wood – my legal name.
Your celebrant will be your guide to create the marriage ceremony that truly reflects the love between you both.
Tip #3 - Choose your venue
The venue sets the tone for your entire celebration. Focus on finding a location that aligns with your budget and your vision, and accommodates your guest list comfortably.
Consider the ambiance, amenities, and logistical aspects such as accessibility and weather conditions – if you are having an outdoor wedding always have a wet weather contingency plan. Book early to secure your desired date and avoid last-minute disappointments.
Tip #4 - Guest list and invitations
Creating a guest list can be challenging, but it's a crucial step that influences many other aspects of your wedding.
Compile a list that reflects your closest relationships while keeping in mind space limitations and budget considerations. If you’re having a destination wedding allow extra time for people to save money and organise leave from work.
Once your list is finalised, if there is time send out save the date cards up to a year in advance. Then send out invitations well in advance, allowing guests ample time to RSVP – check with your venue as to when they require final numbers, and this will dictate your RSVP deadline.
Tip #5 - Other vendors and services
Research, chat to, and hire reputable vendors for essential services like catering, photography, entertainment, and florists.
Concentrate on those who understand your vision and have a track record of delivering quality work within your budget. Meeting and discussing your expectations with vendors can ensure that everyone is on the same page, contributing to a seamless wedding day experience.
Tip #6 - Timeline and Logistics
And lastly, now you have something to work with, create a comprehensive timeline for your wedding day, outlining the sequence of events from start to finish.
Concentrate on logistical details such as transportation, setup, and breakdown to ensure a smooth flow of activities.
Keep in mind any cultural or religious traditions that may require specific timing or arrangements – and don’t forget to check for major sporting dates that may disrupt your day – you don’t want to share your wedding anniversary in the future with the AFL Grand Final – or maybe you do.
Focusing on these six core aspects will serve as a solid foundation for organising your dream wedding. Remember that flexibility and communication are key throughout the process, and most of all enjoy the journey as you create lasting memories leading up to your magical day! If you would like to have a no-obligation chat with me, send me an email and we'll set it up. And if you liked this post please leave a comment below - its always good to know if my advice helps.
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