“I do,” can be said in many places. “I do,” can be said in my many ways, but when it comes to your wedding it should reflect your personality as a couple. Couples can represent their personalities in different forms during the planning of a wedding. There are multiple outlets for that sparkling personality that caught his eye to shine during your special day. Decorations, food and the ceremony can tell a story of the couple’s life before or it can begin to tell the story of the future.
It’s easy to get caught up in the “perfect” wedding theme, but it's up to you to step back and really plan a wedding that inspires you as a couple. Here are several tips you should take before planning a wedding.
1.) I Always Dreamed….
The key to a great relationship is communication. So, why not use this “communication thing” to jump-start the big day. The first step in planning a wedding should be a private talk with your partner. Sit each other down and ask several questions about what the other pictured in their big day. There are two different personalities in a couple. One might be afraid to say their vows in front of one hundred people. The other might not want an outside wedding because it’s hot. There are several questions that can start this conversation, just sit down and start talking.
2.) You Got the Money Honey?
There are multiple outlets for that sparkling personality that caught his eye to shine during your special day. That “shine” usually costs money. A budget talk is super important. Yes, this one may not be as fun, but no one can plan a wedding without some sort of budget. This budget talk should only be with the parties involved in paying for your big day. Outside influence may pressure you into a bigger budget and will distract the parties from the main goal of keeping everyone happy with a certain amount of money.
3.) If It Makes You Happy
The budget can be an eye opener for many couples. Either you have very little to spend or you have plenty. In step 5, you will have to create a more detailed budget, but let’s just get to the fun part. How do you want to spend your money?
There are several types of wedding options you and your partner need to decide on. Here are some general options that come to mind.
- Traditional Wedding Ceremony/ Reception – A traditional wedding can be one of the most beautiful weddings known to man. There is something elegant about a father walking his daughter down the aisle as she gleams in her lovely white dress. They are great for small towns, and large guest lists.
- Outside Wedding/ Reception – The outside wedding theme has seems to be a hit in the spring, summer and fall! The weather is beautiful, there is a limitless amount of space and the reception can be held in a barn or under an elegant white tent. The options are infinite. Just have a back up plan for Mother Nature.
- Destination Wedding – Beaches are one of the most desirable places to visit. During your wedding why not stay at a resort and prepare for your wedding with a relaxing massage on the beach? Destination weddings can be perfect for small guest lists and intimate weddings. There is often a cloud over destination weddings when it comes to ordering flowers, cakes and other decorations from several states away, but don’t fret. Florists and wedding planners do this all the time. Just sit back relax and enjoy the waves.
These options are the most general sense of wedding types. There are plenty of ways to make your wedding unique to your style and budget.
4.) Window Shopping
After deciding the type of wedding is “the one”. Start looking for vendors for receptions venues, florists, wedding planners, limo services and more. Just look around and find what strikes your eye. Consider the window-shopping to be like a mini interview. Ask questions.
P.S. Just remember to write down general price estimates for the next step.
5.) Pick and Choose
It’s time to go back to budget! After scanning the area for your wedding vendors, there are several price values that can be estimated. It is now time to go through and estimate the cost of everything in the budget. Everything that will be bought with the budget money should be listed with an estimated cost. Try to estimate up also. It is way better to come in under budget, than over. Once the detailed budget is finished make sure there is some wiggle room for unexpected expenses such as that veil with the extra pearls or the tips for DJ and catering service at your wedding. Anything can pop up.
Happily Ever After
These simple steps can set a smooth and relaxed setting in planning your wedding. At the end of the day, this wedding belongs to the couple. It’s your big day to express your love for one another in front of families and friends or maybe just between you two. Either way, it will be magical. Enjoy your next steps in planning your dream wedding
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