Where to Begin in the Wedding Planning Process
http://www.WomensJournals.com/articles/60/1/Where-to-Begin-in-the-Wedding-Planning-Process/Page1.html
Eileen Costa
By Eileen Costa
Published on 02/22/2007
Planning a wedding can be a very daunting task if you are not a Professional Wedding Planner. Most brides rush to book the reception venue or the photographer without considering their budget! So, where DO you begin?
"Where to Begin" in the Wedding Planning Process
“Hello, I’m Beverly Bride and I just don’t know how to begin planning my wedding!” Planning a wedding can be a very daunting task if you are not a Professional Wedding Planner. Most brides rush to book the reception venue or the photographer without considering their budget! So, where DO you begin?
1. Budget - The dollar amount everyone is contributing is the starting point for your budget. Base your decisions on what is most important to you. Don’t skimp on the things you want most.
2. Guest List - Begin to create a guest list. This is a difficult task that creates a great deal of stress between family members so be mindful of everyone’s feelings. If you are hoping to invite 200 guests, create four individual guest lists each numbered 1 to 50. Give one list each to the Bride’s parents, Groom’s parents, the Bride and then the Groom. Gather all four lists and add or subtract as needed. Now take another look at your budget to see if you need to reduce the number of guests.
3. Ceremony - Will it be a religious or civil ceremony? Where will the ceremony be performed? You’ll need to check for available dates.
4. Reception venue - Outdoors? Tent? An indoor banquet facility? On or near the beach? A local hall? Consider the size of your guest list, the theme, the facility décor, and of course available dates.
5. Caterers - If you’ve chosen a venue that doesn’t provide food then you will need to start visiting caterers. Call 3 or 4 and make appointments to speak to them at their place of business. Bring with you a list of questions to ask. They will provide you with a packet of information. When making that first phone call, ask about available dates you have in mind. A wedding planner can provide you with a list of questions to ask each of the vendors that you visit and knows what percentage of your budget goes for each vendor. Now is a good time to take another look at your budget. Do you need to adjust the budget or the guest list? Before signing any contracts, hire a Professional Bridal Consultant as your Wedding Planner.
1. Budget - The dollar amount everyone is contributing is the starting point for your budget. Base your decisions on what is most important to you. Don’t skimp on the things you want most.
2. Guest List - Begin to create a guest list. This is a difficult task that creates a great deal of stress between family members so be mindful of everyone’s feelings. If you are hoping to invite 200 guests, create four individual guest lists each numbered 1 to 50. Give one list each to the Bride’s parents, Groom’s parents, the Bride and then the Groom. Gather all four lists and add or subtract as needed. Now take another look at your budget to see if you need to reduce the number of guests.
3. Ceremony - Will it be a religious or civil ceremony? Where will the ceremony be performed? You’ll need to check for available dates.
4. Reception venue - Outdoors? Tent? An indoor banquet facility? On or near the beach? A local hall? Consider the size of your guest list, the theme, the facility décor, and of course available dates.
5. Caterers - If you’ve chosen a venue that doesn’t provide food then you will need to start visiting caterers. Call 3 or 4 and make appointments to speak to them at their place of business. Bring with you a list of questions to ask. They will provide you with a packet of information. When making that first phone call, ask about available dates you have in mind. A wedding planner can provide you with a list of questions to ask each of the vendors that you visit and knows what percentage of your budget goes for each vendor. Now is a good time to take another look at your budget. Do you need to adjust the budget or the guest list? Before signing any contracts, hire a Professional Bridal Consultant as your Wedding Planner.
"Where to Begin" in the Wedding Planning Process
6. Florist - So many to choose from! Don’t go with your mother’s florist just because “We’ve always used Flo’s Flowers”. You want someone with the same vision as you, someone close by the venues.
7. Transportation - How will you arrive at the ceremony? More to the point, how will your dress arrive! There are many logistics involved and don’t forget about the weather! How about a memorable “getaway”?
8. Music - Music can make or break a reception! Band or DJ? Most people choose a DJ because they prefer to hear songs recorded by the artist. Do they have the actual CD’s or are they downloading? Professional bands have a large song list, are entertaining and experienced at being the Master of Ceremonies at events. Cost is a factor when deciding on a DJ or band.
9. Photographer - A picture is worth a thousand words. Expect “good” photographers to cost at least that amount. Posed or candids? How many photos will they take and more importantly, how many will you receive? Are they guests at your wedding and if so will they be distracted by family and friends? Albums are easily shown to family & friends and passed down from generation to generation.
10. Videographer - They make beautiful montages set to music and entertaining videos, mostly for the Bride & Groom’s enjoyment. What type of video? How many copies are included? Length of video?
11. Invitations - Very important are the invitations, the style of which sets the tone of the wedding. They give the guest their first impression of the wedding day. Thermograph, engraved, lettering styles, colors, size? Authorized dealer or internet? Do your own computerized? Save-The-Date cards? Maps? Activities?
Items 1 through 5 should be done shortly after the engagement, 6 and 7 booked nine months pre-wedding, 8-10 booked six to nine months before, and 11 from four to six months ahead. This is based on a one year engagement. Consult your wedding planner if you prefer to save money and time and have your dream wedding!
7. Transportation - How will you arrive at the ceremony? More to the point, how will your dress arrive! There are many logistics involved and don’t forget about the weather! How about a memorable “getaway”?
8. Music - Music can make or break a reception! Band or DJ? Most people choose a DJ because they prefer to hear songs recorded by the artist. Do they have the actual CD’s or are they downloading? Professional bands have a large song list, are entertaining and experienced at being the Master of Ceremonies at events. Cost is a factor when deciding on a DJ or band.
9. Photographer - A picture is worth a thousand words. Expect “good” photographers to cost at least that amount. Posed or candids? How many photos will they take and more importantly, how many will you receive? Are they guests at your wedding and if so will they be distracted by family and friends? Albums are easily shown to family & friends and passed down from generation to generation.
10. Videographer - They make beautiful montages set to music and entertaining videos, mostly for the Bride & Groom’s enjoyment. What type of video? How many copies are included? Length of video?
11. Invitations - Very important are the invitations, the style of which sets the tone of the wedding. They give the guest their first impression of the wedding day. Thermograph, engraved, lettering styles, colors, size? Authorized dealer or internet? Do your own computerized? Save-The-Date cards? Maps? Activities?
Items 1 through 5 should be done shortly after the engagement, 6 and 7 booked nine months pre-wedding, 8-10 booked six to nine months before, and 11 from four to six months ahead. This is based on a one year engagement. Consult your wedding planner if you prefer to save money and time and have your dream wedding!