There’s no doubt that planning a wedding is an exciting and overwhelming time. After all, this is likely the largest event you’ll ever plan (and likely the most expensive). With so many options, it can be difficult to know where to start — and where to stop. Fortunately, there are plenty of experienced wedding planners and experts out there to help you sort it all out. But for the rest of us, here are a few things every bride should know before getting started.
1. Make a budget. This will help you prioritize and narrow down your options, and it’s a must if you want to stay on track. It’s also a great way to set expectations for loved ones who are expressing interest in helping you out.
2. Pare down your guest list. It’s always a tricky balance to find the right number of people to invite, especially when you have limited space and a fixed wedding budget. Try using the tiers of priority to guide your decision: put immediate family and your wedding party at the top, then aunts, uncles and cousins and close friends who are just as important to you next, and then coworkers and acquaintances on the bottom tier. Don’t forget to consider whether you’ll have children and if guests will be allowed to bring plus-ones, too.
3. Book a venue. This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make because it will dictate your date, which in turn impacts a lot of other wedding-related items (like caterers and vendors who have bookings on that day). Try not to get too attached to any one option at this stage, and definitely keep an eye out for package deals, special offers and discounts. It’s also a good idea to ask for references from other couples who recently used the same vendors.
4. Choose a theme or aesthetic to guide your design choices. Whether it’s a specific color palette, seasonal or party-themed inspiration, establishing a visual style will help you narrow down your options and create a cohesive look for your big day. Plus, it’ll give you something to refer back to as you begin to shop for dresses and other details.
5. Consider adding fun activities for your guests to enjoy. A photo booth or unique prompts for your guests to leave their advice and well wishes on your guestbook are great ways to add a memorable and personal touch to your wedding. These activities will also provide a great opportunity for you and your new husband or wife to mingle with everyone throughout the evening and capture some candid shots of you, your family and friends.
6. Keep your emotions in check. This is a huge and often stressful part of the process, so be sure to allow yourself some downtime from time to time. It’s okay to have a day or two where you don’t talk about wedding-related things, and it’s also a great idea to consider couples therapy before the big day.