While it may seem overwhelming, planning a wedding can be an amazing and fun experience. The key is to make sure you and your fiancé are on the same page about your priorities. This will help clarify a lot of the following steps, especially budgeting and selecting vendors.
Your guest list is a big decision that affects everything from venue size to catering prices. Determine how many guests you want to invite and discuss the logistics of this with your partner and any necessary family members. Then, create a budget and build your list concurrently to avoid any surprises down the line.
Once your guest count is set, you can start working on other important tasks like creating a seating chart. You should also get on the ball about obtaining a marriage license in your state. This is one of the most important tasks that shouldn’t be put off.
Select a wedding theme, if desired, to give your day a visual cohesiveness. This can be as simple as choosing specific colors, seasonal or style inspiration, or a more comprehensive concept (like Roaring Twenties or Festival Chic). Having a clear vision for your wedding will not only save you time and money, but it will help keep everyone on the same page about what you’re going for.
Talk to your friends and family who’ve recently gotten married, as well as those who are getting married in the near future. They’ll be happy to share their best tips and tricks! It’s also a good idea to ask about any vendors they used and whether they can recommend anyone else.
You’ll also want to begin thinking about your wedding website, if you plan on having one. It’s a great way to provide your guests with essential wedding info like dates, times, locations, dress codes, accommodations, registries, and day-of itinerary.
It’s a good idea to meet with all of your potential vendors and talk through your vision for your big day, including your budget. During this meeting, pay attention to the communication style and overall vibe of each vendor. If they don’t seem a good fit, it’s best to move on.
During the ceremony, you’ll stand under a four-poled canopy structure called a chuppah, which symbolizes the creation of a new Jewish home. You’ll then exchange rings and recite your vows, either individually or together, which you can write or choose from a traditional script. After your vows, your officiant will read seven blessings and prayers over you and your fiancé and then you’ll both drink from the same cup.
You should prioritize venues, florists, caterers, rental companies, videographers and hair/makeup stylists early on in your planning process. This will leave you more time later to work with stationers, fashion designers and niche entertainers if you’d like to include them in your big day. Keep in mind, however, that you can always adjust these decisions as your timeline progresses. Also, be sure to use an app or other tool to organize your thoughts, numbers, and ideas, so that you can stay on top of your tasks.