Weddings are a time to celebrate and unite two people. They are also a time to set new traditions and make a few sacrifices for the sake of family and friends.
Planning a wedding is a big job, and it requires a lot of attention to detail and organization. If you have any questions about how to plan your own wedding, don’t hesitate to ask for help from a friend or family member.
1. Take the Time to Create a Wedding Wish List
Creating a wedding wish list is an essential step in the wedding planning process. It allows you to determine who you want to invite and how many guests you can afford to have.
2. Find a Venue
Once you have your guest list, you can begin researching wedding venues. Look at churches, parks, and banquet halls to find a place that will work for your ceremony and reception.
3. Read Reviews and Tour Potential Venues
It’s important to read reviews and tour prospective venues before making a final decision. These reviews will give you an idea of what other couples experienced at the venue. You can also get recommendations from your venue staff or other vendors who have worked at the location.
4. Decide What Your Budget Is
Once you have a clear understanding of how much you can spend, it will be easier to start looking for ways to save. This can include reducing expenses (e.g., fewer lunches out, cancelling the streaming service you don’t use) or setting aside a certain amount of money each month toward your wedding.
5. Choose a Planner or Coordinator
While planning your wedding is a huge responsibility, hiring a planner or coordinator can help you to stay organized and on track. This person can handle everything from booking vendors to handling last-minute details.
6. Prepare a Spending Sheet
The best way to stay on top of your wedding spending is by keeping a spreadsheet of all the receipts and payments that go into your budget. This will ensure that you don’t miss a bill or payment and keep your finances in order.
7. Send Thank You Notes
Once your wedding is over, you’ll want to thank each of your guests for attending and sharing in your special day. Don’t overdo it, however; keep your notes to a few short and sincere sentences. Mail them within a month of the wedding to show that you’re grateful for their presence.
8. Return Gifts that You Won’t Redeem
After your wedding, be sure to take the time to return gifts you no longer want or have duplicates of. Some retailers have specific return policies, so check them out before you buy anything.
9. Organize Your Photos
After the wedding, it’s time to start thinking about how you want to display your photos. Some couples like to put them in a traditional album while others prefer to share them with friends and family on social media. Either way, your photos will be an important part of your story.