The wedding is a beautiful and celebratory event. But it can also be stressful and confusing for the bride and groom, especially if they don’t have a plan. Whether you’re a bride or groom-to-be, or know someone who is, read on for expert tips that will help you navigate this important life event.
1. Set a budget and stick to it.
It’s important to figure out your budget early on so you have a clear idea of how much your wedding is going to cost and what your priorities are. A good way to do this is to create a comprehensive spreadsheet of every service, fee and potential expense and add in a 5-10% buffer to cover unexpected costs. This will give you a realistic look at your overall costs and allow you to negotiate with vendors if necessary.
2. Discuss your priorities and expectations with your partner.
Having conversations about what’s most important to both of you on your wedding day is an essential part of the planning process. It will not only guide your budget allocation but it will help you remain aligned on what’s most important to you both while allowing for compromise and minimizing disagreements along the way.
3. Choose your date as soon as you can.
Wedding venues book up fast, especially during peak seasons. It’s best to select your date as soon as you can so that other important aspects of your wedding like catering, photographers, florists, and rental companies can get their calendars booked.
4. Decide how many guests you can invite and who’s footing the bill.
It’s a good idea to start this conversation with your partner as soon as you can so that everyone knows how many people you can invite and what your budget is. This will also help you determine who’s paying for what, which can be helpful when it comes to divvying up invitations and determining how much to spend on each.
5. Consider asking your parents for financial help, if applicable.
Weddings are a big deal for families and there’s a possibility that your parents will want to contribute financially. It’s not uncommon for couples to ask their parents for support with the wedding costs and it’s perfectly okay. However, if you do decide to ask your parents for financial help, make sure to be clear about what you’re asking for and why you’re asking for it. It’s also a good idea to seek out guidance from close friends and family who have been married recently and can offer you emotional and interpersonal advice if needed.
6. Post your nuptials on social media and reshare photos and videos with family and friends.
When all of the festivities are over, take some time to reflect on the special day with your new spouse. Have a spa day, celebrate with a romantic dinner or head out of town for a weekend trip with friends to enjoy this milestone in your relationship and start your marriage off on the right note.