If you have just become engaged, you will need to start planning your wedding right away. You may be surprised how far in advance venues and vendors must be booked in advance of your wedding date. The following tips will outline the work ahead for you to plan out the perfect wedding.
Understand that all who are supporting you and helping with your wedding are doing it out of love, as you should show them respect and appreciate what they are doing for you. Do not become a “bridezilla”, as this can alienate a lot of people and put a damper on the days leading up to your wedding.
Skip having guests throw confetti at your wedding as it makes a mess and isn’t good for the environment, nor will you like picking it out of your hair. Instead, give your guests a noisemaker with the date of your wedding and your names on it to take home as an inexpensive keepsake.
The worst thing that can come out of a wedding is a huge debt. Don’t overlook your budget when choosing items for your big day. If you are cash-strapped, look for savings like having your family cater the event or do all the photography. At worst you can ask for cash in lieu of gifts to help offset the costs.
If you are getting married for the second time, make this wedding different than your first. Have it at a different venue and decorate it differently. You do not want your second spouse to think that you are comparing this wedding to your first one. Also, make sure the wedding dates are not too close to the first marriage date either.
Practice walking down the aisle before the big day. Many brides get nervous when they have never walked down the aisle, which can cause them to trip and fall. Also, if you have young children as ring bearers, make sure they practice before your wedding day, so they know what they are doing.
For wedding decor that pays homage to your family’s history or unique background, ask close relatives if you can borrow unique heirlooms as part of your centerpieces or entry decor. Look for antique lockets, silver platters, or distinctive candle holders. You can also ask for black-and-white photos of family in small decorative frames as a way to show appreciation for your family history.
For brides-to-be, pack a beauty emergency kit and give it to your maid of honor to hold on to. This way, should your makeup smear or your hair fall out of place, you are prepared. In this kit, include your makeup, a brush, hairspray, and extra hairpins, should you lose one.
A dozen large, elaborate floral centerpieces can set a bride back hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Save money by opting for terracotta floral pots filled with fresh garden herbs like lavender, thyme, and rosemary. Fresh-cut green herbs will fill the reception site with a clean, crisp fragrance. Sprigs of herbs are also an affordable way to add volume to floral centerpieces.
Hire the photographer who is interested in creating memories as opposed to snapping pictures. When you are interviewing your photographer, ask questions about how they see the day going. Ask about how the photographer will navigate throughout the event to capture the essence of your wedding. It is imperative you are comfortable with their style as it will have an impact on your entire day.
Weddings can be stressful events, especially if you have not done the proper amount of research and planning. Make your life easier by taking advice from people who have been there. It’s nice to avoid mistakes that others in your shoes have made. You will cut down on your financial burden, as well as your stress.