Congratulations on your engagement!
This is such an exciting time in your life – you’ve found ‘the one’ and he asked. You said yes!
During this time there will be so many things to consider, discuss and decide. As an experienced planner, having worked with over 400 couples in the last 12 years, I encourage you to dream about your big day and imagine all the possibilities. But when it is time to start working on those plans in earnest, please consider these three tips to help bring the dream to reality.
First, make a reasonable guest list.
I encourage all my clients to do this as a first task before choosing a venue. You don’t want to have a venue that is too small or too large for all your friends and family, and venue costs vary greatly from several hundred dollars to several thousand. The venue is often one of the biggest costs, so consider the guest list before choosing a venue. Most of the time, we see about 70 percent of the guest list actually attend the wedding. Of course, you know your family and friends best.
Next, make a priority list of what is most important to you, your family and your fiancé.
Maybe your groom really wants a band; maybe your mom insists on gourmet food; and you just want spectacular flowers. Well, all three of those priorities come with a price tag and something may need to be sacrificed to fit the budget. Have an honest conversation with everyone who is contributing financially to the big day and make sure everyone’s opinions are considered thoughtfully before making final decisions. Having a priority list is very helpful as you wade through all the fabulous wedding choices – if a fabulous band is the top priority, make sure you remind yourself of the fun you’ll have on the dance floor as you make adjustments in other categories.
And finally, make a reasonable timeline.
There are a lot of decisions to make and a lot of vendors to consider (use this handy magazine as your guide). But break up the tasks into reasonable and coordinated efforts: choose your venue before booking your caterer (some venues have restrictions on who can work in their kitchen); choose dresses for you and the bridesmaids before talking to the florist; let your DJ or band, caterer, coordinator and photographer all contribute to the wedding day timeline. These efforts, when worked on in small bits, can make the planning so much more enjoyable because it will be less stressful.
Make sure to enjoy this special time in your life and take time to relax. Lean on your close friends and family for help, and trust your instincts. If you need help, the professionals featured in this magazine are just a phone call (or text or email) away.
Find The Season Events at theseasonevents.com or call to set up a consult at 706.234.2244
