How To Plan Your Wedding With Pictures

Try to figure out how much you can realistically save between now and when you plan to have your wedding. Then, decide how much of that money you are willing to spend on the wedding as opposed to other expenses. Make sure to take all your expenses into account. This could include things like rent, groceries, cell phone bills, student loan payments, and transportation costs (e. g. , gas money and car maintenance). Leave room in your budget for unexpected expenses, like medical bills or vehicle repair costs.

Ask your partner to approach their family as well if they feel comfortable doing so. You might say something like, “Hey, Dad, Christine and I are starting to plan our wedding! We think we can cover the costs of what we have in mind, but it would be a huge help to us if you and Mom could contribute something financially. If not, we understand—just talk it over with Mom and let me know. ” Your loved one(s) may want to contribute a certain percentage of the overall costs, or they may have more specific ideas about how they’d like to help. For example, maybe your favorite uncle would like to cover the cost of the wedding bands. Never ask with the expectation that the person you’re asking will be able to help. [3] X Research source Be gracious if they say no, and thank them anyway.

The number of guests you invite will affect things like your food and drink budget, the size of the venue you need to reserve, and the number of invitations and wedding favors you will need to order.

For example, maybe your top priorities are to have a beach wedding, hire an excellent photographer, and have a live band at the reception. Your partner might want to splurge on the perfect tuxedo, keep the guest list as small as possible, and have their best college buddy in the wedding party. You can also make a list of things you’d like to have, but don’t consider necessary (e. g. , professionally hand-lettered invitations or a cake designed by a particular baker).

Wedding planning websites like Weddingwire. com are good resources for finding typical prices for venues, vendors, and wedding professionals near you. You can also get overall estimates by entering information about your wedding plans on websites like this one: https://www. costofwedding. com/index. cfm/action/costest. index.

For example, if you don’t feel the need for custom cocktails at the reception, opt for a simple beer and wine bar, instead. Other ways to cut costs include streamlining your guest list, having your wedding during an off-season period (like winter), and going with sentimental hand-me-downs (like family heirloom rings or your mother’s wedding dress) instead of new designer attire. Do a search online for other cost-saving ideas. Use search terms like “cut wedding costs” or “save money on wedding. ”

Don’t expect your loved ones to provide these services for free—always offer to pay something. There’s a chance they’ll offer to do it for free on their own, as a wedding gift to you.

The venue(s) for the reception and ceremony. Professional services, such as the officiant, photographers, hair and makeup, and music. Food (including the cake) and beverages, including the cost of catering and bartending services, glassware, plates, etc. Décor, including flowers, personalized place settings, wedding favors, table linens, and any rental furniture. Attire and accessories, including the couple’s outfits, clothing for the wedding party (if they are not covering their own expenses), and the rings. Invitations and save-the-dates.

If there is someone you absolutely have to have at your wedding, have a discussion with them before locking down a date. You may need to be flexible to work around their schedule. Have a discussion with your partner and pick a few ideal dates that work for both of you.

You can break your timeline down by month or week, or you can use specific dates as deadlines (e. g. , “Order the cake by June 27th”). Do a search online for “wedding planning timeline” or “wedding checklist calendar. ” There are lots of helpful planning templates available on the web. As the wedding date draws near, you’ll also benefit from having a detailed timeline of the day itself. Work with your officiant, party members, and any vendors/professional service providers to set an exact timeline and make sure everyone is on the same page.

Depending on how large and elaborate your wedding is, your party may include just 1 or 2 people (e. g. , a maid of honor and a best man) or several (such as bridesmaids, groomsmen, a ring bearer, and a flower girl). The larger your wedding party, the more schedules you will have to coordinate. You will also need to discuss whether or not you can help cover costs such as travel and clothing expenses for your party members. Don’t feel the need to have a wedding party at all, if you’d prefer to keep things really simple!

As you continue the planning process, you can use this list to keep track of information such as which guests still need invitations and who has already RSVP’d. Try to have your final guest list written up by at least 9 months before your wedding date.

If you’re having a destination wedding or planning your wedding at a time when it might be hard for many people to attend (such as during a major holiday), try to send out save-the-dates 9 months to a year in advance. Do a search online for fun and creative save-the-date ideas, like custom magnets or buttons. If you have a wedding website, you can put the address on your save-the-dates.

If you don’t have a big budget for wedding invitations, you can save money and add a personal touch by making your own. Your invitations should also include RSVP cards and additional important information, such as dress code and menu options (if applicable). As you receive RSVPs, keep track of them on your guest list.

You need not feel restricted to traditional venues, such as a cathedral or banquet hall. You can also get married in a hotel, a park, a museum, a restaurant, or even a barn! Some venues may provide their own music, lighting, catering, or other services. Check with each venue to make sure you are on the same page about what you are providing versus what they are providing. If you can, visit each potential venue in person well in advance of the wedding to make sure they match your expectations.

If you’re having a destination wedding, you may need to book your venue even earlier. You’ll need to factor in logistical issues like scheduling flights and arranging hotel rooms.

Depending on where you live, there may be different laws and requirements regarding who can officiate a wedding and what kind of paperwork needs to be completed ahead of time. [17] X Research source In some places, you can legally marry without an officiant. For example, if you live in Pennsylvania, you can opt for a Quaker wedding. All you need is 2 witnesses to sign your marriage certificate at the wedding. [18] X Research source Take time to develop a rapport with your potential officiant. Make sure your values align, and help them get to know something about you as a couple. If you can, look at reviews and watch videos of any potential officiants performing wedding ceremonies.

Try to meet with your potential photographer/videographer in person, if you can. Bring a list of questions (e. g. , about their prices, style, preferred time of day to work, and how long it will take them to return the finished photos/video to you). Book your photographer and/or videographer around 8 months in advance. [20] X Research source

Start meeting with potential caterers around 8 months before the wedding. [21] X Research source In addition to finding out about prices, make a list of any other questions you might have for potential caterers (e. g. , if they can accommodate guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions).

Limos and town cars are popular options for wedding transportation. If you have a large wedding party, a trolley car can be a fun way to go.

Make sure that the florist you choose fits your budget. Try to book your florist around 6 months before the wedding. [23] X Research source

Try to book your musician(s) or DJ around 5 months in advance. [24] X Research source If you can, see your potential musicians perform live so that you can get an idea of their sound and how they are with a crowd.

Ask friends and family for recommendations, or look for stylists and makeup artists online.

Get a scrapbook for clippings or put together a virtual vision board with images you like. Consider both small details (like what you want your cake to look like) and the general look or theme you are going for. For example, if you’re having an outdoor wedding in autumn, you might go for a rustic aesthetic with warm, cozy color combinations.

Make sure to bring your wedding shoes along when trying on dresses or suits. This will make it easier to coordinate your outfit and make sure that your hemlines are the right length. Don’t worry about sticking to traditional wedding attire if it’s not your thing. For example, if you’re a bride, maybe you’d rather wear a sleek pantsuit than a lacy wedding dress. You can also consider wearing an outfit or accessory that has sentimental meaning for you, like your dad’s old suit or your grandma’s veil. Consider factors like the overall look, date, and setting of the wedding. For example, you might want to wear a long-sleeved dress if you’re having an outdoor wedding in cool weather.

If you and/or your partner wears an engagement ring, consider getting bands that match with the engagement ring.

Remember, looks aren’t everything when it comes to cake! Schedule some tastings with potential bakers so you know what you’re getting will be as delicious as it is elegant. If you’d rather not go with a traditional wedding cake, consider alternatives like cupcakes, cake pops, pies, a candy buffet, a hot cocoa bar, or a chocolate fountain. You can even go savory instead of sweet with a cheese wheel cake. [30] X Research source

Rental chairs, tables, table decorations, and place settings. Decorations in addition to flowers, such as hanging lights, streamers, or banners. Wedding favors, menu cards, and place cards for guests. Programs for the ceremony. Gifts for members of your wedding party.