Many
brides have been dreaming about their wedding day for years, they start
collecting ideas of what the day would be like but now that you’re engaged
you’re not sure where to begin. Do I set
a date first, or find a venue… Do I need a wedding planner or can my mother
just help do it for me?
Here
are the top ten things you need to do (after enjoying a couple of weeks of
newly engaged bliss, of course): - Tell everyone! And invite your attendants. This is an exciting time in your life and your friends and family will be thrilled to hear the good news.
- Let you parents have some fun too! Some parents will want to throw an engagement party or send out announcements, so find out what your parents perspective is and let them have a little fun and excitement with it. This can really help your parents feel involved and a part of the celebration.
- Decide on a budget, and make sure it is a realistic one. Not just about $25,000 or an idea of what you think your parents may pay. Sit down with your fiancé and parents and have a real conversation about the wedding and how much everyone is willing to pay for it.
- Budget your money and leave 10% untouched. This 10% will be for last minute purchases or items that are unexpected. No matter how well you plan there will always be something that needs to be paid for and you don’t want to worry about money the day of your wedding so plan ahead and set this 10% aside.
- Discuss the 5 most important things about the wedding with your fiancée: Are the invitations important or the food, can you live without a videographer or do you really want a photo booth. Knowing what is most important will help your decisions. If you can go easy on flowers because you want to spend more on photography, you be able to spend your money where you want and get the wedding of your dreams.
- Think about your style and colors. Look through magazines and websites and clip or pin things you like. Knowing your style will really help when it is time to decide your décor.
- Setting a date: Everyone seems to think this is the first step, but if you don’t have your heart set on a date, finding a venue first is the way to go. That way you are flexible with the date and you might be able to get a better venue since you won’t be limited by the date you choose if it is already booked.
- Talk to a wedding planner... not your mom or aunt, or a second cousin’s friend (unless they really are wedding planners). Even if you only use ‘day of services’ some coordinators will provide you with tools and insight regardless of what package you choose. DeVassé Design sends every bride a customized checklist, budget and will set-up room blocks and rental orders for all clients even if they don’t utilize our ‘full service’ coordination.
- So now you have a venue, a date, and a wedding planner…. Have a little fun and take the girls with you wedding dress shopping. Most wedding dresses need to be ordered at least 6 months in advance and it can take some time to find the perfect dress so start looking early and have fun with it.
- Vendors, Vendors, Vendors.... Start interviewing vendors and deciding which vendors match your style and budget. This is where a great wedding planner can really save time and money. Knowing what questions to ask and what to expect can really make the process far more enjoyable.
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