You’ve been engaged for a while, and it’s now time to tie the knot. Figuring out plans for a successful wedding can be very daunting. Many couples usually hire the services of a professional planner to prevent the stress associated with handling the many processes involved in the planning of a wedding. Nevertheless, there are many reasons why a couple could choose to handle planning themselves. For example, they might want to incorporate many personal touches and want to oversee the little details. A couple might also be working on a tight budget and would rather spend money on the wedding itself than forking out a decent amount for a wedding planner. That said, if you’re looking for tips on how to plan a successful wedding either for yourself or as a part of a designated wedding planning committee, this article has got you covered! Here are tips on how to plan a successful wedding:
Create a Budget
Wedding-related decisions will be influenced by how big or small your wedding budget is, so it should be one of your top priorities. If family members and close friends plan to contribute to the budget, talk to them about how much they’re willing to pay. If you’re the one footing the cost, it’s time to look at your money. The last thing you want is to desire a venue, dress, or anything else, just to find out it’s absolutely outside of what you can afford. After you’ve come up with a particular figure, break it up per vendor or service. Also, be ready for the unexpected when it comes to budgeting, as many couples are unaware of the entire spectrum of expenditures involved. Stick to that magic number after you’ve found it!
Choose a Bridal Style
If you’re seeking how to plan a successful wedding, a crucial step is choosing a bridal style. It’s your big day, so you’ll want to turn out looking the best you’ve ever looked. Pinterest, Instagram, bridal publications, and websites are all fantastic places to look for inspiration. When it comes to consulting with potential suppliers, having a strong idea of the wedding style you want helps a lot. However, it’s critical that you don’t become overwhelmed by all the available wedding ideas. Simply pick a style that complements your desired appearance and feel while also fitting well with the overall wedding theme.
Purchase Wedding Attire
Finding the ideal wedding attire is a lengthy process in and of itself. It’s recommended that you start your search once you’ve chosen your venue. An early purchase well before the big day allows for fits and modifications. Wedding bridal apparel should be purchased seven to eight months before the wedding day, while groom and groomsmen outfits should be purchased approximately five months before the wedding date. Remember to dress appropriately for pre-wedding parties such as brunches, showers, and rehearsal dinners.
Choose a Date/Season
A crucial aspect of planning a successful wedding is choosing a few preferred wedding dates and being as flexible as possible so you aren’t restricted when booking the wedding venue and service providers. Consider external issues such as the popularity of particular dates for other couples-to-be (causing availability to be scarce and costs to rise), if your guests will be unable to attend, and the cost disparities of venues and providers across seasons.
Make a Guest List
Making guest list selections may be a difficult process that is heavily influenced by your location and budget. When making a wedding guest wish list, include your partner and any important family members, so you don’t forget anyone worth including in the list. You’ll almost certainly have to make some cuts. You’ll also have to pick whether or not to invite children and who will be assigned a plus one.
Obtain a Marriage License
Getting a marriage license so that you can legally marry is one of the most significant steps in wedding planning. Every state has its laws, so do your research ahead of time. If your state has a waiting period, make sure you receive your marriage license ahead of time, but not too far ahead if the license expires. If you want a name change after the wedding, getting a marriage license is an important first step.
Choose a Venue
Choosing the ideal venue is a key part of learning how to plan a successful wedding. Many factors such as your budget, tastes, guest list, and which venue features are essential, and those that you’re ready to compromise on could determine your selection. It’s best to leave your options open while looking for a venue. Before deciding on a wedding or reception site, compare rates, packages, and any constraints from a few different options. It’s also crucial that the venue complements your overall wedding style. Consider art galleries, well-designed eateries, or leasing a wedding tent from canopy rentals if you’re having a modern wedding.
Select a Wedding Official
Finding the perfect officiant to officiate over your wedding is an important part of how to plan a successful wedding. Choosing an officiant can be a very personal experience for couples. Regardless of who you pick, they will not only direct the ceremony but will also usher you into your marriage and set the tone for the event. If you plan on having a church official or justice of the peace officiate (rather than a friend or family member), do your research, get evaluations or suggestions, and ask the correct questions.
Plan for Transportation
There are three different types of wedding transport to consider. Depending on the venue, you and your wedding party may require transportation to the ceremony. Then you’ll need a getaway car to transport you and your spouse to the reception while the wedding party rides in the wedding party’s car. If your wedding is in a distant area or you have out-of-town guests, it’s a good idea to schedule group transportation to get them from the ceremony to the reception and back to their lodgings. Whatever option you choose, make sure to get creative and personalize your chosen modes of transportation.
Consult with Married Couples
Have you lately been to a wedding where you had a great time? By all means, seek guidance and insight from that couple. They’re likely to have learned some professional tips and tactics that they’d be pleased to share with you. Friends and family who are married can sometimes be the most valuable resources.
Creating Relaxing Events
Fun and relaxing events and activities are vital for setting the perfect tone before, during, and after the wedding. You can indulge in favorite activities such as catching up on your favorite TV show or cooking a gourmet, home-cooked dinner from a cookbook before the wedding. A trip to the spa for a massage, facial, or waxing process is also an option. Private yoga classes where you can exercise and a mindfulness center where you can meditate in a supportive environment are also excellent choices. Wedding receptions are also remembered for a long time in the minds of visitors due to fun and relaxing activities. You can incorporate wedding reception games, icebreakers, and other interactive activities such as classic lawn games throughout the wedding celebration.
Choose the Right Food
One of the most difficult decisions you’ll have to make during the wedding planning process is the meal. Before you decide, make sure you contact your venue about any restrictions they may have. Some venues provide in-house food, while others charge a fee for outside suppliers, and others have a preferred vendor list from which you must pick. Make a list of your and your sweetheart’s favorite foods and take it to the caterer after you have all the specifics. You may also ask your guests what they want to eat by including options in your wedding invites and providing a detailed account to your caterer. For the menu, traditional meat selections like chicken or beef might be on your wedding menu, or you could offer an exciting food experience for your guests by having a traveling seafood station provided by a seafood restaurant. Other possibilities for a wedding celebration include Italian food (wood-fired pizzas!), Chinese food, sushi, and salads.
Hire Professionals
While it’s rewarding to handle every aspect of a wedding, delegating aspects of the event to professionals who possess expertise and experience can greatly simplify and ease the wedding planning process. An example of a professional that can greatly contribute to the success of a wedding is a wedding photographer and videographer. You’ll want to preserve the memories made on the big day. Photographers and videographers help document crucial moments during the wedding that you want to keep in your memory. A wedding photographer should ideally be skilled at handling a camera and have experience handling lighting, angles, poses, and be able to spot moments worth capturing. For the bride, a makeup artist and a jeweler are also important. A jeweler will offer jewelry recommendations to make your ears and neckline glow. At the same time, a makeup artist will be responsible for making the couple look their best on one of the most important days of their life. Other professionals, such as a DJ for music, an interior designer for venue decor and interior design, and a caterer for the food menu, will also be needed.
It’s also important not to hurry into any selections when hiring wedding professionals. Consider at least a couple of alternative options to ensure that these crucial wedding-day partners understand and operate within your budget. Professionals participating in your wedding arrangements are the nuts and bolts of making sure your day is unforgettable, and everything works well, so choose a team you get along with. They should be able to understand your vision and be trustworthy and skilled enough to carry it out effectively.
Honeymoon Planning
You may be preoccupied with how to organize your wedding in stages, but don’t forget about the honeymoon! If you’re planning a honeymoon soon after your wedding, now is the time to pick a destination, book your flights and lodgings, and start making plans. However, if you discover that arranging the wedding and honeymoon at the same time is taxing you, not to mention being too costly, it might be a good idea to postpone the honeymoon preparation for a while. Many couples advise timing the wedding and honeymoon separately to appreciate everything rather than being too exhausted from wedding planning to enjoy the post-nuptial trip properly.
Including Everyone
Including the demands of everyone who will attend the event in your wedding preparations is one of the most important components of how to plan a successful wedding. Setting aside provisions for persons with special needs or disabilities and providing childcare services for parents with children is part of planning for everyone. If getting to your wedding site would entail climbing a staircase, be sure there are accessibility options for those with disabilities. When planning the sound/music levels for your wedding, keep in mind people who are very sensitive to sound or have ear issues; you don’t want to make your wedding a painful event.
Take Time for Yourself
Make sure you arrange some time just to do anything other than prepare for your wedding for your own sanity’s sake. You’ll need a break. Taking a week off from work the week before your wedding helps to guarantee that any last-minute tasks are taken care of and makes the preceding days before the wedding less stressful. You may choose to have a blowout at a blow dry bar during this time off. You’ll also want your skin to glow on the big day, so skin care essentials like a facial might help. Whatever you decide, make sure you take some time away from learning how to plan a successful wedding.
There are many variables involved in learning how to plan a successful wedding. While some aspects have been explained above, your wedding will likely be unique, and no wedding guide can cover all the bases. However, with detailed planning, effort, and contribution from close family and friends and reliable wedding professionals, the chances of your wedding turning out into a success are high.
