Wedding Planning 101

“Summer time, and the livin’ is easy” may be a sentiment embraced by many of you, but for those of you in the throws of wedding planning, living won’t be easy until the honeymoon...at the earliest.  But have no fear my beautiful Brides-to-be.  Take a deep breath, everything is going to be fine.

Start with the big picture.  

Photo via True Photography

Answer these questions:

What kind of wedding do I want? 

The question might seem silly.  Some women have been planning their weddings since they were 5, but other women don’t really know what they want.  Either way, get ready for your ideas to change.  If you have had a concrete vision of your wedding since the womb, start to let go of it...just a little.  It’s better for everyone.  Start by answering more general questions and you may soon find out that the swan ice sculpture you always wanted doesn’t fit with the beautiful outdoor garden you fell in love with and the summer heat.   Stay flexible, and I promise it will all come together.

Do I want a small intimate wedding, or a huge celebration? (Size)

Your guest list size will determine everything from the venue, to the favors.  The more you have the more things cost, so if you have a smaller wedding you can afford a few more things, but if you have a larger wedding you may have to go with a less expensive option cause you need 300 of them.  The bigger the guest list the harder it is to find a venue, but they are out there.  It all depends on what is most important to you. 

Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall? (Date)

Next up, picking a date.  Most of the time this will be the step that everyone will have an opinion about.  Don’t get discouraged if you go through multiple dates before you find one that sticks.  Know you will never be able to please everyone, and only include the people that you really want there in the decision (family and wedding party max). 

Destination or my own backyard?  (Venue)

After you agree on a size, and date it’s venue shopping time.  Picking a date and finding the venue are often the hardest part so, I know you just started this roller coaster of love, but the first peek is almost ascended! Talk budget before hand and know what you are willing to pay.  Save yourself some time and research venues online first.  If it’s an outdoor, garden pasture you are looking for make sure to take these things into account: are there outlets near by, or do we need to bring in a generator?, Is there running water for the caterers, and bathrooms for the guests?, Is there lighting for when the sun goes down? and are there places to park? 

If you want a multiple venue wedding, (e.g. a church ceremony and a hotel reception) know that hiring transportation can get very pricy.  Most couples are choosing to do everything at one location, but if you really want two venues, it is totally doable.
Your venue may also dictate guest list size, so stay open minded and flexible.

What are my deal breakers?

Know what you have to have and be honest about it.  Being passive is much worse in the long run then honestly sharing your vision (as crazy, frilly, princessy as it may be) and then paring down from there.  If everyone knows what you are shooting for, you have a much better chance of getting there, then secretly mourning the loss of what you really wanted and resenting everyone for it later.


What do I Love?

Try to nail down a theme that will be your through line for the event.  Whether it is baseball, or an artsy photo that you love.  Find something you connect with and make it your overarching image.  Carry around something that reminds you of that image when you make decisions so that you can always have a reference tool to keep you on track.  If carrying around a hand painted tea cup from your great grandmother, or a cool pillow you found on etsy.com, helps you keep everything cohesive, it will be so worth it in the end. Happy Planning!


LLLove,
Jen