Top 10 Wedding-planning Tips!
Planning a wedding can bring about a lot of emotion! Having a wedding planning/manager team on your side will help you navigate the in's and out's of everything. However, here is B-Rad’s top 10 wedding planning tips!
Set a budget! This is always a number that is difficult to pull out of thin-air especially when many people do not realize the actual price of wedding vendors. Think of a number that you would be comfortable spending and acknowledge it may not be exactly what you expect. Many people forget that #1. venues are a huge ticket price as well as #2. food/beverage. It is no longer realistic to have a wedding for 200+ guests for $20,000. Can you get creative, absolutely! But per-guest price is high! *psst.. budget a wedding planner or coordinator we are professionals in helping you navigate this area! We want you to spend your hard-earned money wisely.
Start Early- Once you are engaged we want you to soak in the new bliss but beginning to think of your must-haves is quite important. Vendors are booking out further than ever before, if photography or a particular venue is crucial to you. Secure them!
It's okay to change your mind! Isn’t that opposite of #1? Yes and no… The wedding planning process timeline typically takes 1 year, if not longer. Your favorite color when you get engaged may be different 6 months out. If small changes are needed its okay, visions evolve and change. We do advise not changing items that you have already put money into of course but do not feel like you need to know your bridesmaid dress colors or floral color 1 year in advance.
Don't DIY too much! Suggested is 60% professional & 40% DIY. Yes, DIY can save some change here and there- however save yourself some stress and rent that donut wall.
Stay organized + plan together- Generally speaking the 1 partner takes on majority of the wedding planning. The more you work together the easier it is. Plan a monthly date-night where you talk about progress or decisions that are up-coming. Afterall this is a big day for BOTH of you.
Plan for the weather- Even if you your ceremony and reception is inside, its typical that pictures are done outside. No need to stress over weather that is out of your control. HOWEVER, think about it for a second. WHAT IF… What are your options?
Practice walking with your ‘gear’! Believe it or not, veils can be complicated. If a bride has a cathedral-length veil especially, it will drag on the ground. Make sure the surface she will be walking down (i.e. the aisle) is possible! The last thing you need is your veil dainty beading getting stuck on grass or snagging the aisle runner. Don’t forget about your heals! Break those puppies in ;)
RSVP window. Have your RSVPs due 2 weeks prior to the date your caterer/venue needs their final count. There will always be someone who forgets and this gap allows you time to hunt down the stranglers.
Late night. Think about who is packing up your personal decor, who is in charge of your gifts/cards and HOW you are as the newlyweds are getting back to your home/hotel.
Breathe. This is a huge day, but it is only ONE day for the start of your lives. Don’t put unnecessary stress on yourself. If you hire people you trust, and invite people you love everything comes together pretty well. Planning comes in waves of ‘crazy’; for a few weeks you will do A LOT followed by weeks you don’t even think of your wedding and that’s okay!
XO,
B-Rad