You’re engaged! Now what? You’ve pictured this
moment and the excitement of it all, but where do you start with planning? What
are the first and final steps you take to ensure your day is everything you
have imagined it would be? Wedding
planning can be stressful and chaotic, but if you develop a plan of attack from
the start, seek help and advice from professionals and simply allow yourself to
enjoy the process of planning, it can be a wonderful and fulfilling experience
for both you and your fiancé! Here are some helpful tips we’ve put together to
make this time of your life less stressful and more enjoyable.
1) Spread
the News:
For starters, you’re going to want
to share the good news and show off the sparkly rock that now rests on your
finger! Your loved ones and close friends would probably appreciate an in-person
reveal, but over the phone will suffice if they are not near-by or if you are
just too excited to wait to see them in person. Can’t spread the news fast
enough via phone? iPads, iPhones and computers have great apps, such as Pingg
and RedStamp, which allow you to send out creative announcements via text
message or email. Being that it’s 2013, this might not be a bad way to spread
the word quickly and with your own artistic touch. Wedding websites are another
great way to spread the news and keep everyone updated on information
throughout the planning process. Be warned, those who have access to your
wedding website will most likely assume they will be invited to the big day.
Therefore, make it exclusive to your family and friends that you will be
inviting. Those who get added to the list later can be invited to the website
when wedding invites go out.
2) Hire a Planner:
3) The Big Picture:
So now you’ve told everyone you are
going to be saying your “I do’s” and the questions come pouring in: When and
where will it be? What are your colors? Have you found your dress? This is
where you may begin to feel overwhelmed if you haven’t thought about any of
these things. Take some time to envision your big day and what that day is
going to look like.
- How many people will you be inviting?
- What type of ceremony do you want?
- What's your style; formal, vintage, rustic...
- Do you prefer having a destination wedding or staying close to home?
- What color schemes do you love and what’s trending this year?
4) Set a Date:
After you’ve thought about the big
picture, determined how long your guest list is and what time of year you
picture yourself heading to the altar, it’s time to set a date! Sit down with
your fiancé and immediate family members to determine the date that works best
for all of you. Think about the time of year, travel, holidays, school, work,
etc. If you have your heart set on a summer or holiday wedding, keep in mind that
they are the busiest times of the year for weddings and venues and vendors will
book up quickly. Getting an exact date narrowed down will allow you to book
everything else you will need. Word of Advice: If you're set on a specific venue you may need to remain flexible on the date.
5) Determine
a Budget:
“The budget” conversation is very
important to have early on with your fiancé and anyone else contributing to the
wedding expenses. Understand what you have to spend and how to work within that
budget. When determining what you want to spend money on, it’s helpful to make
a list of your priorities. For example, if you want your wedding to be a fun
party, then food, drinks and entertainment will most likely be your highest priorities.
If your heart is set on having a destination wedding on an exotic island,
expensive décor may be the least of your priorities. Once you determine what
your priorities are, it is easier to find ways to cut back on the things you
don’t care as much about while really playing up the parts that will make your
wedding memorable.
Your
wedding will arrive sooner than you can imagine and the day goes by even
faster! Enjoy every moment and don’t let the stress of planning and all the
nitty gritty details turn you into a bitter bride and couple. Use these helpful
tips for a smooth planning process and let the kinks work themselves out along
the way!
Want to sit down with a
wedding planner to talk about your big day? Our showroom is open Monday-Friday
from 8am-5pm and on Saturdays from 9am-4pm, call to make an appointment or just
come right in!
MarrymeNY
a division of The Events Company
230 Harrison Street
Syracuse, New York 13202
315-422-9400
