photo from http://www.greatwedding-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/wedding-planning4.jpg
Let’s say you decide you don’t want to hire a wedding planner or a day of coordinator; you’d rather do the whole thing yourself. Where do you begin?
First. Create a list of things that are associated with planning the wedding. What does this mean?
- Wedding party (who can help you with the rest!)
- Guestlist (kids or no kids?)
- Theme/Type of wedding (religious, outdoors, cultural, Spring wedding, color scheme)
- Time of year of the wedding
- Location of the wedding (city and specific location)
- Location of the reception (if different from the wedding ceremony)
- Save the Dates
- Invitations
- Food/Menu/Drinks (Catering generally)
- Wedding Cake or Cupcake cake (wedding toppers)
- Music (for both the wedding and reception)
- Attire (dress/suit – for the people getting hitched AND the wedding party)
- Florist
- Decorations (including linens, centerpieces)
- Photographer/Videographer
- Gift registry/other gift options
- Thank you cards
- Wedding rings
- Officiant for the wedding ceremony
- Misc: Guestbook, favors, seating chart, options – photobooth, ice sculptures, chocolate fountains, other entertainment
- Wedding license
- Hotels for guests
- Transportation for guests (from hotel to site, etc)
- Programs (thanks Justin C.!)
(Did I miss any? Let me know!)
Second. Create a budget. And be realistic! Keep in mind that the cost of MOST of the above depend on the number of guests.
Third. Take an item one at a time. Don’t try to do too much at once and ask for help along the way! Each of the items on that list involves many subparts to think about. For example, with food – buffet verses serving, fixed menu, vegetarian options, etc. Or, what will your guests do between the ceremony & reception if you have time in between?
Fourth. Stay organized!Here is a list of suggestions as to what to handle first! And also, I suggest splitting up the planning of the wedding ceremony verses the planning of the wedding reception. You can use Google to help you with the organization, too! The Wedding Mapper also helps you with organization and planning.
Do you have other suggestions? Check out real photos of weddings to get some ideas of what you might want.
~ Natasha
Filed under: How-To, Tips, Tips and Tricks, Wedding Advice, Wedding Planning | Tagged: how to plan a wedding, How-To, Wedding Planning
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Great list. What about the programs?
This is so super helpful! Thanks for breaking it all down, a great resource for those just starting out!
Anne
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