Finally, it has happened your dream has come true; you are going to get married, congratulations! Now you get to plan one of the most important events in your life. Once you land back on earth, after floating on cloud nine, you realize you have lots of work to do. There is a lot to planning a wedding; it’s not just buying a dress, showing up to church and getting married.
There is so much more to this event, so many details, big and small that have to be done. Don’t panic, you can do this. Remember you dreamed about this your whole life, now you get to make that dream real.
Now there are three important steps that should be done before making any arrangements, picking out colors, decorations, etc. First step is set a wedding date, make sure to give yourself enough time to plan the perfect wedding, and don’t rush it if you don’t have to. When setting your wedding date, pick three different dates, this will help you later on.
Second, sit down with your fiancé and families and set a budget, it’s very helpful in planning your wedding. Third, get an estimated number of how many guests you will have at your wedding. Now that you have these three steps taken care of, you can begin making arrangements. Hopefully the following tips will help you in making that special day perfect and memorable.
WEDDING LIST
There is nothing wrong with being organized and detailed. Get a journal and make your wedding list. Write down everything you can possibly think of, such as, the colors of the wedding, bridesmaids, maid of honor, groomsmen, church, caterer, etc. Remember, if you take the time to write everything down, this will make it easier for you to plan your wedding.
SEARCH ENGINES
Okay so you can’t get an actual wedding planner but you have the internet now. There are so many search engines out there that can give you great ideas on how to plan the perfect wedding. They can give you tips on how to pick colors for your wedding, how to choose a caterer, choose menus, and of course great ideas on cakes. Some of these websites are interactive. You can set up appointments and the system will send you alerts. You won’t miss or be late to any of your appointments.
CEREMONY
You want to make sure you schedule the location where the ceremony will be performed. You must contact the church, synagogue, clubhouse or hotel. Remember that Saturdays are the most popular dates for weddings. If your wedding will be on a Saturday then you want to make sure to plan ahead. This is where the three different dates will come in handy, just in case you have to be flexible with your dates. You might want to do your wedding at a full service hotel, ceremony and reception. It is so much easier and there is also the option of having them take care of all decorations, menus, flowers, etc.
MUSIC
Do try to schedule your DJ or band at least 6 to 12 months in advance. When picking out the band or DJ, listen to their music. Ask if they are playing in a certain area or function so that you can listen to their music. You want to make sure the music is perfect and nothing goes wrong on that special day.
MENUS
Once you pick your caterer, choose a menu, and try to have at least a couple of options. Also, if there will be children at the wedding; make sure they add a kids menu. Ask them what their deadline is to turn in the finalized menu and number of guests. Don’t forget to ask them if it is possible for them to add a few extra plates, just in case an error was done with the guest choice.
CAKES
The cake is the biggest centerpiece of all; you want to make it spectacular. Before going to a bakery go online. Look through all the websites that offer wedding cakes. See all the different ones there are, to get an idea of what you would like. You can find everything from simple to extravagant, even strange. It all depends on what you prefer. Once you have an idea of what you want, make sure to write it down. You might want to print a few pictures or draw a design. Take this with you to the cake bakery, show them what you want. Together you can come up with the perfect cake for your wedding.
DEPOSITS
Just about everything that has to do with the wedding will need a deposit. The caterer, reception hall, bakery, church, etc, they will require some type of deposit. Before doing that, find out their terms, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Unexpected events can happen, things that are out of your control and should you have to cancel you want to know what to expect.
SEATING ARRANGEMENTS
It may sound ridiculous, the idea of really sitting there and planning a seating arrangement. It takes time trying to make sure that you please everyone, especially yourself. It truly comes down to not sitting this person next to that person, all to prevent a disaster. A few other hints, don’t sit elderly people near the music or speakers, it could make it hard for them to hear. Don't sit divorced parents together unless they are very good friends and tell you and don't mind sitting next to each other. If you are concerned, then you want to keep them apart, even if they are civil and let them enjoy other peoples company.
WEDDING DRESS
You want to look like a princess, a goddess if possible, the most beautiful woman ever. Well, when choosing your wedding gown, choose something that really fits to your personality. Lately frilly, lacey, high collars are not being used. When it comes to the dress, simple and elegant is the best way. Of course, most important of all, when you do pick out your dress, it should be something you truly like. Be realistic; do pick a dress that is maybe a size bigger or actual size. Remember, rarely ever can they let a gown out, it’s much easier to take it in.
PAMPERING YOURSELF
During this whole time, there will be occasions that you will feel overwhelmed and stress, so schedule some me time. Maybe something with the bridal party, go for a manicure, pedicure, a nice massage. Do this especially a day or so before the wedding. That special day is getting closer and you know you are getting stressed. Relax, enjoy being pampered, you will appreciate it.
BRIDAL BOUQUET
Consider purchasing two bridal bouquets, one for yourself and one to throw at the wedding reception. The bouquet you keep for yourself, you can have them preserve it. Many do this; it is a nice memento of your wedding.
GROOM
We seem to forget that the wedding is not just about the bride, there is also the groom. There are many grooms that don’t care, they trust the bride completely with all the plans but no matter what, you should let him know of the progress you have made. Talk to him about the colors, you might want to consider some neutral colors. He should also feel comfortable on that day. Don’t worry, he won’t nitpick on everything, he might just give you some ideas.
GIFTS
When choosing a gift for the bridal party, maybe something personalized. For the ladies you can get them some type of jewelry such as earrings, necklace, maybe something with the colors of the wedding. The groomsmen, maybe a monogrammed beer mug, either stainless steel or crystal with gold rim. There are many gifts to choose from or you can make it something personal. Whatever you decide to give them as a gift, make sure it comes from your heart. That is the most important part of it all, a showing of love and appreciation.
Once you have made all the plans, all is set, your special day is getting closer, all you have to do is remember one thing. That is your special day and you will feel like and be the QUEEN for that day. Enjoy, be happy, and may it be forever. Congratulations!!!!!!