I've been posting some response tips to the questioning brides, so I thought I'd write a blog post with the important details I keep repeating. I always suggest to start the wedding planning process by checking off these three things - - and from there you'll have a better grasp on what's happening without stressing about what's next!
Photo by EM Event Photography
1. Set Your Budget
Setting your budget first will allow you to make all of your other decisions much quicker and with less hesitation. We use budget worksheets to calculate what should be spent on each category for your wedding, so you know exactly what to spend before you get started. For example, if your budget is $10,000, budget worksheets will break that down into how much should be allocated to each vendor. This gives you a feasible number when you're looking to hire. If they're out of your price range from the get-go, you can save time by concentrating on those you love who are IN (or under) your price range. Research and use budget worksheets, or hire a planner to assist you with establishing and sticking to your budget!
2. Create Your Guest List
One of the first questions most vendors will ask you is "How many guests are you expecting?" so be prepared with a correct answer. I always suggest making three lists - A List, B List, and C List. The A List obviously being people you can't have your wedding without (family, wedding party & their dates, etc)....down to the C List which are acquaintances that you wouldn't mind trimming from the list if needed. Once you have your guest list made, you'll know a number to guest count when vendors ask; your venue, your caterer, your cake baker, your invitation designer, chair rentals, etc...
3. Select Your Date & Venue
Some brides and couples have a specific date in mind from the beginning because it's special to you and your loved one. Some of you don't have that attachment and can select any date you want. If you're on budgetary constraints, check with venues to see if non-Saturday rates are any better for you. Once you have your date set and reserved, and your venue selected and reserved, you can begin contacting other vendors to fill in where needed.
Photo by EM Event Photography
From there, you can begin to look for wedding vendors to fill your needs. I always suggest starting with a planner/coordinator so you can get the most assistance and information along the planning journey!
If you're on the fence about being a DIY (do it yourself) bride, or wondering if you should hire a planner....feel free to attend one of our DIY Brides Planning Workshops! We give a fun and informative crash course on how to get started with your wedding planning and we send you home with all the tools you'll need to do it successfully! Visit our Facebook page or Instagram page to see our upcoming workshops in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
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Happy Wedding Planning!
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