As I am winding up my wedding planning, I can honestly say it has been a JOURNEY. I have learned a LOT about Wedding Planning. I have always loved weddings and I got my first taste of planning when I did Kim Starnes Blanton's wedding (which was a real success since we literally planned the whole thing in the cab of her Dodge truck). It was such a THRILL when it all came together and the Bride was happy with everything! I have had 2 years to plan mine and with that I have learned A LOT...some things I never thought to think of that if I could go back and do it again, I would do it differently. My hope is that if you are newly engaged, thinking about marriage someday, or an aspiring wedding planner---or just curious with my life in general lol---then read ahead for my Top Ten Things I Learned From Wedding Planning That Could Help Plan Yours Blog post :) Enjoy!!!
1) RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH
With the internet, it is super easy to do this. People ask me all the time "Why are you getting married in Lexington?" Well for one, its Gamecock Country (woot woot!) and second, there's NOTHING in or near Gaffney that is as pretty or cool, or all-inclusive as Wintergreen Woods. Once I visited the place, I fell in LOVE with it and was hooked. It took me about 5 months to research and find this place, so the first thing you do when planning a wedding is to research the venue. And even then, you may be too late---places that are good BOOK UP FAST, so get it quick. This is the reason we are getting married on a Friday--all Saturdays were booked up 7+ months in advance!
2)SET A BUDGET AND STICK TO IT
Originally, our budget was not big and we were going to have a small wedding with less than 80 people....however, its quickly ballooned because things cost a lot. And you HAVE to invite like every one you know! LOL But beware, simple things can add up quick. Sitting down and talking with parents, and your fiance is not the easiest or most awesome talk---but definitely needed.
3)KEEP YOUR ATTENDANTS IN MIND
Yes, I know that its YOUR wedding and YOU are the Bride which ultimately makes YOU the decision maker, but also be aware that your attendants are there for you and that they are sacrificing their time, money, and selves for your special day. When I started shopping for Bridesmaid dresses, I asked them what they wanted to wear...I mean they should have a say since they are the ones wearing it. I took their suggestions and with my pretty awesome taste have some pretty awesome Bridesmaid dresses!
4)POSTAGE IS EXPENSIVE
On the money issue, when you look for invitations, research some postage prices for the styles you like. Believe it or not, I learned that when you have a square envelope the price doubles for postage, and if it weighs more, it can cost even MORE...that's money you could use on your Honeymoon!
5)HONEYMOON
For me and Justin, this was the biggest issue that we both had inputs on. He wanted a cruise and I wanted a Sandals Resort of some sort. Choose your destination early and save up....lots of things like airfare and hotels add up quick. Look on Groupon for hotel deals on their Getaway page which can save a lot and COMPROMISE. For Justin and I, he got the cruise, but I got a plane ride there and a balcony. Win-Win. :)
6) DIY IS OK
There are LOTS of ideas on Pinterest and other blogs that can help you DIY your wedding--which can also cut cost! For me, I printed my own invitations and programs. The DIYing invitations can take a lot of time and effort, but its worth it. Plus, when people receive them and LOVE your invites--You can be all like "I totally did that myself....I'm awesome"
7) MUSIC
This is probably my favorite. The music of the wedding sets the tone. I like a good mix. With my venue, I was able to HANDPICK every song that will be played...even reception music. I am going with all 'canned music' as some people call it where they just press play and there are no musicians. This can save time and money because all your venue has to do is make a playlist and no one can mess up the songs!
8)FOOD
This is a HUGE deal. The time of your wedding determines what you should serve, believe it or not. If the ceremony is between 12-4 you are okay to serve light hors d'oeurves or a popular less-expensive alternative is a dessert only reception. If it is after 6, then your guests will expect REAL FOOD. This means HEAVY hors d'oeurves if your wedding is not super formal. If you are having a full formal wedding, you need to serve an actual sit down meal. Sit down meals can also be less expensive because you know exactly how much food to cook and what.
9)PERSONALIZE
This is your and your finace's wedding! OWN IT. Make it special. Do something different...do at least one thing that people can talk about later and be like "Wow, that was awesome."
10) ASK FOR HELP
You are only one person. I know through this whole process that it has been tiring and I have been literally ready for it to be over....but know that your attendants, parents, close friends, relatives can help you. Even if its just with ideas, or day-of stuff. This was especially hard for me because I am kind of a control freak and its hard to let people help. Letting people take over some stuff can actually free you up some time for other super important stuff.
So that's it. That's my list. Also, this is your wedding. If you want to do it, do it. Don't worry about what other people think---cause if they are there for the right reason, they will see that it is purely both of your personalities coming out in the ceremony and reception, and they will LOVE it. Because they LOVE you! :)
And if you are planning your own wedding and need help---I have successfully planned two weddings so far! Would love to do a third! :) :)
No comments:
Post a Comment