Wedding planning can seem daunting; so we have compiled 5 tips to get you started.
1. Establish Your Budget
The first step is to determine how much you can realistically spend on your wedding.
Consider:
•Who is contributing financially?
•How much do you plan to save versus spend upfront?
•What are your top priorities (e.g., venue, food, photography)?
Create a spreadsheet to track expenses, and be sure to leave some room for unexpected costs (around 5-10% of your budget). Tools like wedding budget calculators can also be helpful.
2. Research and Shortlist Wedding Vendors
Your vendors will shape your wedding experience, so selecting the right ones is crucial. Begin by:
•Asking for recommendations from friends and family.
•Reading reviews and testimonials online.
•Browsing vendor portfolios to match your preferred style and vision.
Once you’ve created a shortlist, reach out to vendors to check availability and schedule consultations.
3. Ask the Right Questions
When meeting with vendors, it’s essential to evaluate their professionalism, flexibility, and compatibility with your vision. Here are five critical questions to ask:
- What is included in your pricing, and are there any additional fees we should know about?
- Can you accommodate our wedding date and location?
- Do you have experience with weddings of our size and style?
- What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
- Can you provide references or examples of recent weddings you’ve worked on?
These questions will help you assess their expertise and determine if they’re the right fit for your big day.
4. Stay Organised
Use wedding planning apps or create a dedicated planner to track vendor contracts, payments, and deadlines.
Apps and website such as Hitched, Bridebook, Rock my Wedding and For Better For Worse all have free planning resources you can use.
Staying organised will make the process smoother and less stressful.
5. Enjoy the Journey
Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a unique opportunity to bond with your partner and loved ones.
Celebrate small milestones along the way, and don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to friends or hire a wedding coordinator if needed.
With a clear budget and a team of trusted vendors, you’re well on your way to creating a day filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.
