Getting engaged is probably one of the most thrilling, wonderful times in a person’s life. There is so much excitement swarming around the idea of starting a life with your loved one and sharing the news with your friends and family. However, all this delightful anticipation is soon joined by the stress of planning your big day. There are so many things to accomplish in order to plan the wedding of your dreams, and as far away as it may be, there never seems to be enough time. To help you get everything done, you might want to consider hiring a wedding planner. They can guide you along the planning process and make sure you get all your questions answered. Ask yourselves questions such as:

1. What type of wedding do you want?
2. How many guests do you want in attendance?
3. How much would you like to spend?
4. What style of wedding suits you both?
5. When would you like to get married?
6. What activities should be present at the wedding?

If parents are part of the planning or financing, have a conversation with them as well. Get a clear understanding of what they expect and what you can expect from them.

Now that you have a general idea of your budget, your style, family considerations and timeframe, you are ready for research, which is the next stage in planning your dream wedding.

Moving Forward

Unless you are a wedding planner, or have been involved in wedding planning previously, organizing a wedding will be a new experience for you. It involves a lot of details and people, costs a lot of money and puts you in contact with vendors you have never met and probably know very little about. So don’t expect to hit the ground running! A preliminary stage is vital:

1. Set up a new wedding email account. This will serve for all information you are gathering.
2. Set up your initial budget. It doesn’t have to be down to the last dollar but a good framework will save you lots of time and effort down the road.
3. Do some initial research based upon your initial decisions and style. Research locations, timing, number of guests and key vendors/line items. Participating in a local bridal show can be a good idea, but remember you are not shopping yet, but rather researching.
4. Read a book or two about weddings and wedding planning.
5. Circle back with your fiancé/family and go over your initial plans and budgets. Adjust and move things as needed based on your initial research and findings.
6. Decide if you want to hire a wedding planner, a day of coordinator or none of the above.
7. Now that you are ready, organize your final plan.

Plan and Execute:

Now that you’ve become familiar with the main vendors and options, you have some idea of what you have to work with. You have a sense of priorities. Set your plan and execute it:

1. Finalize your wedding budget.
2. Determine the wedding style, colors and timeframe (day/week/month).
3. Draft your guest list.
4. Select and book the most important elements needed for a wedding: (Ceremony location & Officiant)
5. Narrow down your reception site: create a short list of options and carefully select the one that meets your needs and desires.
6. Book key vendors, like photographers and music, especially if you seek specific ones who can become unavailable. When considering a photographer, remember to choose one that will connect with your wedding and give you the ideal photos and pictures for a lifetime of memories.
7. Once you have chosen and confirmed a date, send out Save the Date cards. Basic Invite provides cost-effective and easy-to-create Save the Date cards. With Basic Invite you can create a free sample before you order.
8. Choose and book your caterer.
9. Book a florist.
10. Order the cake or desserts.
11. Set up your bridal registry.
12. Print and send out invitations.
13. Take care of legalities. Apply for your marriage license.
14. You could also be handling: Accommodations and transportation for your guests.
15. Rental of tent, furniture, lighting for reception.

Prepare For Your Party

Now that the plan is ready and in process, make sure you pay attention to all the small details to ensure things run smoothly. Here is a sample list of tasks:

1. Finalize your wedding budget.
2. Selecting color theme.
3. Choosing the bridal party.
4. Ordering your gown.
5. Add-ons: headpiece, shoes, veil, jewelry, etc.
6. Wedding rings.
7. Bridesmaid dresses and styles.
8. Hair and makeup artist.
9. Renting or buying formalwear.
10. The vows.
11. Gifts and favors (bridal party, parents, fiancé).
12. Seating charts.
13. Wedding toasts.

Other things you may want to put on your planning calendar:

1. Bridal shower.
2. Bachelorette/Bachelor party.
3. Engagement photo shoot.
4. Rehearsal dinner.
5. Post-wedding brunch.
6. Record gift receiving and mail thank you notes.
7. Wedding day emergency kit.
8. Create a wedding website.
9. Wedding insurance.
10. Wedding night accommodations.

Closing and Summary

Hiring a wedding planner may be just the right call for you and can truly make a difference in helping the process of planning your wedding go as smoothly as possible. They can help to make sure you know all the insider secrets and tips to planning the wedding of your dreams. Take some stressful weight off your shoulders and hire a wedding planner to help make the hard decisions and guide you along the way through any hiccups.

I hope these tips will be of help and wish you a great wedding day and more importantly a happy life with your chosen one.