Wedding Planner

What Are the Best Wedding Planning Advice for Brides?

There are pieces of information about wedding planning that are wonderful to know, and there are pieces of information that are necessary, and the latter are the ones that any bride who is fortunate enough to hear them would think, "I'm so glad someone told me that!" If you're not sure if you've forgotten anything (or if you have everything under control), read on for some must-know planning tips. Is life right now too hectic to allow for careful wedding preparation? Have someone else do it for you and check out our list of Wedding Planners in Melbourne to help take the stress away.

Top Wedding Planning Ideas

Any future Mrs. who has spent even a single afternoon arranging her wedding knows how much preparation is required. There are a lot of choices ahead of you, so it's important to make a detailed budget and schedule everything out. It's easy to make mistakes when arranging a wedding, especially if it's your first time doing something of this scale.

Now that you've decided to be married, where do you even begin? Once you know how much money you have to spend, you'll be able to make well-informed judgments about which vendors to hire, based on which ones will complement your personality and carry out your vision. The earlier you have these talks, the more relaxed you'll be as you move forwards with planning.

Begin Wedding Preparations Early.

While you may have the summer of 2020 in mind as the perfect wedding season, don't feel like you have to wait that long to begin making arrangements. Getting a head start on it in the morning will make the rest of your day much simpler and less stressful. An organised plan can help you stay on top of things and make sure nothing gets overlooked. The first three items to consider are insurance, an approximate guest list, and a financial plan.

Guests Come First

You should have a good idea of how many people you plan to invite before you choose a location. If you do this, you can rest assured that your crew will have enough room to work. Plan on about 25-30 square feet of space per visitor. That's not nearly enough room to accommodate guests, food and drink service, a band, and a dance floor.

Choose Your Guests Wisely.

The first step in locating the ideal venue that can accommodate your desired guest count is sorting up the guest list early on. Don't feel compelled to invite people you don't want to come because the cost per head is going to be your biggest expense. This choice, which is both the most consequential and difficult of the entire planning process, must be made solely by you and your H2B.

Get The Budget Right

Hold off on spending until you've established a sensible budget that won't put undue strain on your resources. It is typical practice to overlook the ancillary costs that must be covered in order for the funding to be successful. Keep in mind that there will be other charges, like as modifications to your clothing, presents, and even your appearance's upkeep. They can accumulate up quickly!

Check Your Credit

Sign up for a credit card with a rewards programme and benefit from the high expense of weddings. Consolidating all of your wedding-related expenditures onto this card will help you rack up thousands of rewards points, whether in the form of airline miles or amazing retail offers (which could be used for your honeymoon).

Look For Wedding-Free Dates

It's important to find out in advance whether your wedding date coincides with a major local event like a trade show or a charity walk that could cause delays in getting to the ceremony and a scarcity of available hotel rooms. Please find below a list of upcoming wedding dates that may cause difficulties.

Helping Hands

Although this is your special day, your loved ones will want to assist you and be a part of the preparations. The more trustworthy the source, the more likely you are to feel safe disclosing when things aren't to your liking.

Long-Distance Venues

The location of your wedding is important, and while you may not love where you live or want to get married in your hometown, you should keep in mind that fewer people will be able to attend if you have to invite them a long distance. It will also have an impact on your day's schedule, making it impossible, for example, to have guests from Liverpool arrive in Somerset at 11 a.m. This is crucial if you're organising a wedding in a foreign country. To be on the safe side, assume that many people won't make it.

Listen To Mother Nature

Pay attention to the weather and other potential disruptions. It is not uncommon for guests to leave early from a wedding reception held in a tent during the summer or a loft in the winter due to the extreme heat. There are other times of year when bugs like gnats, deer flies, and mosquitoes congregate in large numbers. It could be a good idea to rent pest control tanks or to include bug spray in the goodie bags for the guests if this becomes a major issue. If you're planning a sunset ceremony, consult Sunrise Sunset to determine the best time to exchange vows, and always, always prepare a backup plan in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Ensure That You Have A Backup Plan In Place.

Nothing good can come from ignoring the possibility that anything will go wrong on the big day. Everything from bad catering to bad weather could cause this (despite the forecast promising a dry day). Avoid unnecessary stress and last-minute franticness by preparing for every possible outcome and contingency in advance. You should also consider purchasing wedding insurance and thoroughly reviewing its provisions.

Pick Your Best Girls.

Picking the right bridesmaids is crucial because they will be there for you every step of the way while you organise your big day. You shouldn't pick someone you just met or a distant relative you rarely talk to. Instead, pick someone close to you, such as a sibling, longtime best friend, or family member. If you lose touch with a bridesmaid after the wedding, it will be sad to browse over your album.

Decide To Hire The Greatest Photographer You Can.

Do not skimp on hiring a professional photographer for your wedding; this is the person whose work will allow you to relive the day's most precious moments in your album forever. Do your homework and locate a professional that can cater to your specific needs. Getting to know your photographer and practising poses in your engagement shoes is a fantastic idea.

Get The Menu Right

The reception's meal is sure to be a topic of conversation for years to come. The more unique the event, from pig roasts and buffets to baking competitions and little fish and chips, the better! In this respect, spare no expense; hungry guests are never welcome.

Make A Meal Plan

Feeding your wedding guests might be a major hidden cost. Make sure you are not obligated to provide the same food for vendors as you would be providing for visitors before signing any contracts. In any other case, you can end up paying for twenty more lobster tails. Alternatively, you could get them a cheaper (but still filling) supper. Make sure that your wedding caterer knows how many people they need to feed (including photographic assistants and band roadies) and what kind of food you want served at least two days before the ceremony.

The Golden Rule In Action

Take the advice of your first vendor and go from there. If you ask the photographer in the ceremony or reception manager, they will be able to tell you which florist has the most beautiful arrangements or which band always gets people on their feet.

Minimise Your List

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If you want to save the most money on your wedding, what should you do? Restrict the number of people attending. Half of your wedding budget will go towards the cost of entertaining guests. If each seat is costing $100, then getting rid of only one table of 12 will save you $800.

You Might Get What You Ask For

Before you sign on the dotted line, ask for an additional time for cocktails or band to include that Frank Sinatra impersonator. Rather than try to squeeze extra money out of you at the beginning, most sellers would rather guarantee you a spot in the reservation (that could make you dislike them even more). But at a later time, they could be less willing to compromise.

Feel Great, But Don't Overdo It.

In order to feel and look your best on your wedding day, it's a good idea to start following a nutritious diet and doing some light exercises to tone your body now. Conversely, a crash diet is not a healthy option. Keep in mind that your future husband loves you just the way you are and wants to marry you.

Don't Fall For Common Beauty Mishaps.

Excessive use of tanning agents, coloured brow pencils, and heavy makeup are mostly to blame. To really stand out in photographs, you should, of course, apply more makeup than you would normally. Lips and cheeks should be a pale pink, and soft, smoky eyes are in for 2015.

Assign Duties To Your Groom.

Even if your fiancée hasn't been thinking about his wedding since he was five, he still probably has some input he'd like to give. Pay attention to what he says, and keep in mind that today is important for him, too. Guys typically enjoy planning the meal, the playlist, and the finances.

Focus On Organizational Details

Put together a three-ring binder containing all of your vendor-related materials, including meeting notes, emails, and any images or magazine clippings you plan on showing to potential suppliers. Create a special wedding email account and save important contacts in your phone. The Knot All-In-One Wedding Planner app is a great way to have all of your wedding planning resources in one convenient digital location, accessible from any device, no matter where you are.

Keep An Eye On The Bar

One bartender for every 50 guests is suggested to maintain long waits to a minimal. However, if you plan on serving a distinctive cocktail that can't be prepared in advance (or in huge numbers), you may want to assign an extra server to this duty.

Keep Some Cash On Hand.

This is the calculation you should use for your budget: Budget between up to 47% on the reception, up to 9% on flowers, up to 9% on attire, up to 9%t on entertainment/music, up to 11% on photography/videography, up to 4% on invitations, up to 4% percent on gifts, and 7% on other necessities like a wedding planner. For other costs like printing more invitations because of faults, extra tailoring needs, umbrellas in case of rain, and ribbons for the wedding programmes, it is recommended to set aside an additional 6% up to 9% of your budget. Looking for the Top Wedding Planner in Melbourne? Look no further and check out our ultimate list of Wedding Planners here.

You Shouldn't Be Shy About Seeking Clarification.

When it comes to the details of your wedding, you should put your full faith in your providers. It's important to feel comfortable expressing your preferences with them as collaborators, whether that's providing a midnight snack as the first meal course or scheduling a bridal portrait session instead of an engagement shoot. The most important thing is that you feel safe enough to be open and honest about what you want with them. It will be their responsibility to advise you on whether or not certain wedding plans are feasible given the amount of money you have set aside.

Make The Little Details Personal.

Your wedding is a reflection of the two of you, so make sure to add touches that are uniquely you. Everything from the invitations and party favours to the bridal party attire and first dance should make attendees think, "That's so them!"

Hold Off On A Date

The ability to improvise at the last minute can be a huge asset in certain situations. Your negotiating leverage will increase as the day gets near. Calling for an available date three months before your prefered time can save you up to 35%, as most people book wedding venues at least six months in advance. In addition, a wedding on a Friday or Sunday should be roughly 30% cheaper than a wedding on a Saturday.

Organize Your Mail

The perfect wedding invitation stamps are a must. However, not all brands are generally available in bulk amounts at all post offices. Rather than wasting time searching, just buy them online. Before mailing, weigh your invitation and any other paper items you plan to include to ensure you're paying the correct amount for postage. Inquire with your local post office about any additional postage costs for envelopes of unusual dimensions.

Be Ready To Be Rejected

Factor in that anywhere from up to 25% of your invited guests won't show up. The number of out-of-town guests, the wedding's scheduled time, and the venue of the ceremony will all play significant roles in determining how much notice to give (some guests may have yearly holiday plans).

Create A Uniform Children's Policy

There are four options available to you: you can choose to have a kid-friendly wedding, a "adults only" wedding, a wedding limited to close family members only, or you can engage a child care service to provide childcare at the reception venue, a hotel room, or a family member's house. If you want to keep the peace, you shouldn't let certain families bring their kids while telling others they can't (Unless of course, you want kids at your wedding.).

Lists, Lists And More Lists!

There are a million and one vendors that need to be paid on different schedules, and it's impossible to keep track of everything on your own. One of the most important things you can do to prepare for your wedding is to sit down with your future spouse and create a budget spreadsheet that includes both anticipated and actual costs, as well as the dates on which payments are due and a list of everything that still needs to be done.

Prioritise Your People

Reduce your invite list by using the "levels of importance" method. Prioritise your closest friends and family members, the bridal party, and the extended family members you wouldn't want to celebrate without. Make a list of people your parents know, such as their friends, neighbours, workplace, and so on. Start at the bottom and work your way up until you've reached your target reduction.

Proceed With Caution

Wedding Planner

To avoid taking on too much at once and having things snowball around you, make a wedding planning timetable and follow it step by step in a logical manner. Don't book a band or order a wedding cake until you know when the big day will be, and don't pick a venue until you know where guests will be sitting.

Nothing To Show If The Bell Doesn't Ring

If you're running out of room on your guest list, think about who might come as a "plus one." Create a mental seating arrangement, imagining where your single friend might sit and with whom. If she knows most of the single people at the table, you should be fine. You may want to break the guidelines if she will be sitting at a table with only couples (making her the odd one out) or a table with only strangers (where she won't know anyone). If questioned why you aren't letting your single pals bring visitors, you can always point to space/money limitations or your parents' endless guest list.

Release Rooms

Once you've settled on a date, begin browsing hotels in a range of price ranges. You can get a special wedding rate and a block of rooms at many hotels if you tell them you're planning a wedding there. Then, a month before the big day, you can free up any rooms that weren't used. You should refuse to sign contracts with hotels that include cancellation charges if you fear not being able to use all of the reserved rooms.

Give Exact Driving Directions

Guests should not be left wondering where they need to go. Despite the convenience of online mapping services, you may find that your destination isn't where you thought it was, or that another route is much faster or has less traffic. Get recommended driving instructions from your ceremony and reception venues in print or digital form, and drive them yourself if possible. Then, post the greatest advice on your wedding website or send it to guests through email for printing.

Ensure A Paper Trail Is Kept

Confirm any unusual additions or alterations to your contracts in writing or via email with the provider, such as "Hello, just verifying that you'll keep the venue open till 2 am instead of midnight." Don't think everything is set in stone; by the time the big day arrives, your contact may no longer be employed there.

Go Over Ground Rules

Make sure you know what you're getting into by inquiring with the venue manager about any and all rules and regulations that may apply to your wedding (if any). Is it inappropriate to use flash photography or show one's shoulders? Or, if you're having an outside ceremony, can you put tent stakes into the grass (which is usually frowned upon)?

Plan The Installation Time

Make sure there's enough time to get everything ready. When renting a location and bringing in extra personnel, make sure to confirm the earliest possible setting-up time. Determine if they can complete the task the day before the wedding, or at the very least the full wedding day.

A Guide To Marriage Licenses

You can look out the licence requirements in your state online, but it's a good idea to phone ahead to be sure the county clerk's office is open on the days you need to get your application in. If the office is open from 8 to 5, marriage licences may only be issued during less busy hours, such as on Thursdays between 1 PM to 2 PM. Send your mother and/or maid of honour a copy of your marriage licence (in case you misplace yours in the run-up to the wedding).

Classify Your Cash

The key to a successful wedding budget is moderation. Putting together prioritised aspects of the wedding, such as the flowers, the music, your dress, the invitations, and the professional photographers, is the first step in budget preparation. Spend more on the things that are ranked as priorities and less on the things that are ranked as third. (But obviously not everything is number one!) It may be necessary, for instance, to go for more understated invites and smaller flower arrangements if a designer gown and gourmet food are priorities.

Invited Listeners, To Please Pay Attention

See to it that everyone in attendance has a good view and can hear the proceedings. If guests are seated more than 20 rows back from the podium or altas, you may want to consider renting a microphone and a riser. Depending on the tools required, this might cost anywhere from $60-$120. Put your wedding planner or best man in charge of coordinating the delivery and setup with your ceremony location.

Be Sure To Jot Down Those Numbers

On the big day, have a list or mobile number handy in case the limousine driver misplaced or you decide you want to have some spontaneous shots taken. Don't go dress shopping without a friend; after a while, every gown will appear the same, and you won't be able to remember which one you liked best. But choose your companions wisely if you do. In the event that neither your mother nor a sibling is able to accompany you, consider asking a trustworthy friend to come in their place. Now would be a good time to find out which dress is your favourite.

Manage Your Time Prudently

Examine your mile-long to-do list in the final month of preparation (and when you're especially hurried) and eliminate three items. In that case, We agree that you should eliminate three items. The processional song selection and vendor confirmation aren't among those items. Don't skip out on painting "Just Married" signs by hand or preparing cookies for everyone's welcome bags because you think it's too much work. Put them in the past by crossing them out and promising to forget about them.

Keep In Mind What Is Crucial.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of wedding preparation, take a deep breath and focus on the reason for the celebration: your upcoming nuptials.

Conclusion

Choosing the appropriate bridesmaids is essential, as they will be by your side throughout the planning process. If you want to be able to relive the most memorable parts of your wedding forever, you need to invest in a professional photographer. What should you do to minimise costs associated with your wedding? Curtail attendance. If you get rid of just one of those 12-seaters, you'll have $800 more in your pocket.

It is important to inform your wedding caterer of the exact number of guests they will be expected to serve. It is recommended that there be one bartender for every 50 people. When planning a wedding, it's helpful to have all of your relevant information in one place that you can access from any device. The Knot's All-In-One Wedding Planner app does just that. The right stamps for your wedding invitations are essential, but not all post offices have the same brands in large quantities. Since most people book wedding venues six months in advance, you can save up to 35 percent by calling for an available day three months before your prefered time.

Don't book a band or get a wedding cake until you know when the big day will be. Use the "levels of importance" technique to determine the order of your guests. It's important to consider who might come as a plus one if your guest list is getting full. If there are any unexpected changes or additions to your contracts, make sure to confirm them with the service provider in writing or via email. Venues for the wedding ceremony and reception should provide you with written or electronic directions to their locations.

Make sure you know what you're getting into by enquiring with the venue manager about ground rules. If you'll be sitting a considerable distance from the podium or altas, you may want to look into renting a microphone and a riser. Relax and think about why everyone is here: your approaching wedding.

Content Summary

  1. You have a lot of options, so it's smart to plan both your finances and your time carefully.
  2. To avoid rushing, start wedding planning early.
  3. Organizing the guest list in advance is the first step in finding a suitable venue that can host the appropriate number of guests.
  4. Do a Credit Check In order to profit on the astronomical cost of weddings, it is wise to open a rewards credit card account.
  5. Listed here are the possible conflicting wedding dates for the foreseeable future.
  6. Destinations on the Other Side of a Long Distance
  7. Even if you don't want to get married in your hometown or adore where you reside, you need consider the fact that fewer guests will be able to travel a considerable distance to be there.
  8. The optimal time for a sunset ceremony can be found by consulting Sunrise Sunset; nevertheless, it is important to have a backup plan in place in case the weather doesn't cooperate.
  9. Create a Plan B just in case.
  10. Choosing the appropriate bridesmaids is essential, as they will be by your side throughout the planning process.
  11. Never scrimp on hiring a professional photographer for your wedding; their photos will be the only way to relive the day's most memorable moments for years to come.
  12. At least two days before the ceremony, communicate your meal preferences and guest count (including photographers' assistants and the band's roadies) to the caterer.
  13. Curtail attendance.
  14. The cost of entertaining guests will eat up at least half of your wedding budget.
  15. It's never too early to start eating healthily and getting some light exercise in so that you can feel and look your best on your wedding day.
  16. When planning a wedding, it's helpful to have all of your relevant information in one place that you can access from any device. The Knot's All-In-One Wedding Planner app does just that.
  17. You should have complete faith in your vendors for all of the wedding's little touches.
  18. Prepare Your Inbox
  19. There must be a wonderful wedding invitation stamp.
  20. The amount of advanced notice required will depend on factors such as the number of out-of-town guests, the time of the wedding, and the location of the ceremony (some guests may have yearly holiday plans).
  21. Pay Close Attention to Your Employees Use the "levels of importance" system to narrow down your guest list.
  22. Create a list of the people your parents are connected to, including their friends, neighbours, coworkers, and other acquaintances.
  23. Don't choose a venue until you know how your guests will be seated, and don't reserve the band or the cake until you know when the wedding will occur.
  24. Think about where your single friend might sit and who else might be there.
  25. If at all possible, drive your guests to the ceremony and reception locations using the directions provided by the venues.
  26. Review the Basics
  27. Make sure you know what you're getting into by checking with the venue manager about any and all rules and regulations that may apply to your wedding (if any) (if any).
  28. Schedule Your Setup Time
  29. See to it that you have adequate time to prepare everything.
  30. Send your mother and/or maid of honour a copy of your marriage licence (in case you misplace yours in the run-up to the ceremony) (in case you misplace yours in the run-up to the wedding).
  31. Invited Listeners, Pay Close Consideration
  32. See to it that everyone in attendance has a good perspective and can hear the proceedings.
  33. Put your wedding planner or best man in charge of coordinating the delivery and setup with your ceremony location.
  34. Don't go dress shopping without a friend; after a while, every gown will appear the same, and you won't be able to recall which one you loved best.
  35. Pick your travelling buddies carefully though.
  36. Schedule Your Activities In the final month of preparation (and when you're really pressed for time), carefully review your mile-long to-do list and cross off three items.
  37. If the stresses of planning your wedding are getting to you, take a deep breath and remember the purpose for the party.

FAQs About Wedding Planning

The planning of a wedding entails making a lot of decisions, spending money, setting up a schedule, meeting deadlines, and creating timelines, all of which contribute to the event's overall success.

When you're in the thick of things, it's easy for everything to start feeling overwhelming; for this reason, a compilation of wedding planning ideas from professionals in the field can greatly assist you.

Communication with your guests, including the who, what, and when of your big day, is a significant component of the timeline for the wedding preparation process. This step can be started anywhere from nine months to a year before the wedding while you are in the process of selecting vendors. Then, finally, bring the guest list to a close.

For instance, there is a reason why you should choose the date of your event and book your venue before deciding what to wear; this is so that you can ensure that your outfit is appropriate for the weather and environment of your gathering. And this is just one illustration of why adhering to the procedures involved in wedding planning is vital.

It's possible that it won't be the portion of the process that you look forward to the most, but it's the assignment that has to be finished first because it's the one that kicks off the remainder of the wedding planning process. The last thing you want is to fall in love with a location, vendor, dress, or anything else for your wedding, only to find out that it is absolutely out of your price range.

The truth is that even happy life events, like the preparation of a wedding, may be stressful for various reasons that are very much grounded in reality. Nevertheless, it is feasible to discover ways to enjoy the process and concentrate on what is most important, which is your relationship and your approaching marriage.

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