What to Consider Before Planning Your Wedding

Posted by Lara on June 25th, 2019

You are finally tying the knot! A wedding is the most important day of your lives as a couple. However, with all the excitement of getting married, comes the daunting task of planning a wedding. There are many decisions to make, which can be overwhelming to anyone. However, planning should not scare you. Here are some tips and planning advice that will ensure your day is perfect.

Come up with a Guest List

Before you begin your planning process, you need a head count to work with. Therefore, creating a wedding database should be on top of your to-do list. Ensure you have contact information for sending the invitations. Also, add the relevant information that will make your planning easy like RSVP and gifts. With knowledge on the number of guests attending, you can choose a venue, budget for meals, and plan for special dietary requirements.

Budget

A wedding budget will keep you inline and ensure you do not overspend. Weddings can cost a fortune, and if you do not have a set limit, it will eat up your savings. Write down all the wedding expenses to come up with a figure for budgeting. After allocating all the funds to different expenses, figure out how to raise the money. Between both your savings and friends contributions, is the money enough to fund the budget? If not, how do you plan to raise the extra cash? You can always take out a loan with lenders such as CashNGo or sell some of the things you do not use.

Consider the Weather

Are you having a summer or winter wedding? If you are considering an outdoor wedding, you need to be updated on the weather. You may need a backup venue in case it rains. Also, you may need tents to protect your visitors from the rays of the sun. Some outdoor venues need pest control under certain weather conditions.

Choose the Venue

When it comes to picking out a place for the big day, consider an option that brings out your personality. You can go with a rustic style or marquees. Irrespective of the location you choose for the wedding, ensure it is spacious enough to fit your entire guest list. You also need to decide whether you will have a separate location for the ceremony and reception. For indoor venues, find out their preferred designer. Some owners may also be keen on the suppliers, and you will need to work with the suppliers they recommend. Check out the layout of the venue; find out the cost of hiring the place, and the restrictions.

Pick out a Menu

Apart from hiring catering services, you need to decide on the menu for the day. Pick out dishes suitable for your guest. However, you should also incorporate your favourite dishes. After all, the day is meant for you and your fiancé. Do not forget to choose a wedding cake and order. Also, as part of the cake, you can incorporate small portions of your favourite desserts. Make sure your menu items cater to dietary requirements of your guest. A drinking menu will also add fun to your wedding. Have a cocktail hour or celebratory champagne for toasts.

Hire a Wedding Planner

You need to decide whether to hire a wedding planner or do the work yourself. The benefit of using a planner is that they have boots on the ground and already know the vendors to work with and great deals. Planners can make planning easy and help you make the right decisions. However, they do not come by cheaply. Therefore, if your budget allows, hire a planner. But you can always get help from your friends.