It’s no secret that a wedding is one of the most important days of your life. And that applies not just to the bride but also to the groom.
Some couples leave the entire thing to professional wedding planners. Others, meanwhile, choose to take up the task themselves.
They trust themselves, or rather, don’t trust the so-called professionals. There is also an argument to be made about saving money if you take care of the wedding planning yourself.
If so, no prior experience means that you need to, at the very least, get the basics right and take it from there.
Below, you will find the key aspects of organizing a wedding to ensure that you have a memorable experience.
Establish the Budget and Stick to It
The first thing to decide is the budget. It’s the driving force behind planning everything related to your wedding.
Some couples save money specifically for weddings. Asking your family to pitch in is also a possibility, but going out of your way to do that might feel uncomfortable.
Regardless, the key thing is to set a budget in advance to determine what is realistic and what is not and develop everything from there.
Pick a Wedding Style and Theme
Not all brides have a dream wedding in mind well before the big day is approaching. Winging it is more common than one might expect, but it does not mean everything to the final minute. Unless, of course, you decide to get married on the spot and do it the same day.
You still want to seek resources for inspiration if you cannot come up with something interesting yourself. Social media and the internet, in general, have a plethora of resources to check.
Do not spend too much time on it, though, as you will get overwhelmed. Create a list of what you like and dislike, pick a few options you find the best, and pick your wedding theme and style.
Determine Your Guest List
Do not underestimate how important the guest list is. Plan well in advance to make sure you include everyone who should attend.
Contact people and let them know the date so they can take time off if necessary. Some people might have other obligations. The more spontaneous the wedding, the harder it is to have everyone you want to make it to your wedding.
Pro tip: Some attendees will need a plus one, so be sure to take care of that as well (so long as your budget and venue size allow for it to happen).
Select the Right Venue
Speaking of the wedding venue, do not limit yourself to just one or two options. Explore as many as you can to find the best possible deal.
Book the venue in advance and double-check on all the restrictions the location might have, as well as how many guests can be accommodated. Some venues might offer an option to expand the available space for an extra cost, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Do Your Shopping Early
As far as wedding shopping goes, a wedding gown is arguably the standout item for the occasion, but it does not end there.
Clothes, jewelry, accessories, the cake, and even finding a photographer are all part of a big shopping list that has to be finished well in advance.
Organize Transportation
Depending on your wedding location, you might get away with personal transportation. However, there are exceptions. For example, if the ceremony is happening on a remote island, you will need to organize group transportation to ensure everyone can get there by plane or boat.
A wedding ceremony won’t happen without the guests. Be thoughtful and help with transport organization for those who need it.
Seek Help If Necessary
It’s more or less impossible to tell how long it will take to organize everything. If the whole thing starts to overwhelm you, remember that you are not alone.
There should be friends and family who can help you with smaller or bigger tasks. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. And if that is still not enough, the option to get professional help is also there.
