You can just see it now: the moment you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived, you get to marry the love of your life. While wedding bliss is just around the corner, there are plenty of decisions to be made as the magical day approaches. From color schemes to timelines, planning a wedding can seem like a sea of never-ending checklists and choices. But with a little bit of patience and dedication, wedding planning can go off without a hitch. Here are the top five things you need to focus on for your wedding.
Budget
The dreaded budget is a reality every bride and/or groom must face. While you may not want to think about finances when in engagement bliss, it’s necessary to avoid absolutely draining your bank accounts. Having a good understanding of your budget at the beginning can save a lot of heartache and frustration later on. Good budgeting can save you from falling in love with a dress that’s thousands of dollars too expensive and allow you to understand when you can splurge without guilt.
Guest List
Your big day can involve as many (or as few) loved ones as you wish. Some brides opt for grand events involving hundreds of guests. Other brides prefer smaller more intimate affairs with only a handful of close friends and family. Both are perfectly acceptable for a wedding. However, both choices also have a huge impact on your planning. More guests require larger venues, more seating, etc. Whereas fewer guests require less investment and planning. No matter your choice, it is a good idea to have a rough estimate on the number of guests so as to plan your special day accordingly.
Venue
The old saying “Location! Location! Location!” rings true for every wedding. Choosing the perfect venue can set the entire tone for a wedding. Even more than the tone, the location will forever hold a special place in your heart as the place finally tied the knot. Some venues, such as somewhere like Russo’s On the Bay in New York, offer an elegant experience with plenty of amenities. Other venues could offer a more rustic option or a more DIY approach. Choosing a venue is closely connected to both budgeting, personal taste, and your guest list size.
Capture the Moment with a Photographer
Most couples will be quick to tell you that their wedding day felt like a whirlwind. With all of the excitement in the air, the day just seems to fly by. While there is no way to slow down time, you can capture the moment with an experienced photographer. A seasoned wedding photographer will be able to capture the smallest details, allowing you to remember your special day for years to come. When choosing your photographer be sure to review their past work as each photographer has a unique style of taking pictures.
Your Future Spouse
A wedding very well may be the largest event you ever plan in your life. With so many decisions to be made it can be easy to become caught up in the stress and details. But don’t forget why you are planning a wedding, to begin with, to become one with your spouse! While wedding planning, make sure to take the occasional breather to focus on just how much your fiancé means to you. This will lead to not only a better wedding day but to a better marriage as well.
By focusing on these five things, your wedding can be the best day of your life. Although it may appear overwhelming, once the foundation is set wedding planning can be fun and exciting.
About the author:
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.