Wedding planning can be one of the most overwhelming experiences of your life, but it doesn’t have to be. By deciding on some key elements early on, you can alleviate the stress that often comes with wedding planning. Here are five things you should consider deciding on early in the process to make things easier.
Budget
Planning a wedding without a clear budget in mind can be a recipe for disaster. Having a budget in place will help you make better decisions, prioritize what’s important to you, and avoid overspending. Early on in the planning process, set an overall budget and break it down by vendor category. This will help you see how much you can allocate for each individual item, such as the catering or flowers.
Guest List
Deciding on a guest list can also help alleviate stress. Create a preliminary guest list with your fiancé and parents to see how many people you’ll need to accommodate. This will help you determine the size of your venue, catering costs, and save the headache of having to cut people later on. Once you have a general idea of your guest list, make sure to send save-the-dates early on, so guests can plan accordingly.
Venue
The venue is one of the most important decisions when it comes to wedding planning. Whether you’re going for a rustic barn wedding or a grand ballroom, like Russo’s On The Bay, the venue sets the tone for the rest of the event. Try to make these decisions early on, to avoid the stress of last-minute changes. Schedule venue visits and book yours as soon as possible to ensure you get the space you want.
Wedding Party
Choose your wedding party early on. This allows you to communicate your vision for the event, share the load of decision-making, and get input from your closest friends and family. Involve them in the planning process, and ask them for input on the color scheme, music, and flowers. This collaborative approach can be a great way to reduce stress and delegate tasks.
Wedding Planner
If you can afford it, consider hiring a wedding planner. A planner can help you stay organized, handle logistical details, and communicate with vendors. They’ll be your go-to person for any issues that may arise, leaving you free to enjoy the moment. If a wedding planner isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Lean on friends and family who have experience planning weddings, or use a wedding planning app to keep track of everything.
Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting times in your life – but it can also be the most stressful. By deciding on these five things early on in the process, you can alleviate some of the stress that comes with planning a wedding. Remember to stick to your budget, finalize your guest list, book your venue, choose your wedding party, and consider hiring a wedding planner. With these things taken care of, you can enjoy the process of planning your wedding and focus on creating memories that will last a lifetime.
About the author:
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being outdoors and researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.