11 Tips For Planning Your Wedding

Most people planning a wedding are doing it for the first time with little knowledge or experience in wedding planning. Of course, you want the day to be perfect and with all the things you have to think about it, can be quite stressful.  But, if you get organized and keep on track, your wedding ceremony can come off without a hitch.
Here are 11 most important things to think about when planning your wedding:

1. Budget.

Weddings are special. In fact, they are some of the most important events in your life. But, leaving you in debt at the beginning of your life together, just isn’t worth it. An inexpensive wedding doesn’t mean you have to give up on style. You can plan a wedding within your budget – you just may have to use your imagination more. So before you start, decide how much money you have to spend on this wedding and keep that figure in mind throughout the planning process.
2. Choose a Wedding Date.

The wedding date may depend on the desired wedding venue availability. Choose your venue and book a date with them. At this time discuss catering options to be sure of availability for that date. If you want an outdoor wedding reception, consider the weather for that time of the year and plan appropriately.
3. Size of the Wedding/Guest List.

Based on your budget and the venue, determine how many guests you can invite. You and your future spouse need to create a preliminary guest list and if the list is too long, then adjust the list as necessary. In addition decide how big your wedding party is going to be.
4. Wedding Ceremony/Reception Style.

Religious or non-religious, you are going to have to make a decision and then line up the church or location that you are going to get married at. That will also dictate the type of ceremony that you are going to have. If you go the route of a church or other official religious ceremony, it is going to much more formal.
5. Wedding Invitations.

Once your guest list is finalized, as well as the date and venue, it’s time to decide on wedding invitations. It’s a good idea to order your invitations at least 3 months prior to mailing them out to your guests. This will give you time to correct any mistakes that might have been made, as well as order reprints if you add to your guest list. It will also give you time to address all the envelopes.
6. Photographer/Videographer.

You will want to document the whole day as the bride and groom get ready for the ceremony, the reception and of course the bridal party pictures. You will want a photographer and videographer to preserve your special day forever. It’s a good idea to book them around the same time you book the venue.
7. Catering. Plan your menu.

If you’re having an informal wedding in your backyard you can go with something informal like a barbecue. You can choose a caterer or ask friends to pitch in and make dishes for the event. If you’re having your reception at a hotel or restaurant you would coordinate with the kitchen staff to plan the menu. If choosing an outside caterer, make sure that you know what type of food you want before selecting a caterer.
8. Flowers.

You are going to need flowers for the ceremony (sometimes these are reused during the reception as center pieces, everyone does it so don’t think you are being cheap), for the cocktail reception, for the wedding reception, bouquets, boutonniere’s and or corsage’s. Shop around for flowers. Prices vary widely and if you are smart you can save a lot of money.
9. Music will have to be arranged for the ceremony.

You are going to have to decide what you want played as the guests are arriving, the procession, at certain times during the ceremony, as the wedding party leaves and as the guests leave the church or hall. You can use live music or a DJ. This will depend on your personal preference and of course on your budget.
10. Centerpieces.

If you are not using flowers as centerpieces, you should consider hiring someone or do it yourself. Doing it yourself can save you a lot of money. Check the internet for ideas. You can start at places like my wedding favors.

11. Last but not least, DON’T FORGET THE RINGS!

One of the easiest ways to plan a wedding is to use planning tools that are available online. These tools will help you keep track of all aspects of the wedding, including managing your guest list, RSVP’s, budget, etc. You can even create your own wedding web site.

Keep guests posted on your special day at your own .com address from Wedding Tracker.