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You have the engagement ring, the Groom and a wonderful vision of how you want your wedding to be. Now it's time to think about your budget, ceremony, reception, dress, invitations, guest list etc. This can be overwhelming. As the euphoria wears off and reality sets in it can be a shock to discover how much planning and preparation is involved. Couples often find they need experienced, professional help.
A professional Wedding Planner can be a great help at this time. They will usually supply you with a starter kit, which includes checkslists and time lines to assist you along the way. A Wedding Planner can use their contacts to secure you great deals with reception venues, photographers and videographers, however if you wish to plan everything yourself the following checklist will help you to get started, as there are some specialized services that need to be booked well in advance of your wedding day.
6 – 12 Months Before the Wedding
- Decide on the date and time of the wedding
- Book the Ceremony and Minister or Celebrant
- Book the Reception Venue and choose the food
- Choose the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
- Purchase the Wedding Dress, Shoes and Bridesmaids dresses
- Book the Photographer and Videographer
- Finalise your budget
- Start on the guest list
Two of the largest things in your budget will be the wedding dress and the reception venue. There are ways to save money and still have a beautiful wedding if you are working with a limited budget.
The Wedding Dress
You have probably dreamed about your wedding dress and know exactly what you want, but the price can sometimes be quite a shock and it can be difficult to justify the expense for something that will most likely only be worn once. Think about hiring a dress. You will be surprised at the beautiful gowns available for hire and the dress will be altered to fit you perfectly.
A lot of brides choose to hire their dress and buy their own veil, which they then have as a keepsake of their wedding and this is also something that is much easier to pass on to their daughters. Another way to save money on your dress is to check out specialist boutiques for evening gowns if you want something simple and classy. I have seen some beautiful gowns in boutiques that would make wonderful wedding dresses at a fraction of the cost.
The Reception
Keep the numbers small if you are working with a limited budget and find a smaller venue. Try to make your reception unique so that it reflects your personality and has meaning for you. Guests remember small details. Consider booking a Beach, Park or Garden, Art Gallery, Boat or Winery, which gives an exclusive touch. Instead of a 3 course dinner have an early afternoon wedding and serve finger food. Guests can party on into the evening if they wish.
Photography can be expensive and most photographers charge according to the amount of time they are required. Think about only having the photographer for the ceremony and family shots and a mock cutting of the cake and invest in disposable cameras and have your guests take photos during the reception.
Remember there are many ways to save money and still have a beautiful wedding. What can you live without and what is important? You just need to get creative.
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Source by Rochelle Barnes
