Planning a wedding takes much time and organization, it's all about how well you are able to manage your priorities and stay calm. The worst thing that can happen is to have a wedding date that's too soon and not being able to plan in time. We don't want to be crazy brides do we? That is why, theKnot.com has provided a useful wedding planning timeline which will help you figure out the more important things to plan.
Set a Timetable
The minute you get engaged, everyone will be asking for your wedding date. But in reality, you won't be able to set an exact date until other major decisions -- like choosing (and booking) your venue -- are made. So first, focus on determining a range of dates that will work for you. A typical engagement lasts anywhere from six months to a year and a half or more, but also think about what season you'd prefer, any major holidays or family events you'd like to avoid conflicting with, and how long you predict you'll need to plan.
Dream Up Your Style and Pick a Location
Before you try on a single gown, book a band or sample a bite of cake, look at the big picture and imagine what kind of style and vibe you want to set for your wedding -- and where you want to hold it. Close your eyes and picture your fantasy wedding. What do you see? Formal? Semi-formal? Casual? Have fun imaging the wedding you want, don't feel pressured to follow the weddings trends. There are many unique and original ideas which can be your inspiration to have a creative wedding. Also, depending on the formality of your wedding, you can choose the location of your wedding venue. If you want a small casual family wedding, backyards and parks are some examples. There are many endless choices.
Set Your Budget
Sit down with your families and figure out how much everyone is contributing. This number will affect every decision and purchase you make, so be sure to work out your budget before you start planning. It can be an uncomfortable conversation, but it's better to get it out of the way now. As a florist, we always like to ask our customers how much they would like to spend. We do this because not only can we work with the budget they have but also they're not spending more than they want. Planning your budget will open up more ideas, and allow you to figure out solutions if you have an idea that is more on the expensive side.
Draft a Guest List
As you begin to build your guest list, you'll need to consider a number of factors. If you have a particular ceremony or reception site in mind, for instance, you're going to be limited by how many people it can accommodate (you can't squeeze 300 people into a lighthouse). Would you rather have quality one-on-one time with each guest or throw a once-in-a-lifetime party for all your friends and family? If mom and dad won't budge about inviting throngs of friends and family, you'll have to hear them out -- especially if they're footing a major part of the bill. Keep in mind that more guests means higher prices, as catering costs are generally calculated on a per-head basis. So, in addition to location, your budget will have a big influence on the size of your guest list.
Register (Before Your Engagement Party!)
Worried that you'll look gift-grabby if you register? Don't! With all the engagement parties, bridal showers and well-wishing relatives in your future, everyone will appreciate your foresight. And although gifts are optional for engagement parties, some of your guests may want to give you something to commemorate the occasion, so register for at least a few items beforehand so they don't have to ask (or guess) what you'd like. One thing to note: Don't include registry information in your engagement party invitations or in any other formal manner. Stick to using word of mouth or links on your wedding website.
Insure Your Engagement Ring
No matter how careful you are, the peace of mind that engagement ring insurance will give you and your fiance is worth it. There are two basic ways to do it: As an extension of your renter's or homeowner's policy (which would reimburse you for a set amount of cash if you lose the ring), or through a company that specializes in jewelry insurance (which might offer more coverage than a standard homeowner's policy by replacing a lost or stolen ring).
Choose Your Wedding Party
Now it's your turn to propose to your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Remember, the earlier you ask, the sooner you can enlist their help. And keep in mind that your wedding party is agreeing to spend their hard-earned money and donate their precious time -- be considerate and kind by informing everyone about all your plans, showing them a good time and making sure they know how much you appreciate them.
Consider a Consultant
If you're a super-busy couple, have demanding jobs or have big (read: complicated) dreams for your wedding weekend, then you should hire a full-time wedding planner to help you prepare your entire event, from the announcement to the honeymoon. You can also hire a part-time consultant to devise a wedding blueprint -- including budget, schedule, and lists of good vendor and site choices -- before you launch solo into the preparations. Another option is a day-of coordinator, who will make sure everything goes smoothly on your wedding day.Consider a Consultant
Book a Venue (and Set Your Date)
Your reception venue will become the backdrop for virtually all your photos and can influence everything from heavy hitters like your budget and guest list to smaller details like your menu (if you choose a venue with in-house catering). Ensure that you get the look, price and extras you want by scouring local listings, shopping around, scheduling visits and booking early. Bonus: By signing your venue contract, you will officially have your wedding date (congrats!)! Here's a great website with a detailed lists of venues in the bay area: Wedding venues in the Bay Area, CA.
Hire Priority Vendors
If you just can't imagine getting married without a certain local band playing at the reception or a photographer whose work you love, act fast. Many top wedding photographers and other in-demand vendors are hired more than a year in advance, and once they're booked, they're gone. Translation: Figure out what your highest wedding priorities are, whether it's world-class catering or exquisite flowers, and snap up the vendors whose work you love.
Here are some vendors in the Bay area: Wedding Vendors in the Bay Area, CA
Pleased to know about your florist services. Last month, arranged my nephew’s wedding at one of excellent wedding venues NYC. Hired a reputed florist who did beautiful decorations for wedding and everyone liked floral arrangements.
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