Planning a wedding can be very overwhelming. Setting priorities and meeting them in a timely manner is one of the greatest challenges in wedding planning. Some things can be left until the end, while others are more urgent and must be decided right away. To help newly engaged couples get started and stay on track with their wedding planning, wedding couple has made a “Wedding Priorities List” separated into two categories, “High Priority” and “Lower Priority”.
Happy Planning!
High Priority
1. The Budget
Determining how much money you will be able to spend is crucial to the rest of your wedding planning. Determine who will help contribute to the wedding. Traditionally, the parents of the bride pay for the wedding; however, today that is not the case. Depending on the financial situation of each family, “circumstances and common sense—not tradition—now dictate who will pay what for a wedding,” says Family Education.
2. The Venue
To many couples, after the budget, the venue is most important. Make sure both the ceremony and reception sites are available according to your preferences. There are many incentives to book certain venues and don’t be afraid to ask if there are any promotions.
3. The Date
Choosing a date/season of significance is important, but your budget can also determine when you get married. An “off season” wedding and receptions on a Friday night, or in the afternoon on a Saturday or Sunday are often more affordable.
4. The Guest List
A top priority as it is never easily settled. Writing down your list is a visual tool to help you stay on track. Plan this as soon as possible to make sure you are inviting the people you actually want to take part in your special day.
5. Wedding Invitations
Invitations can be very expensive, so it is important to keep your budget in mind when shopping for these! You can send one invitation per household. Don’t forget to account for postage – both on the original envelope as well as the return envelope. And note: postage for square envelopes is more expensive than rectangular envelopes. For invitation etiquette, check out these great tips from Wedding Paper Divas.
6. Video and Still Photographers
Once you have the date, you will be able to start your search for a photographer and/or videographer that’s available on your big day. If the photographer you had your heart set on is booked on your date, ask them for any referrals. Also, DO NOT give the job to a friend or relative to save money. There are many reasons for this, mainly that more skill and training goes into wedding photography and videography than just owning a “good camera.”
7. The Entertainment
Perhaps you were at a wedding and loved a particular band. Do not wait as a great band is often booked for more than just weddings and often a year or more ahead of time. The same would apply to a great DJ.
8. Dresses and Tuxes
Order your wedding dress as soon as possible. Retailers can take up to 8 months to deliver your dress! There also needs to be time for alterations as well as shoe and accessories shopping. Tuxes can be ordered at least 4 months in advance.
Low Priority
9. Wedding Party
Wait until 6 months out to determine your wedding party. A lot can change over the course of a year!
10. Flowers
This can be arranged through the facility where you are having your wedding and you need only to worry about the church and the bouquet. Or you can retain a professional florist. If you want something special you should have your own florist who will understand and also make suggestions. This can wait until all the main details of the wedding are worked out – although most florists require a deposit several months in advance to secure the date and order the flowers.
11. Wedding Registry
Once you have your high priority details checked off, set up your registry right away, so your guests have ample time to purchase gifts for your engagement party, wedding shower and wedding. Choose three stores at different price points for a variety. Some of the more popular wedding registries include: Walmart, Macy’s, and Pottery Barn. If you can’t narrow down your stores there are sites like Giftregistry360.com that allow you to combine a bunch of items from different stores into one registry.
12. Favors
These are very important for incorporating the theme of the wedding, as well as showing your guests that you appreciate their presence. With so many options to choose from, it is important to do your research. Many types of wedding favors can be found on website!
13. Transportation
Shop well for your limousine company. There are many prices and professionalism can vary greatly in most regions. They generally have a cooperative agreement with other agencies if you are near a major city. If they do not have enough rides they will sub contract your wedding to another company. Check them out thoroughly. If you require something special like a classic car, carriage or surrey, that will need to be booked six months in advance and confirmed a few times in between.
14. Honeymoon
Do not even think about it until everything for your wedding is worked out. Six months to a year is plenty of time to plan your trip. After planning a wedding, you might want to work with a travel agent, so it is one less thing to plan!
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