Getting married is definitely a major decision that requires you to leave your comfort zone to confront an entirely different life with another person. This new life opens up new challenges and possibilities that lead to your further happiness. However, before you can address these new challenges and possibilities, you need to make that transition from single life to married life — that transitional point is your wedding day.
The planning of your wedding can be very taxing and intimidating, but with enough foresight, you can facilitate the preparation process, and make this transition a memorable and meaningful one. There’s so much you can incorporate, like the Ed Sheeran thinking out loud wedding dance. You can start the planning of your wedding a year — or more — in advance and, of course, you need to make a “to-do” checklist beforehand. But before that, you need to set a budget and configure your preparations based on this budget.
Your budget should cover the cost of the caterers, venue, officiants, and many other things that you must pay for. It should also cover the cost of your bridal gown and ring. You can buy your wedding gown a few months earlier to make way for alterations if needed, and always remember that you should be the most beautiful girl on that day by having the most beautiful gown. Here are additional simple tips to help you better prepare for your wedding:
- Plan and Make Your Plan Comprehensive
Since “everything is created twice: first in the mind, then in reality,” then your wedding should first be carefully planned in your mind and on paper. If you are less confident that you can facilitate it on your own, and if budget is not a problem, you can readily hire a wedding planner who will work with you full-time. The wedding planner can deal with the nitty-gritty of your wedding plan, set the right budget, and book the necessary vendors.
On the other hand, if you are under budget, you can simply hire a part-time coordinator to at least help you with the initial planning like expert from Married. Afterwards, you can do the rest of the planning stage on your own if you feel confident that you can perfectly execute your wedding plan. You simply need to have a checklist of “things to do” to ensure that you don’t leave anything important not taken care of.
- Work Within Your Budget
Once you’ve set your (very realistic) budget, you need to work within it. Decide on the number of guests you are willing to invite and make sure that you would only invite the number of people on your list. Moreover, you should choose a venue that can accommodate all your expected guests and decide if you will serve a meal. But don’t overspend!
- Send the Necessary Invites
Once you’re done choosing the venue and have already made reservations, you can then send your wedding invitations. In this invitation, you should not forget the date and time of your wedding, the location, RSVP information, and your wedding dress code. You should aim to send out your invitations eight weeks prior to your wedding.
- Book the Necessary Vendors
Don’t forget to book the necessary vendors like the florist, bartender, photographer, wedding band, DJ, and the officiant of your choice. You can also reserve a caterer if you want food to be served during the occasion, and of course, you should not forget your wedding cake!