2. Set Your Budget

 

Your budget will guide every decision you make. Sit down with your partner and any contributing family members to determine a realistic wedding budget. Consider all aspects, including venue, catering, attire, decor, photography, entertainment… and don’t overlook rehearsal dinner, brunch the day after, hotel, transportation, and so on.  A trend I have always loved is registering for parts of your wedding day or honeymoon instead of items you may not need (do you really need a juice maker?!).   Here’s a typical breakdown to guide you:

 

• Wedding Venue & Catering:** 40-50%

• Wedding Photography/Videography:** 10-15%

• Formal Attire:** 8-10%

• Flowers & Decor:** 8-10%

• Music/Entertainment:** 8-10%

• Stationery:** 2-3%

• Miscellaneous (favors, gifts, etc.):** 2-3%

• Emergency Fund:** 5%

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(but again, don’t forget wedding rehearsal and dinner, hotels if you are at a destination, and other wedding-related events).

 

While weddings can be expensive, there are smart ways to save without compromising on your vision:

• Consider a wedding in the off-season or on a Friday/Sunday to save on venue costs.  Remember, too, that long weekends such as Memorial Day or Labor Day may be more expensive.

• Get crafty with some DIY decor projects. Have a look at my image gallery- there are some fabulous ideas in there. https://www.holmanphotography.com/client-images And Pinterest can also be your friend!

• Only give plus-ones to married, engaged, or long-term couples to keep the guest list in check.

• Hire local vendors to save on travel and accommodation costs.  The one exception to this may be your wedding photographer, with whom it is nice to have a relationship prior to your wedding day, and with whom you can meet in person before and after the wedding.

 

3. Create a Guest List

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Drafting a preliminary guest list for your wedding will help you choose a venue that fits your needs. Discuss with your partner whom you would like to invite and try to come up with a rough number of guests. I might advise to check with your parents, as well, especially if they will be contributing to your wedding, as they may have guests they want to attend whom you have not considered (remember, this is a celebration for them, too). I will reiterate, however, that it is still your wedding and you don’t have to invite your second cousin’s roommate’s brother just because your mom thinks you should.

 

  4. Choose a Date and Venue

 

The venue is one of the first things you should book, as it often determines the date (and sometimes the number of guests). Popular venues can book up a year or more in advance, especially in peak wedding seasons (spring and fall). Some venues will also offer (or require) catering, wine, service, set up and take down, so be sure to ask.  Here are the main venue considerations:

 

• Proximity to guests and travel convenience.  Some engaged couples are opting for a destination wedding for family, and a larger celebration at home.

• Ensure it accommodates your guest list comfortably.

• Does it reflect your vision for your wedding day?

• Does it fit within your budget?​

5. Hire a Wedding Planner

 

If your budget allows, hiring a wedding planner can save you time and stress. A planner will help you stay organized, manage your budget, and bring your vision to life with their expertise and connections.  They can also be there to help coordinate your day to keep things running smoothly so you can concentrate on the fun!

 

If you do not hire a planner, I recommend starting a tracking sheet that includes vendor contacts and basic contract info (see photography recommendations here.

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6. Hire Key Vendors Early

 

Some vendors are in high demand, so book them as soon as you have your date and venue.

 

• Photographer/Videographer:  Quality professionals can book up over a year in advance.  This is the one memento you will have to keep after your day is over.  Interview a few, read contracts well, and make sure you like your photographer!  Click here for questions to ask and things to consider when hiring your wedding photographer.

• Caterer:  If your venue doesn’t offer in-house catering, start looking early. Good food makes for happy guests. The good news is that tastings are really quite enjoyable!  Make a day of it.

• Entertainment:  Bands and DJs often book up quickly. Some events may call for both.  A live band is hard to beat (pardon the pun).

• Officiant:  If you have a particular wedding officiant in mind, book them early, or make sure your best buddy gets ordained online sooner rather than later.

• Florist: Top florists get snapped up quickly, especially during peak seasons.  One note about flowers- remember they will not come with you after the wedding (unless you tell guests to take them home).  It was a shocker for me at my wedding to realize we enjoyed them for a few hours and then they disappeared (note that you can send them home with guests, or there are organizations that will pick them up to donate to assisted living homes and hospitals).