START PLANNING YOUR WEDDING

The holidays are over. It’s time to start planning your wedding the most special day of yours. The wedding is in 8 months and you have not booked anything yet? No panic, you have plenty of time. Avoid procrastinating and you will be fine. Stay focused and follow these steps:

1. Shop for a wedding planner

A wedding planner is not a luxury. A wedding planner is a necessity. I would even say a wedding planner is a requirement for a stress-free, professionally planned wedding. Why? Because the wedding planner works for you. She/He is like your personal assistant who helps you plan everything step-by-step, reminds you about important dates, gets you good deals and keeps away the trouble on the day of. If you hire a professional to do your nails, hire a professional to plan the most important day of your life.

2. Discuss the guest list and the budget.

Along the way, you will realize that your expectations don’t match the reality. It’s quite hard to find something you want at a price you like. That’s why it is important to discuss your initial guest count and preferrable budget with your fiance and family to keep that in mind when shopping for venues. Let your wedding planner know about your plans and ask for recommendations.

3. Shop for a wedding venue

This is the main milestone that you need to achieve. It might be difficult to choose between “the best” and “the most cost-effective”. Some people, however, find exactly what they want. Other options would be to increase your budget or cut down the guest count. Discuss the details with your wedding planner and family and make a decision.

4. Send Save-the Dates

You have the date, the time and the venue. It’s time to send the Save-the-Date cards. It will allow your out-of-town guests to better prepare for your wedding. If the wedding is in 3 months, skip the Save-the Dates and send out invitations with detailed information. Ask your guests to RSVP by a specific date to know how many guests to expect for at wedding.

5. Shop for the wedding vendors

Hire professionals. You don’t want to end up losing your pictures, getting food poisoning or having an empty dance floor at your wedding. Work with your wedding planner, ask for recommendations and try to get some deals on good vendors if they are out of your budget. I’d recommend to rather spend your time on that instead of wasting your money on unprofessionals.

6. Shop for a wedding dress…

…and your bridesmaids’ dresses at the same time. This way you can enjoy the time with your girlfriends and check off this part of your list. I see a lot of brides stress about their wedding dress because they started looking last minute. Get it done as soon as possible. No need for extra panic when the wedding is just around the corner.

7. Enjoy being a bride

When you take care of the main points such as guest list, budget, vendors, venue, etc. relax. Don’t stress over small stuff, instead, enjoy it! You are the bride; you get to make the world revolve around you. Make your wedding planning an unforgettable journey and have fun with it!

This post was written by one of the best wedding planners in the industry

Regina Galiyeva