Three cheers to the future bride and groom! Now that you have become engaged, your wedding journey begins. Whether you would like a simple wedding or a grand affair, planning it need not be (too) stressful – as long as you do it in advance.
Ideally, you should have at least a year to plan your wedding. That being said, following is a list of things you can take care of at least a year to ten months before your big day.
Determine your budget
The first thing you should do at least a year before your wedding is set your budget. Both of you should take the time to sit down and figure out what kind of wedding you want. When this is done, set the budget for it. Remember to make your budget as realistic as possible, and make a list of where you will get your budget – will it be your own savings as a couple, or are you also counting on contributions and sponsorships from family? How much do you have now, and how much will you have to save over the next year? One tip: try not to get a loan for your wedding; instead, look for ways to save money or earn extra income so you do not have to begin your married life with tons of debt.
Look for the venue and confirm with the registrar or minister
Choosing the right venue for your wedding will take some time and effort, since you cannot just settle for the first venue you see. You have to invest time in looking for the ideal venue, since this is where most of your budget will actually be spent. The great news is that there are many wedding venues to choose from, be it a fabulous, classic wedding venue in Oxfordshire like the Mansion House in Heythrop Park (learn more about this venue at www.heythroppark.co.uk) or a more modern alternative in the big city.
When looking for the venue, you may also want to ask them about any all-inclusive packages they may be able to offer. Most venues will have an all-inclusive package for weddings, which offers good value for your money. These packages often include a myriad of choices, such as welcome drinks, a beautiful suite for the bride and groom, a buffet supper, and more. And once you have found a good venue, conditionally reserve a date and check with your local minister or registrar if they are available at that time. If they are, then you can go ahead and confirm your reservation. If they aren’t, you will have to re-schedule and pick another date or look for a new venue.
Choose your suppliers
The next step you should take a year or so before your wedding is to choose your suppliers. This is where the exciting part begins, as this is the time you can choose your dress, book your wedding photographer, look for a florist, and choose other elements such as entertainment, wedding programmes, and more.
If you would like to have a customised gown, you typically need at least 10 months to plan its design, to have it made, to fit it, and more. If you are simply planning to purchase your dress from a bridal shop or boutique, then you do not have to take care of this right away and can wait a few more months (around six to eight months is ideal).
It would also be best to choose your wedding photographer at least a year before your wedding, as they are often busy and fully booked during the peak season. At this point, you can also determine what you want from your photographer, especially when it comes to styles and trends.
If you want your wedding to be the best day of your life, it is wise to plan the above-mentioned things well in advance – and before you know it, the big day is upon you, and you need only sit back, relax, and look forward to what lies ahead.
Image attributed to taesmileland/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
