How to Plan a Wedding
Your wedding day should be the happiest day of your life. However, many times the wedding day turns out to be one of the most stressful events in life. To plan a wedding that will be remembered with fondness requires organization, a good budget, and a commitment by the bride and groom to remain calm and work as a team.
- Set a date for the wedding. When picking a date, think of work schedules, where to go for the honeymoon, and choose backup dates. It is important to include family members in this decision.
- Send an official announcement to the local paper. The announcement should include the names of the couple and their parents, the couple’s hometown, the wedding date, and the city where the wedding will be held.
- Build a budget. Sit down with the parents to decide who will pay what, and create a list of priorities for the ceremony and reception. This is the moment you will decide if you want a small or large wedding.
- Choose the wedding rings. The couple should decide on ring styles, the price, and a jeweler. Make sure to keep records and receipts, these are important for insurance purposes.
- Create a guest list. The number of guests will drive most decisions regarding the wedding and reception. The couple should make this list together, and they may want to include parents making of the list. However, the bride and groom should be the ultimate decision-makers.
- Decide on wedding attendants. The couple will pick maid of honor and bridesmaids, a best man and groomsmen, and all other attendants for the wedding.
- Pick the ceremony and reception venues. Taking into consideration the number of guests, reserve the church and reception hall.
- Shop for wedding attire. The bride will pick her wedding gown, and the groom will pick a tuxedo or suit. Also, this is the time to choose attire for the attendants.
- Order wedding invitations. There are many options available online for wedding invitations suited for every budget. Address them to both families and individuals on the guest list.
Make decisions on the additional elements of the wedding. These elements include flowers, ceremony and reception music, photographer, videographer, catering, transportation, wedding vows, the wedding cake and groom’s cake, gift registries, and rehearsals.