Wedding planning can be a tumultuous process. People experience highs and lows while going through it, as it’s such a large responsibility. It’s really not all too surprising that many people hire wedding planners to take care of the bulk of the hard work on their behalf! But, if you’re looking to save money and are fond of a more DIY approach, there are steps you can take to make the entire process a whole lot easier and more straightforward. Focus on one area at a time and you’ll quickly tick things off your list, making your way towards your big day in a reduced stress and streamlined manner.
Creating a Guest-list
Once you know you’re definitely getting married, you need to start drawing up a guest-list. This, of course, should include everyone who you want to witness you getting married. Some people feel pressured to invite pretty much anyone they’ve ever met to their wedding, but it’s important to remember that it’s not actually essential to invite everyone to the actual ceremony. If you like you can always have a smaller and more intimate ceremony and then invite a wider circle of people you know to the party or reception afterwards. This is also a great way to cut costs, as having a huge number of attendees at the actual wedding itself can quickly get costly. Remember that some guests who may not know any other attendees might like to bring a plus one.
Wedding Venue
Your venue is one of the biggest decisions you will make because it sets the whole mood for the day. Think about how many guests you have, whether you want something traditional or more relaxed, and how far people will need to travel. It can help to look at a mix of options, from local halls to countryside barns and even exclusive wedding venues if you want something a bit more private and special. Try to visit in person if you can, ask what is included in the price, and check things like parking, catering rules, and how long you actually get the space for.
Picking Bridesmaids / Best Men / Etc
Another step that you need to take when it comes to organizing your guests is picking people who will play key roles throughout the day. Traditionally, you are going to need to choose bridesmaids, best men, someone to walk down the aisle, flower boy or girls, and other roles. Remember, you don’t have to absolutely stick to the usual protocol. It’s your big day, so if you want to mix things up a bit, you can. Many people even have their pets walk them down the aisle, so nothing is too out there!
Getting Your Flower Arrangements Together
While flowers aren’t essential for a wedding, many people do choose to have some sort of floristry for their wedding. Whether you want a stand out bouquet or beautiful table arrangements that will form centerpieces, it’s likely that there are going to be a fair amount of flowers about. Of course, wedding floristry takes time and many good quality florists are in high demand, so you’re going to have to make sure that you organize your wedding flowers well in advance of the date of your big day. Research credible florists and, if possible, choose a florist who is relatively local to your wedding venue.