6 Wedding Planning Tips Every Couple Needs
When it comes to planning your wedding day, there are a lot of decisions you need to make. Some couples choose to hire a wedding planner while others decide to tackle the unending list on their own. No matter which couple you are, if you don’t approach the details with a plan, they quickly pile on top of one another causing mountains of stress. Who wants to associate their big day with stress? The answer is simple, nobody! That is why we have compiled a list of the best steps to take when planning your big day so you can enjoy the moment with your friends, family, and each other.
Map it Out.
Yes, we mean on paper! It is the best way to unleash all of your thoughts, hopes, and wishes for your big day. Once you have them all on paper, you can start to see if you have realistic expectations or if you need to make some changes to the list. Things to consider adding to your list: do you want an indoor or outdoor service or reception, do you want to get married in a church, do you want a destination wedding? All of these answers play a big part in hiring vendors to bring your wishes to life.
Set a Budget (And Stick to it!)
Weddings are expensive. Couples in the Hanover, PA, area spend between
$27,826 and $46,376 on average. Knowing what you can afford upfront is important before you hire or book anything. If you can’t afford it, you have to ask yourself what are the most important items on your wish list and which can be changed to meet your financial needs and avoid going into debt?
Decide on the Number of Guests First.
The number of guests you invite impacts everything including venues, food, cake, and favor expenses. Make a complete list of everybody that you want to invite. Some couples break their list into three categories – who they have to invite like immediate family, secondary guests, and then a third category of guests it would be nice to invite. Once you have these numbers, you can start to contact venues, caterers, bakeries, etc., for pricing.
Trust the Vendors You Hire.
Once you sign contracts and officially hire vendors to handle the details, it is crucial that you trust them. They have far more experience planning weddings than you. While you may initially be annoyed by their recommendations, they are looking out for your best interests. Let them do what they do best so you can enjoy it.
Accept That Not Everything Will Go as Planned.
Things happen and plans go astray from time to time. It is normal. Accept the possibility in the beginning, and you will feel less stressed later on.
Buy Wedding Insurance.
Today, most venues require couples to buy wedding insurance. Wedding insurance protects you and the venue in a few important ways. First, it protects against liability claims that may occur at your event: If a guest falls and injures themselves; if a guest damages the venue property; or if a guest leaves drunk and causes a fatal accident or injury. In each of these scenarios, the bride and groom can be held responsible for the damages. Wedding insurance pays for these type of covered claims. A second benefit is it helps you recuperate the costs if you have to cancel for any reason.
Before you begin the process of wedding planning, know what to expect and steps you can take to minimize your overall stress.
