Just Engaged? Where do I start?!

Planning a wedding and keeping your sanity is not an easy task. Everyone knows that planning a wedding can be an extremely stressful and trying time, especially as the big day approaches!
One of the most important details of the wedding is the actual wedding date. First and foremost, the date should be set as soon as possible! Factors in choosing a date include the availability of the venue where the wedding will take place and availability of important friends and family on the assigned date.

It is also advisable to set a budget before you start to make plans. This way you’re able to organize the details according to your budget and avoid any arguements later on in the planning proccess.

Some venues where weddings are held offer discounts on days when weddings are not traditionally held, like Fridays and Sundays. The time the wedding takes place also becomes a factor in the expense. For example, mornings and afternoon receptions are usually more affordable than receptions held in the evening. Venues can offer discounts depending on the time of year. Just after the holidays could be a good time to hold a wedding if you are considering the cost. This time is not considered a peak wedding season therefore the price tends to be less expensive.

It’s important to talk to your fiancée about the size of your wedding. Your dream wedding might not be your fiancée’s. So it’s necessary for you to discuss details such as the location of the venue/reception, the number of people who get invited to the wedding/reception, and the choice of entertainment. Wedding planning will be a special time for the two of you, so it’s important to get started off on the right note!

It’s important to reach an agreement on the guest list. If you want to keep the wedding an intimate affair, only family and/or friends would be invited. If you wanted to have the wedding of the century, friends and family, long lost relatives, the whole neighborhood and high school buddies could be invited. When making the guest list, consider the space capacity of your chosen venue. The number of guests can be limited depending on your location.

It’s a good idea to hire a professional to capture this momentous occasion with photographs. Sure, your friends can take good pictures and some of them may own a camcorder. But for this special occasion, you would want something special, lasting, and visually presentable. This way you could also share them with your friends and family.
Don't forget the cake! It's a good idea to have a tasting first, before settling on a cake. Feel free to invite your family and friends for the cake tasting. This way, this task becomes fun for everyone!

When it comes to the wedding invitations it is your time to shine. One of my favorite online vendors is Invitation Consultants. They offer hundreds of invitations that you can customize by adding a personal touch for your perfect wedding invitation. Some brides choose to create their own invitations. This is a great way to save money, but brides beware, this can be a stressful task if you’re not organized!

Don't forget to start looking for a wedding gown months before the wedding so the bride has plenty of time to make a selection. The groom should make arrangements to rent or buy a tuxedo a few months in advance in case there is trouble with the fitting.

Couples who don't have enough time on their hands or just find the preparations that go into planning a wedding too overwhelming can always just hire a wedding planner. This way, everything gets organized and coordinated for them. But if you decide to go the wedding planner route, don’t forget this will add to the cost and lower your budget.