The ultimate wedding planning checklist
Welcome to our step-by-step wedding planning checklist! Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, but fear not, as we are here to help you navigate through this journey. From the initial stages of setting a budget to the final touches on your big day, it takes 12 to 18 months. It can be hard to figure out exactly when each job needs to be done, though. As a wedding connoisseur, I’d like to share my advice for each stage of wedding planning, from over a year in advance to a week before the big event, to help you create a preliminary plan. 18 months When it comes to budgeting, it’s important to have a clear understanding of how much you’re willing to spend because it helps you figure out how much you can invest in the venue and suppliers. It also helps your wedding planner understand your needs and how to stay within your financial means, and it also allows us to find the best possible solutions for you. Once you’ve excitedly announced your engagement, it’s a good idea to inquire if anyone else, e.g., your parents might be interested in helping out with the wedding expenses. one-year wedding planning checklist While the venue is surely important, there is another aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to planning your dream wedding: the size of your guest list. Once you have finalized your guest list, it’s time to reach out to your trusted stationery supplier. Armed with the number of guests you expect to invite, you can confidently place your order for save-the-dates and the entire stationery suite. Nine months Choose a color palette and mood for the overall look. Now’s also the right time to create your wedding website and send out the save-the-dates. If you hired a planner, ask them to recommend the supplier that works best for your style. If you’re handling it on your own, you can create your dream vision board on Pinterest. Have fun! Why not take a moment to find some inspiration? Think about the kinds of things you appreciate when scrolling through Instagram. How do you go about decorating your house? Draw inspiration from your daily life to create a look that truly reflects your interests and showcases your unique personality. Six months If you haven’t done so already, it is highly recommended that you set your appointments with your “smaller” wedding suppliers, including the florist, entertainment, musicians, and other related services.Don’t overlook the importance of transportation, along with furniture and dinnerware rental services. At long last, it is time to start with the careful preparation of your enchanting honeymoon getaway. Three Months This is an ideal moment to indulge in exquisite bridal lingerie, meticulously curate your ensemble for pre- and post-wedding celebrations, and get delightful wedding party gifts and favors. Ensure that you secure accommodations for your valued out-of-town guests, as well as a beautiful room for the wedding night, should you choose not to stay at the venue. Four-week wedding planning checklist This is the perfect opportunity to add the final touches to your personal vows, should you decide to share them. It is highly advisable to begin considering the necessary paperwork relating to the process of changing your surname at the moment. Get ready to glam up! Don’t forget to set up some precious moments for the bridal party to indulge in fabulous hair and makeup time.Enjoy some pre-wedding pampering by treating yourself to a luxurious spa day. Not only will this blissful experience help you unwind, but it will also boost your confidence to radiate pure bridal elegance on your big day. So go ahead, mark your calendar, and get ready to go on a journey of relaxation and self-care. You deserve it, gorgeous! Two weeks Stay on top of your event planning game by touching base with your caterer to ensure you have the most up-to-date headcount of your guests. And while you’re at it, why not take a moment to double-check that all those oh-so-important payments to your fabulous vendors have been carried out? It’s all about that attention to detail! It is also a good time to break in your wedding shoes so that they will be comfortable to wear on the actual wedding day. One week It’s the perfect moment to delegate those important tasks to your trusted entourage. Think about assigning specific responsibilities like distributing those precious rings, ensuring smooth transportation arrangements, and delivering a meticulously crafted list of directions for the big day to either the venue or your brilliant wedding planner. For me, this is the key to a stress-free and flawlessly executed wedding extravaganza! Get ready to jet off on your honeymoon. A few things you can do until booking your venue: Research different types of venues and their availability. Explore different locations and consider the logistics of each option. Create a budget for your venue expenses. Take virtual tours or visit potential venues to get a better sense of their ambiance, getting an idea of the colors and style of the decor and the whole day.possible welcome dinner, wedding brunch, pool party locations and style or decor.style of invitations and paper design.making a moodboard for the wedding day.Research dresses online and on social media (and any possible additional outfits for the wedding events), shoes.Preparing a guest list and choosing your bridal party.Strat looking for entertainment options and activities for your guests (boat rides, on-site illustrators).
5 Powerful Ways to Subtly Encourage Your Guests to RSVP
The pain of reminding wedding guests to RSVP while you eagerly await their response. Frustrating much? From digital RSVPs to the classic paper one, one thing remains constant throughout the event planning process. You’ve dedicated at least a year of your life to wedding prep. Ah, the thrill of waiting for those enthusiastic “Yes!” RSVPs to flood your mailbox after sending out wedding invitations. Encouraging guests to RSVP promptly can be a challenging task. Whether you opt for traditional paper invitations, embrace the digital era with electronic ones, or even experiment with both, the decision is entirely yours! rsvp cards are a “must” in your classic invitation suite RSVP cards and postmarked envelopes encourage guests’ responses to confirm or decline their attendance. However, this doesn’t rule out the prospect of forgetting. Despite sending digital invitations, where RSVPs are just a click away, somehow some guests manage to elude us. It is important to inform your guests to RSVP so that you can have an accurate headcount for the event, as weddings are priced on a “per person” basis. Having a close estimate of the number of guests is crucial in making various decisions, ranging from selecting the venue to creating a proper wedding seating plan. It is essential to have an accurate guest count. Make it easy to respond The more user-friendly the RSVP process is, the higher the likelihood that individuals will respond on time. This doesn’t mean everyone will, but it’ll definitely be helpful. Hey, if you’re sending out paper invitations, you might want to check out RSVPify to collect your RSVPs online. For most of us, logging into a website is way easier than trying to locate stamps. Using RSVPify.com or something similar for your RSVPs is super easy and fast for your guests. It makes things easier for you because you won’t have to do any of the counting yourself. Here’s a pro tip: send Grandma a beautiful paper invitation with an RSVP card to make her feel extra special, but for your tech-savvy people, go digital. It’s the perfect way to balance tradition with modern convenience! This is not just a speedy way to send out your invites, but it’s also an amazing way to show your love for the environment! If you’re receiving physical RSVPs via cards, make sure to track responses digitally in a spreadsheet! Create a sleek guest list by making a column with all your fabulous guests’ names and then simply noting their responses. Encourage your guests to RSVP so that you can be contacted in different ways. Keep it simple and straightforward with your guests. Don’t overthink it. Trust me, they’ll appreciate it! Include your RSVP date and give your guests clear instructions on how to respond, whether it’s through the mail or online. Traditionally, wedding invitations are sent in the mail about 4-5 months before the wedding date. Give them just enough time to make plans, but not so much time that they start planning their retirement instead! (usually two months before the wedding date). If you’re not quite on schedule, Well, brace yourself for the last-minute RSVP apocalypse! If you’re planning a destination wedding or wedding during the holiday season, give your guests a heads up and send out those save-the-dates a little earlier to avoid extra drama! Reach out with an RSVP reminder It would be helpful to send a reminder before the RSVP deadline. Please don’t worry or feel like you are being overbearing. It is possible that your guests may forget to RSVP due to the busyness of life, but they certainly intend to inform you of their attendance. It’s much easier to tell people before a deadline than after, when you’re feeling the pressure. So, you can start giving little RSVP reminders about two weeks before the deadline. Just make sure you don’t nudge everyone on the guest list. You can ask politely, but be strict about getting them by a certain date. Here are some easy ways to tell people to RSVP. Case 1. Leverage your enthusiasm to connect You can be excited and firm at the same time. “We are so excited, we could burst! We want to remind all our lovely guests to RSVP by the [XYZ] due date.” Case 2: While requesting RSVPs, share an update on the wedding plans. Adding a bit of detail and an update to the wedding will get your guests excited about attending. This will also soften the tone of your reminder notice. “Hey guys! Wedding planning has been keeping us buzzing lately, and we just had to share some exciting updates with you all! Stay tuned for more! Exciting news I am beyond thrilled to announce that our favorite band will be gracing us with their presence and playing all the groovy tunes at our upcoming event! I can’t wait to see all your beautiful faces there! Get ready to get funky on the dance floor with us by RSVPing by [XYZ].“ Case 3: As the RSVP deadline approaches, let your guests know By using words like “final” and “exact,” you’re showing your guests that your RSVPs and their due dates are not optional. This is very important as the deadline draws near. “We are now two weeks away from the wedding. As we get ready to make the final plans, we’ll need to know the exact number of guests attending, so please don’t forget that RSVPs are due [XYZ]”. Be safe, not sorry. Plan for missed RSVPs. To ensure your peace of mind, round up the numbers you provide to the caterer, venue, or planner. No need to worry about Uncle Phil’s last-minute RSVP or your cousin’s surprise plus one; your seating chart is already one step ahead of the game. Remember, it’s always better to have a few extra plans up your sleeve than have a last-minute panic attack. If the no-shows keep piling up, your foodie guests are going to enjoy a delicious extra plate of main! Am I right?
ways to avoid people-pleasing when wedding planning
Today we’re going to cover approaches to stay clear of people pleasing while planning your wedding. Avoid people pleasing during wedding planning for your own peace of mind. Are you putting undue pressure on yourself? You may be wondering if your stress is from wedding planning or satisfying everyone’s expectations on your most significant day. Guest experience is crucial to your wedding, and thinking about others is always good. You must also set boundaries and know how you and your partner want the wedding to go. Avoid people pleasing during wedding planning by communicating openly with your partner. It is all about focusing on what you and your partner truly want. Do not get caught up in trying to make everyone else happy. Making sure your guests are comfortable is vital, but so is taking care of yourself. It is hard to do this because social media has made us care so much about what others say that it paralyses us. You should be considerate, but you deserve the wedding of your dreams that properly expresses your relationship with your fiancé. This is where pleasing people when planning your wedding becomes difficult. It’s nearly impossible to please everyone in any situation, so are you adding to the pressure by listening to too many people and trying to please everyone else rather than just focusing on what you want? Are you so preoccupied with making a day that others will enjoy that you’ve forgotten what you actually want? The “wants” and “needs” of others are they displacing your original ideas? That magical day you were looking forward to has suddenly gotten out of hand and appears to have run away with itself as you prioritise everyone else. Avoid people pleasing when planning your wedding by setting clear boundaries Prioritise your vision, and communicate openly with loved ones. Stay focused on what truly matters to you and your partner. It’s tempting to be swept up in the idea that you have to consider everyone else’s input, especially that of the people who will play pivotal roles in your wedding celebration. Do you have to pay attention to what they’re saying, though? Have you ever agreed with someone else’s opinion, even if you disagreed, to “keep the peace”? It’s wonderful to be able to make other people feel happy and cherished; doing so can give you a huge emotional lift. But at what cost to your own well-being and enjoyment of your wedding? Do you truly want to deal with this additional pressure, or do you need to learn how to say no, and learn fast? Learn how to to say no. Learning to say no may be the most difficult thing you’ve ever had to do, but it could mean the difference between a day filled with happiness and one filled with stress and regret. Avoid people pleasing during wedding planning to make your special day stress-free. If saying no is something that you normally struggle with, then you need to start getting in some practice now. Start with small everyday things that people ask of you and instead of saying yes, like you normally would, say no. Be polite but be firm. Don’t allow yourself to be pushed around. avoiding the trap of trying to please everyone. Guidelines Remember that this is your wedding, and that the most important thing is to do what the two of you want to do. As soon as we allow ourselves to become preoccupied with the needs of others, we lose sight of our own goals. While it’s vital to be mindful of your guests, it’s also crucial to remember that you can be a thoughtful host while still throwing the wedding of your dreams. It’s fine to express appreciation for the input you’ve received but ultimately follow your instincts or move in a different way. All that matters is that you tie the knot with your soul mate, that you show your guests a good time, that your wedding day is a reflection of the two of you, and that you enjoy yourselves. Avoid people pleasing during wedding planning to make the day truly yours. Don’t let anyone steal your happiness.
Wedding planner or coordinator – which one do you need?
Just engaged? Congratulations! You are about to embark on the most exciting journey of your life. But if you have taken just a little peek into the wedding world, then you must already know—there is a whole new area to discover. Not to mention a whole palette of vendors to book! So, how can you do it right and as smoothly as possible? Easy, by hiring an event pro. You’re probably confused about how many choices you have out there, but you still don’t know the difference between a wedding planner or coordinator, which is perfectly natural! So, let’s clear things up. You will be glad to know that both of these are professionals who can take things up a notch and help you pull off a dream day. It all comes down to which one suits your needs best. Let’s look at the difference between a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator so that you can choose the right one for your story! Wedding planner All of the months of careful planning will culminate with your big day, and your wedding planner will be beside you every step of the way. Think of them as your full support. From the day you book them, they will help you organise absolutely everything! By helping you save time (and nerves), you will have someone who will take care of it all. From negotiating and booking vendors to managing your budget, and from completely taking care of all the details to a day of coordination, their services cover everything from A-Z. Therefore, a wedding planner is responsible for organising, executing, and managing your wedding project within specific deadlines and within your budget. They oversee the entire planning process, ensuring that all tasks and deliverables are completed on time and within scope. Additionally, a wedding planner is responsible for coordinating and communicating with your suppliers, managing issues, and ensuring that the planning aligns with your vision. Overall, their role is crucial in ensuring the successful completion of projects and the achievement of desired outcomes Need fewer planning tasks done? Then let’s see if a coordinator might be best for you. Wedding coordinator While the difference between a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator is the timeline of the work, scope-wise, it is pretty straightforward. The coordinator will also help you streamline your big day. However, there is one major difference: the coordinator will meet you just 4 weeks before your wedding and help you with already-established planning tasks. For instance, they will help you in several aspects but won’t offer full organizing services—only partial planning and a day of coordination. A coordinator will confirm already established logistics and vendors, make a final walk-through of the venue, help you with the floor plan, provide additional details, and oversee the wedding day. Wedding stylist The wedding planner and the wedding coordinator are all about the process of organizing and making sure everything runs smoothly. The wedding stylist, on the other hand, is the one who focuses on the aesthetic of your event! Everything visual is not left to the imagination but in the faithful and capable hands of the stylist. At the end of the day, when you are thinking about it, the difference between a wedding planner, a wedding coordinator, and a stylist is not that different. The core of all of their jobs is to make sure of a seamless wedding and a happy bride! The main distinction is their tasks, focus, and timeframe. wedding planner or coordinator: which one is the best for you? In essence, the difference between a wedding planner, coordinator, and stylist is different in terms of various duties, focus, and timeframe. However, the core of all of their jobs is to make sure of a seamless wedding and a happy bride! If you are thinking about hiring someone to assist you with organizing your big day, either from the start or finalising the final details and the timeline, then you should go for a wedding planner or a wedding coordinator. Feel free to go to our contact page and get in touch with us! We are happy to help you make your dream day happen. Don’t know how to work out your budget? Read the Ultimate guide to Wedding Costs Breakdown
10 Simple Ways To Overcome Wedding Anxiety
Does your wedding to-do list make you anxious? Anything from catering, flowers, and music to the wedding dress and the venue can be the cause of stress. If the planning responsibilities are making you feel overwhelmed, maybe it is time to take a step back. However, this does not mean you should stop overall. Simply give yourself some time to put your wedding anxiety in order. Luckily, we are here to assist you, so below, we have listed 10 simple ways to deal with it. Let’s get you upbeat! 1. Pick the right team of vendors There is nothing quite like having the right team of professionals stand by your side. When wedding anxiety arises, they will be able to reassure and calm you with logical solutions. 2. Organisation is the key When contracts, wedding magazines, contact numbers, and task lists are scattered throughout your desk, that induces stress in you and doesn’t make you feel in control. Try to keep your space organized and neat. 3. Give yourself some space When you feel like the wedding planning anxiety is kicking in, give yourself some space. Instead, go out for a walk, do some yoga, or simply take a nap. It is a great way to calm your mind and relax your body. 4. Talk with your friends Talking it out with your favorite people will immediately ease your mind. It is very cathartic. Just having someone to listen to your challenges can remove a huge load off your shoulders and soothe your wedding anxiety. 5. Allow yourself to feel When the pre-wedding anxiety starts to build up in your body, acknowledge it. From the tips of your fingers to the tips of your toes. In essence, allowing yourself to feel is the best way to help the anxiety pass right through you – and leave. 6. The big picture matters At the end of the day, the one thing that matters is that you are getting married! So step back and look at the bigger picture – this will help you remain calm and focused. 7. Sweat if off Hit the gym, exercise, or go for a long walk. When wedding anxiety builds up, it is time to shake off the extra energy. This will have you feeling calmer, more focused, and relaxed. 8. Avoid comparison You will feel the wedding nerves if you start comparing your special day to the one of a friend or a relative. Remember that this is your celebration, and it will be a perfect one! 9. Delegate some tasks to your family members Whenever you feel like you are unable to juggle all the tasks and need an extra person to help you out, hire a wedding planner! They will be by your side every step of the way and make sure everything is in order – including your nerves. 10. Get some assistance having someone be in charge of some tasks will allow you to feel more at ease. For example, have your maid of honor be in charge of bringing the dress, or have your sibling track the RSVPs, etc. In conclusion, no matter how you choose to approach this, looking after your health should always come first. If you start feeling like the wedding anxiety is slowly taking over, stop, take a deep breath, and try one of these simple ways to get through it! Thinking about hiring a wedding planner? Take a look at what a wedding planner really does
All you need to know about the breakdown of wedding costs.
What factors contribute to the higher wedding costs? You have started thinking about planning your big day, and there are plenty of things to go through! You may find yourself with a long list of things you need to complete so you can have your perfect day. Of course, everything on that list will have a cost. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to help you with the financial aspect of planning. Let’s look at all wedding costs, breakdown them, and make the most of your budget. Wedding venue The first thing on your wedding cost breakdown list should be the venue! Make a guest list and see how big of a venue you need. Also, consider other parameters, such as the location of your venue, whether outdoor or indoor, etc. The wedding venue can cost up to 40% of your budget (less if catering isn’t involved). Catering wedding budget As you embark on the journey of planning your wedding, you will soon discover that a significant portion of your budget will be dedicated to customising your menu. The total expense is closely linked to the size of your guest list. A bigger list means increased costs. Another aspect to consider is the quality and the type of meals you wish to have served. The catering costs can increase significantly, potentially reaching up to 23%, based on your specific requirements. Photography The wedding cost breakdown guide would not be complete without photography and videography. Look into photographers, their style, portfolio, and the services they offer. This would consume about 15% of your funds. Wedding cake They say a wedding without a cake is just a party. So setting aside a small chunk of your budget for a spectacular cake is just a must! Currently, depending on how many guests you plan to have and how large you want the cake to be, the cost should be about 3%. wedding flowers The floral decor will compliment your wedding aesthetic, reflecting your personal style. It is an investment that is bound to amaze everyone and set the tone of your celebration. Besides the ceremony and reception decor, the bouquet and boutonnieres enter the overall equation. The wedding budget breakdown for florals can go as high as 10%. Music Entertainment Music is one of the most important factors in setting the mood for your big day. From ceremony to the afterparty, whether you fancy a show band or a DJ, working out the cost of wedding music is a top priority, and it will typically require about 10%. Wedding outfits Do not forget your attire! Everything from a wedding gown to shoes, make-up, hair, a suit, and a tie can cost from 5–7%, depending on your preferences. The funds that you spend on your wedding outfits don’t need to be reported to your wedding planner, but they’re still part of your wedding cost breakdown. The same goes for accessories. Wedding rings Essentials check! You can’t have a wedding without wedding bands! The price of the wedding rings will vary, so look into the styles you desire and see which style would fit you and your partner’s personalities the most. An average expense is about 3%. Wedding costs breakdown: miscellaneous Wrap up the ultimate wedding budget guide with everything else that forms part of your big day! From the stationery (3%) to the officiant fees, and from the transportation (3%) to favors and welcome baskets (2%), go through everything you need and set aside these extra funds. Before diving deep into the organization, make sure to prioritize what’s important to you two. See what to book first and which items are not essential. This can help you get a more realistic picture of what you would spend on your celebration. Keep this wedding costs breakdown guide to keep track of your budget and keep in mind that you don’t need to fully stick to it, but rather take it as advice that can assist you in managing your costs while organizing your wedding. Consider this invaluable advice on effectively spreading your budget, and start planning. Plan a sustainable yet luxurious wedding What does a Wedding Planner really do?
