Congratulations! Look who's getting hitched! Time to put on your planning hats and get the ball rolling for your big day. Don't worry! I've got loads of tips, questions, and ideas to get those wedding bells ringing!
First things first: YOUR wedding day is YOUR day! This is a time to celebrate the love between you and your partner, so make it your own! Forget about what everyone else thinks, follow your heart and do whatever makes you happy!
Create a new email address just for wedding stuff. Use this email when reaching out to vendors for quotes.
Sit down with your partner and decide on a budget for your wedding.
Figure out how many people you plan on inviting to your wedding (including wedding party). You will need to know this when searching for a venue to make sure the venue is big enough.
Do you have a specific date you want for your wedding?
- May, June, September & October are popular months
You should book your venue about 18-24 months out from your desired wedding date
Hotel or Resort: Consider booking a hotel or resort for your wedding if you plan on inviting many out-of-town guests. This option offers numerous benefits, such as in-house catering and a wide range of amenities. Additionally, your guests can conveniently stay overnight after the celebration is over.
Barns and Farms: If you're aiming for a relaxed and rustic wedding, a farm setting can provide stunning natural scenery for your special day.
Country Clubs: For a classic wedding celebration, consider the many country clubs available. With stunning indoor and outdoor spaces, some even include on-site catering, and access to sprawling golf courses.
Vineyards: If you're a wine enthusiast, getting married at a vineyard may be perfect for you. These venues often come with wineries where couples can hold indoor activities, making it an ideal choice.
Historical Sites: Step into the past and give your love story a slice of history! If you're both architecture and history buffs, why not exchange vows in a charming old estate or historical site?
Religious Settings: Tie the knot in a divine location! Holy hubs like mosques, churches, or synagogues can be the perfect setting for your special day.
Beaches: Wedding bells by the shore, with the sun, sand, and waves creating the perfect natural setting for a day to remember!
Unique & Unconventional Venues: Are you dreaming of a wedding that's as wild and free as your love? Forget cookie-cutter venues and say "I do" to a sports stadium, campground or warehouse! It's time to get creative!
Here are some pro-tips for those planning a destination wedding:
First off, consider teaming up with a local wedding planner. They have the inside scoop on the best venues, vendors, and legal requirements of the area.
Secondly, keep the guest list short and sweet, especially if you're crossing borders or oceans. Your guests will thank you for considering their travel arrangements and making their experience seamless.
Lastly, don't forget the boring paperwork! Get hitched legally back home, and focus on the party at your dreamy destination!
Here are some things to keep in mind:
Check if your desired date is available.
Consider the rental fee and if it fits your budget.
Pick between an indoor or outdoor venue. If it's outdoors, don't forget to suggest proper shoes for your guests to walk on grass, gravel, or pavement.
Check the capacity and if seating is included.
Are rehearsals a part of the rental fee? If so, when and for how long can you rehearse?
Make sure you know how long you have the venue for, from set-up to tear-down.
Does the venue have a backup plan in case of bad weather?
Ensure the venue is accessible for all your guests, including those with wheelchairs and elderly guests.
Here are some key questions to consider when choosing a venue:
Is your ideal date available?
How much does it cost? Total fee including deposit.
Is the venue available for one day or the whole weekend?
How early can you arrive to set up, and when does everything need to be cleaned up?
Indoor or outdoor? If outside, what kind of shoes are best for the terrain? You can put shoe recommendations on your save-the-date or invite.
Is there nearby accommodations for guests traveling far distances?
Does the venue also have a ceremony location? If so, is there an additional cost?
What is the maximum capacity for the venue?
What is included in the rental fee? Chairs, tables, linens, bathrooms, get-ready rooms, kitchen, catering, bartending, ice, etc?
Are you required to use any of their vendors?
Does the venue have a coordinator? What services do they offer and at what cost?
Are there any discounts, deals or specials?
Always get a contract before making a deposit.
What are the venue's policies and rules (Can you have real candles? Can you have sparklers? What kind of confetti can guests throw?)
Is there a backup plan for inclement weather?
Is the venue accessible for all guests (wheelchairs, elderly, etc.)?
Some Backyard Wedding Tips...
Before you say "I do," make sure to pack the essentials! Sure, you've got your tent, tables and chairs, but don't forget the little things. You'll need extra tables to keep your appetizers, desserts, and drinks, and seating for your ceremony site. Oh, and don't forget to set up bathrooms, trash cans, and a prep area to get ready. You'll want to make sure your guests have proper lighting, especially if they're walking around outside the tent. And speaking of lighting, don't forget to make sure there's electricity for your DJ and ceremony site.
Make sure you have permission to use the property. You don't want to have a run-in with the law on your big day! Consider guests with special needs, like wheelchairs and elderly attendees. Always have a backup plan for bad weather - you don't want to be caught in a downpour! Finally, figure out how you're going to keep things cold - you don't want to be stuck with warm drinks!
Last But Not Least, Some Golden Advice!
I recommend creating a spreadsheet to keep track of all the vendors you reach out to.
Check the reviews!
Before signing on any dotted line, snag a contract and give it a good once-over. Don't be shy, raise a hand and ask all the questions! And if you do need to make any tweaks, don't forget to grab an updated copy before scribbling your signature.