Wedding Planning: Where to Start?
If you just got engaged, chances are you’re probably thinking: “Where in the world do I start?”
Understandably so. Planning a wedding is hard work — it’s even harder when you consider that, most of the time, brides are going through this experience for the first time.
Let us help you de-stress and sift through that workload!
Step 1
One of the first things you’ll want to do after getting the ring is to start collecting your ideas. If you’re an avid Pinterest user, chances are you’ve already started collecting ideas. There’s certainly no shame in doing so. It actually gives you a head-start in all of this. We would advise, however, that if you haven’t already made the board secret, you do so now. After all, why spoil the surprise for wedding attendees who also happen to follow you on Pinterest?
You may also be one of the many brides who likes to keep a wedding folder or binder. Begin leafing through bridal magazines and gather inspiration as you go. Then file those ideas away in your binder. As you begin booking vendors, this also becomes a great place to keep all your contacts.
Step 2
You and your fiance should put some thought into who you’d like to include in your bridal party.
Vitaliy Photography
As you’re making your selections, here are a few things you should consider:
How large will your wedding be?
The average wedding party size is eight — four bridesmaids and four groomsmen. Depending on your own celebration, you can add or subtract from that guide (i.e. six in your party for an 80-person wedding; 20 in your party for a 400-person fete). Keep in mind, however, that the more bridesmaids or groomsmen you have, the more people you’ll need to coordinate and work around schedules with — can you imagine trying to pick a bridal shower date among 12 other girls?!
Should you include siblings — from both sides?
Even if you’re not particularly close to his sister or he doesn’t know your brother that well, siblings are going to be around for the long haul. Plus, it will go a long way with your fiance and his family!
Don’t feel obligated.
Every member you choose for your bridal party should be there for a reason — a sentimental one, a good-time-to-be-had-by-all one, but definitely not an obligation-type one. While you might appreciate that your sorority sister asked you to be her bridesmaid back in the day, if you don’t consider your relationship to be as close anymore, it’s okay to ask someone else to be a part of your big day.
LMAC Photography
Genevieve Nisly Photography
Step 3
After gathering up your best guys and gals, you’ll want to start gathering up your guest list — it may take a little while to craft, but it’s definitely something you’ll be needing as you send out save-the-dates.
Step 4
When it comes to booking services, here are the three you’ll want to start with (in order): ceremony site/Officiant, reception venue and photographer. So many other local brides and grooms depend on these for their own big days, so once your company of choice is off the market, there’s not much you can do aside from moving to the next best option.
We think that’s plenty to get you going on your wedding planning path for now, but if you need help along the way, feel free to peruse galleries, vendors, inspiration articles and planning tips on TodaysBride.com!
