Ok, so you’ve completed step one … you’ve selected a partner. Now that crucial element is taken care of, and you’ve agreed to spend the rest of eternity together, there are some other essentials decisions to make. Get these things sorted in the early days of engagement and you’ll save yourself from having to navigate several potential complications later on.
So here they are — the first five steps to take when planning your wedding.
Decide on the type of wedding you want
The very first thing you’ll want to do is sit down with your other half and talk. Make sure you’re on the same page regarding what kind of wedding do you both want.
A small, tasteful affair at an old church in the country, followed by a buffet reception at the local pub? Or a sun-drenched beach wedding on the Costa del Sol, with friends and family flown over, no expenses spared? Chances are you’ll be more or less on the same page, but it’s important to thrash out some early ideas about the style of your ideal wedding.
Set a budget and find out who’s paying
The type of wedding you decide on will have a big influence on your budget, so it’s important to agree on a spending limit early on. And agree to stick to it! If minds change further down the road, things can get very complicated – so it’s best to be clear about what you both want. Of course, the budget usually comes down to who’s paying and how deep their pockets are. Speak to parents, or even extended family and friends, and get that budget sorted before you begin to plan anything else.
Tour different venues
Once you’ve pinned down the style of wedding you want and you have agreed on a budget, the next step is to get out there and visit some venues. Make sure you visit at the time of day you’re planning to marry – it’s good to get an idea of how the lighting will be on the big day. Lighting is not only important for the wedding day itself but for the photos that you’ll cherish for the rest of your lives.
Set a date
Once you’ve got your perfect venue, you’ll want to set the date. Maybe it all comes down to the season – whether you dream of a blissful wedding under a summer sun or an autumnal wedding, as the leaves turn golden brown. Or maybe there’s a significant date that’s symbolic to you as a couple, like the day you first met. One key thing to note – try to avoid setting a date during major holidays. You don’t want to make things too complicated for your guests.
Once you’ve decided, find out the availability at your chosen venue. If the venue can’t give you the exact date you want, they should at least be able to give you one that’s close enough.
Research photographers
Finding the right photographer to capture the happiest day of your life is one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of planning your wedding. By now, you’ll be getting a sense of how your wedding day will play out – the setting, the guests, the ambience, etc. You’ll want a photographer who not only understands what you want but can bring their own ideas, creative eye and personality to your wedding day. Personality really is key! After you’ve browsed portfolios, meet the people behind the lens – you’ll know when you’ve found the right one.
