Have you just recently gotten engaged? Confused on where to start with wedding planning? Although it is easy to leave certain aspects of wedding planning until the last minute, it is important to keep certain aspects in mind once you start the planning process. Think of the things that may be limited in your selection process if you wait until the very last minute. This can be anything from booking your venue to booking hair/makeup, videography and/or photography. If you wait until the last minute, there is no guarantee that your date will be available- leaving you with more stress on your plate! By delaying the wedding planning process, you may be putting yourself at risk for booking whatever may be available- which sometimes can backfire on you. Weddings are already expensive and the worst thing you can do is waste money on services that are not up to par.
Here are a couple starter points for when you decide to being wedding planning:
6-8 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING IS THE MOST CRUCIAL!
- Decide on a budget
- Hire a planner, if needed
- Reserve your date with venues, including: Videography/photography, hair and makeup, & the location you with to get ready and the venue you wish to have to wedding (ceremony/reception) to take place. Reserve hotel rooms if need be.
- Pick a caterer
- Book entertainment
- Purchase your dress!
- Register with various retailers
Take a look at Real Simple’s Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist that lays out 16 months worth of wedding planning. That way there is no room for procrastination and also gives an easy timeline for month to month planning!
If you are in the wedding planning stage of inquiring on venues, it is important to also look at reviews and the venues work. Take a look at our portfolio to decide whether McElroy Weddings is the right fit for you!