There are so many details and people to consider when planning your wedding. It can get overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help sort out some of the chaos…
1.) Decide what kind of wedding you would like to have. Do you want to have a large, traditional wedding with a large bridal party, a big reception surrounded by as many people as you know? Would you prefer to have a smaller, intimate wedding with just a maid of honor and best man, a small dinner party with your immediate family and closest friends? Or, would you prefer to elope, just the two of you, and attach it to an amazing, once in a lifetime honeymoon/vacation?
2.) Set a budget. Now that you know what kind of wedding you would like, start setting a budget. More than likely, you won’t be exactly at your budget when it’s all done. Plan to have some flexibility. Depending on what you choose in different categories, the prices can and will vary. As you move through the process, you will probably change your mind more than once and decide one thing is more important than the other. This is perfectly normal.
2a.) Buy a planner. It doesn’t have to be big and fancy. Michael’s Craft Store has some really cute affordable planners by Happy Planner. This will help keep you organized.
3.) Choose your location. Do you want to get married in the same church as your parents and grandparents? Do you prefer outside – a park or beach (make sure you have a backup plan in case of rain for these locations)? Would you like a destination wedding and make a vacation out of it for your guests? Are you a sports’ fan and prefer to get married at your favorite stadium? There are so many choices depending on what you want/like.
3a.) As an example, Disney Fairy Tale Weddings has several options. They can also do as much or as little planning as you like. Universal Orlando has some of the same offerings and their staff is amazing to work with. JustMarry works with Universal and several other locations within Central Florida. Again, they have an amazing staff to work with.
4.) Choose your date. Numbers 3 and 4 kind of go hand in hand and can be interchangeable. First, pick the month or season you would prefer. Try to have some flexibility in your date. If the date is set in stone, you may need to have some flexibility in your venue. Remember, when choosing a date, you cannot please everyone! Pick a date that is good for you and your fiancé. Obviously, try to include important family and friends in your choice, but remember you have final say.
**The Knot has a good article about choosing a date that works for you.**
5.) CHOOSE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER!!! (Decide if you would like to hire a videographer – we recommend it.) As we tell all of our potential clients, you do not want to skimp on your photographer/videographer. Once the wedding day is over, you will have three things remaining from your day: your new spouse, your wedding rings and your photos/videos. Flowers die. Food/drink gets consumed. The DJ goes home. The venue gets cleaned up and set up for the next event. Your photos/video will be cherished by your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren…
**AHEM… May we suggest Vazul Photography??? 😉
6.) Go dress shopping and choose a dress. Depending on the style and where you order from, it could take up to 6 months (and possibly longer) for your dress to arrive. Plan plenty of time for alterations. Today, there are so many options for dress styles and colors. Choose something comfortable (you will be wearing it for many hours). Also, choose something YOU are happy with. David’s Bridal is a good place to start looking but doesn’t have to be your final decision.
7.) Make a list. Make a list of “to-do’s”. Choose a DJ (a DJ can make or break a reception). Schedule hair and makeup trials and book the one you prefer. Choose a menu. Find a florist and baker. Decide if you want to hire a full wedding planner or day of coordinator. There will be many details to sort out, but you can do it!
7a.) We have one package that includes photography plus hair and makeup by Grace Vazul.
8.) HAVE FUN!!! Wedding planning is as fun or as stressful as you make it. I can promise, there WILL be hiccups along the way. It probably won’t be perfect. THAT’S OKAY! Any “mis-step” along the way will make it uniquely yours and part of your story.
Wishing you years of love and happiness!
Michelle & Steve…
Michelle Vazul Photography 