Congrats to all of the newly engaged brides-to-be! Planning a wedding can be so exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. There are a lot of things to consider when making preparations. Do you want to follow the current trends, or start your own? Indoor or outdoor venue? What will your dress look like? Should the wedding be bright and airy or dark and moody? It doesn't have to be daunting, as long as you keep yourself organized and on budget.
Here is a list of the top 5 things to get your planning started.
1. Pick Your Date
Picking a date is the first thing you'll want to do. There are many things to take into account, however, make sure you're happy with the date you choose. Another thing to consider is the weather. Here in Michigan, most weddings are from April-October, since the weather tends to be less volatile--but if you're having a destination wedding or are getting married elsewhere, be sure to consider what the weather is like there. Weather is especially important to think about when deciding between an outdoor or an indoor venue. Wind, rain and thunder are all possibilities to consider when choosing an outdoor venue.
2. Make A Budget
Budgeting your wedding is extremely important. Once you've picked your date, you can go from there--your date will affect your budget, so you should begin with that. Having a budget helps to keep you from overspending and allows you to focus on how much money you want to spend on each part of your wedding--dress, floral, catering etc.
3. Find A Venue
Do you need a large venue to accommodate lots of guests? Do you want a classic venue or something unique? Once you have decided on the kind of venue you want, pick your top 5 venues, then call them to see if your date is available. If they are, set up a tour of the location. Unfortunately, COVID changed plans (and dates) for lots of brides to be. Many venues are already booking for 2024. Keep this in mind when searching popular venues.
4. Pick Your Wedding Party
Many brides-to-be are deciding to not have a wedding party in 2023. That's totally okay! This is your day and you can decide if you want a bridal party or not. If you do, start figuring out who you want to ask and what you want their roles to be. Also, remember that you have a budget and so does your bridal party. Nobody wants to pay $300+ for a dress that they'll only wear once. Be sure to be considerate of how much money everyone's willing to spend.
5. Say Yes To The Dress!
Do your research. Wedding dresses usually have to be ordered, especially if you're looking for a specific style. Ordering a dress can take any where from six to eight months, not including alterations. Pinterest is a great place to start when looking for wedding gown styles. If you have a favorite style, look that style up first and see what bridal salons in your area carry it. Many bridal salons are appointment only, so keep this in mind when you're ready to try on your favorite looks. Pick 2-4 styles to try on and, if possible, go with your hair and makeup done. It will make it easier to imagine what you will look like on your special day.
2023 is going to be an amazing year for weddings. Hopefully this list will help get your wedding planning off to a great start. Happy planning!
xo
Vanessa and Eliza
