A lot of us have always thought about getting married, from our outfit to the colors we see in the church. It is very exciting to plan the perfect wedding, but it can also be very stressful.
Remember to consider how you would like the alcohol at your reception served, and how much it will cost. Open bar is the most expensive option, and the longer the bar is open, the more expensive it becomes. The venue representative will be able to advise you of the various alcohol service options available.
One way you can cut hundreds of dollars from your wedding budget is by purchasing your wedding gown online. However, make sure you do this early enough that there is time to make any needed alteration to the gown. You can purchase wedding gowns for as low as $100 online, but sometimes the alterations may cost you double that amount. Be sure to include the potential alterations cost into your budget.
Wedding dresses can be quite an expense. When looking for a dress, consider dresses that aren’t necessarily in the wedding dress category. A bridesmaid dress might strike your fancy as an option, and it would be cheaper than a dress designated for the bride. Many times, you can alter the dress to make it look like a wedding dress for a fraction of the cost of an actual wedding dress.
Incorporate small decorative items throughout all your decor. For example, the bow in your hair can be the same as those used in the floral arrangements on the tables. These little details will add up to create one giant aesthetic.
Your wedding should be as unique as your relationship is, so add a few touches specific to your personalities or relationship. Select a wedding theme that really symbolizes the times that you and your future spouse have spent together.
Transportation is something you shouldn’t forget. Try to have limos and taxis available for those who do not have a ride to take them back to their hotel at the end of the night. Also, this will get people who drank alcohol during your wedding home safe and sound.
Look at the portfolios of any makeup artist you are considering for your wedding day. Is the style they do to your liking? Make sure you love it. You don’t want to wait till the last minute only to find out that you are not pleased with the makeup job they will be doing.
You can embellish your bouquet with tiny crystals, rhinestones or perhaps diamonds if you can afford to. Crystals come in adhesive and heat-fixed varieties, or brides may choose to add pieces of costume jewelry or heirloom pieces to their bouquets. To avoid clashes with other parts of the bride’s wardrobe, ensure that the size, color, and cut of the stones are consistent.
Don’t go overboard on decorating tables with flowers. In many cases, it will just prevent guests from talking to each other. In addition, some guests could be allergic to flowers. A romantic alternative to floral centerpieces at guest tables is the use of fragrance-free candles.
Avoid having your guests standing around waiting while you have your pictures taken. Many of these pictures can be taken before the wedding so that you don’t waste a minute of your reception time. This means that your guests won’t have to wait as long at the reception for you to get there.
Make sure your venue has enough space for dancing. There is nothing worse than being crammed like sardines while the people around you are trying to do the Mashed Potato, so move some tables and chairs to make the extra room you need to get your groove on!
Aim for a mid-day reception. People consume less alcohol during daylight hours, and this can lower your bar tab. Furthermore, lunch receptions are often less expensive than dinner receptions. This allows you to add more to your menu or use the savings elsewhere.
If it is within your budget, you might want to take a wedding cruise with just your closest friends and family. This way, you can begin your honeymoon right after your ceremony is finished. Some cruises will offer discounts if you are getting married.
Having someone close to you get ordained online allows them to preside over your wedding. While having someone special officiate makes the ceremony truly yours, it also has the additional perk of allowing you to redirect the money for something else, such as flowers. However, be sure to check all the required legalities before you opt for this.
For couples that enjoy traveling, look for wedding items and decorations that reflect this interest. You could also send out invitations that look like postcards or boarding passes, for instance. On the date, a vintage suitcase can be used as a display piece. Simply fill it with favors, photos, or wedding programs and prop it open in a prominent location.
A nice menu combining contemporary with fusion dishes may be just what you need. Add a twist with ethnic dessert options, drinks, or edible wedding favors.
If the groom and bride have different cultural backgrounds, plan a ceremony that honors both side’s traditions with a reception that incorporates traditional decor, rituals and dishes from each side’s background. Both families will be happy when each person’s culture is taken into consideration.
Flowers that are abundant in your state during specific seasons will not be easily available in climates that are tropical and humid or cooler and dry like the Mediterraneans. Communicate with florist and wedding professionals where you’re getting married to discover the flowers that will be blooming and available at that time.
Avoid dressing children in clothes that are too stuffy and uncomfortable. Try using soft fabrics that are loose enough to not be uncomfortable. Break in new shoes first, and make sure they are comfortable. With an entire ensemble of comfortable clothes, the children can put their energy into their designated roles and leave the outfits alone.
Get the most from your wedding planner by doing your homework prior to your first meeting. Take all of your ideas and incorporate them into one place, such as a design book. Use photographs, magazine clippings and the lyrics of a special song to describe your perfect wedding to your planner.
Each and every component of the wedding should be examined and planned perfectly; you want no surprises during showtime. Your guests should have a good time, and take part in different activities for your special day.
No matter what type of reception you want, keep your caterer informed; for example, if you want an outdoor reception, help your caterer understand that. They will need to plan your meal knowing that the weather could be less than ideal for your food. Perhaps you can use fancy covers on your dishes. Perhaps a small fridge could be used to keep drinks chilled.
Place a number of different-sized potted plants throughout the venue in lieu of costly floral arrangements. Ceramic pots that have been painted or decorated with ribbons make a wonderful table centerpiece. You can even used the potted plants as a favor for guests after the wedding or plant them in your yard as a memory of the wedding.
You want to think about your guests and any travel involved when you are thinking about wedding plans. Some of your guests may be planning to vacation at the same time, and you need to give them time to make plans. Ample time should be approximately eight months in advance, providing them with “save the date” invitations.
Be sure to get some practice dancing while wearing a long skirt to present the most graceful silhouette at your wedding dance. While you may be used to it, your husband probably won’t be and will need to learn how to dance without stepping on your dress. Your husband might feel clumsy because of the size or puffiness of your dress.
One tradition associated with weddings is registering for gifts. Tell your guests that they are not required to bring anything. Give them varying price ranges and several gift options to choose from. Your guests should be comfortable bringing gifts they can afford.
Think carefully before inviting children to your wedding. You can spare yourself a lot of aggravation and money if you don’t invite children. Then again, many people may not attend if they cannot find a babysitter.
In terms of wedding receptions, think carefully about whether to include kids. This is essential since it may save lots of aggravation and money if they’re not there. On the other hand, there may be adults who won’t attend because you did not invite their children or they can’t find a sitter.
To make your wedding unforgettable, plan some activities for your guests. Don’t just let everyone stand around tapping their feet, waiting for something to happen. Organize contests, games or even sports. Your guests will have fonder memories of your special day if it is an event filled with fun and entertaining interactive activities.
Well before the wedding day, grooms should take the time to ensure that their tuxedo and that of their best man fit perfectly. Ask for different opinions before choosing your tuxedo. You want your wedding pictures to memorialize you and your bride looking your best.
Write your wedding vows. You may get inspiration from a number of sources; however, you know your betrothed in your heart. Writing your own vows can add more meaning and romance to your special day and make your loved one feel closer to you. Use inspiration if needed, but add your own special touch.
When selecting a wedding videographer, interview as many candidates as possible and look at samples of their work. Make sure that you also keep in mind the quality of the sound and editing that your videographer provides. Make sure you will be receiving DVD copies of your wedding, rather than outdated VHS tapes. Refer to the factors we have listed and trust your first impression of each videographer.
When you pick someone to take a video for a wedding, be sure you speak with a few different people and ask for examples of the work they’ve done. The quality in the editing and sound is important when it comes to videographers. Many couples use to have their wedding put on a VHS tape, but these days, DVDs are the common choice. Base your decision on these things and your own personal feelings about the videographers you talk to.
Your friends and family will have many well-intended suggestions, and some may be quite good; however, in the long run, your decisions must win out. Thank your relatives for their suggestions and ideas, but make it clear to them that the events of the wedding day will ultimately be planned by you and your partner. By making all your own decisions about your wedding day, you will be able remember the special occasion without any regrets in the future.
Start planning ahead of time. A year might seem like quite a long time, but there are many things that must be done. Try to do this fast so that you do not stress during crunch time.
Do you really need to serve a four-course meal at your reception? Accommodating numerous guests on a limited budget may require spending less in certain areas. If there are many people attending, you might have to cut back. If you must have an elaborate menu then you may have to eliminate some of the guests from the list.
Make sure you stay abreast of the weather conditions! Your guests probably won’t be willing to stay at your outdoor wedding and celebrate, when it’s miserably hot. They may also leave early, if it’s extremely cold at your wedding. Try to keep guests comfortable by providing fans or space heaters, as necessary.
You don’t have to be overwhelmed when planning your wedding, if you take the advice above; you can plan without a lot of anxiety and stress. Planning your wedding should be as enjoyable as your wedding day.
Ask the vendors you’re using for more recommendations. Once you have picked the right photographer, have them suggest a band or DJ they may like. Ask the band to recommend another service that you need. You are likely to have a great team of professionals this way.