There’s nothing like the feeling of getting engaged… pure joy and happiness! Then,… reality sets in, and you realize that your wedding day is chalked full of tiny details–details that YOU have to plan! It can absolutely be overwhelming for any couple, especially if the wedding you are planning is a larger one. Even small weddings have their related stress. However, there are five major obstacles to keep in mind when you start to prepare for your big day. Once you have these taken care of, you can breathe a little easier, and the other decisions will fall right into place!
1. Venue
The venue, including the ceremony and reception area, should be top priority. Give yourself at least a few months to look around and see what works for you. Also, always keep in mind that some popular venues in your area may be booked up to two years in advance. So, choose your wedding date wisely and give yourself plenty of wiggle room in case desired locations are not available. Try and reserve the venue at least one year ahead if you can.
2. Bridal Party
Choosing who is going to be in your bridal party should be second on your list. This makes way for selecting wedding attire, gifts, and more. Brides often fret about choosing bridesmaids, but you need to do so at least a year in advance so that your gals can reserve that date and be fully prepared. Same concept goes for the groom and his groomsmen.
3. Wedding Attire
Finding your perfect wedding attire can take time. Brides need to start shopping for their wedding gown at least a year, if not more, before the wedding. Finding your dream wedding gown may take some time, and if it is a special order, you need to allow more time for the gown to be made and delivered. Then, the time it takes for alterations must be considered. Furthermore, bridesmaid dresses take time to choose and order as well–give yourself 6-10 months for these. Trust us, you don’t want to be rushed in this process. You want to be confident and prepared, so think ahead!
4. Caterer
Many couples overlook or underestimate how long it will take to find the right caterer for them. Some venues do provide the food, but that is not always the case. If you don’t already have a caterer in mind, you will need to do some research, go to tastings, weigh your budget, and still manage to reserve the caterer at least six months prior to the big day. Make sure they are reputable and very professional, of course.
5. Photographer
Your wedding photos will be one of the most important aspects of your big day. Popular wedding photographers can be booked solid up to a year in advance. Start this process soon—right at the beginning of the planning. It is a good idea to use a photographer you know or that someone you know has used. Thankfully, reputable photographers have online portfolios so that you can see whether their eye is your style. What would be worse than having less than stellar shots to show off after your wedding day is over?
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