5 things to consider when planning your wedding

Getting into the nitty gritty of wedding planning is an exciting time and not to get too pedantic too early, it’s a good idea to start a wedding folder now.

You can coral everything from flyers to correspondence to payment plans, all in one easily searchable place. Whether you have a year or a month to plan, this little gem will make everything easier and provide some gorgeous memories for you both in years to come.

Here’s five tips to get you and your wedding planning folder started.

1. Describe your ideal day

The first step in planning your wedding is to sit down with your partner and discuss your ideal day. Think location, time of year, theme, menu, music and style. Nothing is off the table at this most important of wedding huddles. Once you are both starting from the same page, things will flow a lot easier from here.

2. Budget

This will dictate pretty much every decision you make from here on out and that’s ok. Knowing your budget (opens in a new window) allows you to get creative in achieving what you want and that’s where your personalities will really shine through on the day. As a starting point, many couples tend to split the budget roughly 50/50 to start, with 50% allocated for the reception, give or take.

3. The guest list

Write your guest list (opens in a new window) and get granular about it, this is probably one of the main considerations when choosing your venue. The number and even age range of your guests can impact your venue choice.

Remember, your guest list is a personal choice. There are no hard and fast rules on extended family or friends. The only box you need to tick here, is that everybody you want there with you, is on this list.

Create a spreadsheet; it’ll streamline the whittling down process and make things easier when the RSVPs start to roll in. Or better yet, you could set up a website or email address where your guests can RSVP digitally.

4. Venue

Keeping your ideal dates in mind, it’s time to start scouting venues. Speak with married friends, maybe they already know the places that don’t cater to vegans or children or small / large groups.

Will you be having the ceremony and reception in the same place? If not, weigh up the travel time between venues.

Most places will have a dedicated wedding planner to help you coordinate everything, make use of them. They’ll have the inside scoop on what drinks went down a treat or which band kept the dance floor bopping all night.

5. Get thee to the wedding store!

Ladies, most dresses will need to be ordered at least six months in advance. You might want the style of dress to tie in with your bridesmaids’ or the overall wedding theme. Give yourself plenty of time to find the one you want. Consider your bridesmaid’s comfort zone too.

Gents, you will likely have a little more breathing space when it comes to timelines. Menswear for the occasion can typically be ordered 3-4 months in advance.

Don’t panic, everybody will have plenty of fittings to make sure it’s all right on the day.

The very best of luck with your ideas and wedding planning.