3 Crucial Things To Add To Your Planning List

Congratulations on your engagement!

This exciting time marks the beginning of a beautiful journey that will lead you toward your wedding day. Planning a wedding can be exhilarating, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially when you have less than a year to pull everything together. Amid the rush of ideas and inspirations swirling around, it’s essential to focus on key elements that will lay the foundation for a seamless and unforgettable day. In this blog post, we’ll discuss three crucial things that you absolutely need to add to your planning list.

### 1. Create a Realistic Budget

One of the first things you should tackle after getting engaged is your wedding budget. Having a clear financial plan will help guide your decisions and keep you on track throughout the planning process. Here’s how to develop a budget effectively:

#### **a. Assess Your Financial Situation**
Begin by discussing your finances together. Consider how much you can afford to spend without incurring debt. Remember, it’s not just about what your parents or family members might contribute. It’s about what you both feel comfortable investing in this day.

#### **b. Research Average Costs**
Understanding the average costs of wedding staples such as venue, catering, flowers, and photography in your area will help you determine your budget. Websites like The Knot and WeddingWire offer cost calculators and breakdowns that can simplify this process.

#### **c. Prioritize Your Spending**
Decide which aspects of the wedding matter most to you as a couple. Maybe it’s the venue, the food, or the photography. Aligning your budget with your priorities will help you allocate funds more efficiently. 

#### **d. Make Room for Contingencies**
Weddings often come with unexpected expenses. It’s wise to set aside an emergency fund to cover these costs, usually about 10-20% of your total budget.

#### **e. Stick to It**
As you start planning, it can be easy to get carried away by dreams and desires. Regularly reference your budget and adjust as necessary to ensure you remain within your financial parameters.

### 2. Choose Your Venue and Date

The venue and date of your wedding are pivotal decisions that will set the tone for your entire event. With less than a year to plan, securing your venue as early as possible is crucial.

#### **a. Research and Visit Potential Venues**
Make a list of venues that fit your vision, whether it’s a traditional ballroom, a picturesque outdoor space, or a cozy barn. Schedule visits to these locations to get a feel for their ambiance and availability.

#### **b. Consider Guest Count**
The size of your guest list can significantly influence your choice of venue. Make a preliminary list of potential attendees early on and factor in how many people you want to invite. This will help in selecting a venue that accommodates your desired guest count without feeling cramped or overly spacious.

#### **c. Keep Flexibility in Mind**
If your heart is set on a particular venue or date, try to remain flexible with your plans. Consider alternative days of the week or times of the year—off-peak seasons might come with discounts and greater availability.

#### **d. Pay Attention to Logistics**
Consider location accessibility for your guests, parking options, and any necessary accommodations for out-of-town visitors. A venue’s location can significantly impact your guests’ overall experience, so factor this into your decision-making.

### 3. Assemble Your Wedding Planning Team

While the idea of planning a wedding can be incredibly exciting, taking on the entire process by yourselves can become burdensome. As you plan, consider assembling a reliable team of supportive individuals, including professional vendors and trusted friends or family members.

#### **a. Hire Key Vendors Early**
Some of the essential vendors you may need to secure include:

- **Wedding Coordinator:** Especially if you’re short on time, a wedding planner that includes day of coordination can help streamline the process, handle logistics, and reduce stress.
  
- **Photographer/Videographer:** These professionals book up quickly, so securing someone with a style you love is essential.

- **Caterers/Bakers:** Good food is a major highlight of every wedding, so explore your options and schedule tastings as early as possible, what could be trending on the cake may or may not be your style, be sure to stay true to what you are wanting to experience!

#### **b. Engage Your Friends and Family**
Don’t hesitate to involve friends and family in your planning process. They may offer invaluable help, whether it’s lending a hand with DIY projects, managing logistics on the wedding day, or simply providing emotional support. You might be surprised by how many people are eager to contribute, and REMEMBER their opinions can be taken as a grain of salt, not everyone may like your flair or your vanilla feel, so be sure to stay aligned in what works for the TWO of you as a couple, this your day.

#### **c. Delegating Responsibilities**
Set clear roles for your team, so everyone knows their responsibilities leading up to—and on—the big day. This delegation not only alleviates stress from you but also helps keep the process organized and efficient.

### Conclusion

Planning your wedding can be an exhilarating yet daunting task, especially with a tight timeframe. By focusing on these three crucial elements—creating a realistic budget, securing your venue and date, and assembling a supportive planning team—you’ll set a strong foundation for a smooth planning process and a beautiful wedding day.

As you embark on this journey together, remember to take time for each other amidst the hustle and bustle. Celebrate your engagement, enjoy the planning process, and embrace every moment leading up to your special day. Happy planning!