First thing first: organization is key.
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You'll be juggling deadlines, decisions, and lists alongside your daily life, so get yourself a reliable wedding planner book and organizer so everything is in one place. Get your 5-star rated faux leather wedding planner and watch it quickly become your new handbag essential.
Now, where to begin?
1. Give yourself enough time
A longer timeline will relieve a lot of the stress brides-to-be typically face. The initial realization of just how many elements there are to plan for can sometimes seem quite overwhelming. So give yourself enough time to digest your options, decide what elements are important to you and your partner, and determine what your perfect day looks like for you. After all, it's your wedding day and you want to have fun planning it.
2. Set a budget — and stick to it
Your wedding budget will be the deciding factor of many of your decisions, from the size of your guest list to the venue you choose, so it's a good place to start. If family member will be contributing, have a conversation about what they will be contributing towards — for example, your dress, the bar, or a lump sum of money. If you're footing the bill yourself, then be look carefully into your finances and be realistic about what you can afford; some couples don't always realise the full scope of the costs involved.
3. Prioritize your wishlist
Decide on the top three priorities for your wedding day; it is always important to involve your partner at this stage so the day best represents you both. Whether there is a memorable band you must have, a special date the big day must be on, or a venue you've always dreamed of, prioritize these details and be willing to compromise on the rest.
4. Weigh all of your options with second opinions
There is value in talking to other married couples who have been through the process. They may be able to share advice on elements of your wedding day which you hadn't considered or be able to share details of a photographer they would recommend. When making big decisions, it always pays to get a second opinion before rushing into it and having regrets later on.
5. Read every contract before you sign it
Always read the small print. If you're planning your wedding yourself, you don't have the luxury of someone else reading through the clauses for you. Be sure to closely review every detail of any contracts you arrange with your wedding vendors — including date, location, times, deposits, additional fees, colors, and quantities. Everything has to be in the contract because if it isn't, or if it's written incorrectly, you will not be protected if it's not executed properly.
6. Recruit help from your family and bridal party
Choose your wedding party wisely, as the friends and family you choose are there for the emotional and tactical support throughout the wedding planning process and the big day. Don't forget that your family, friends, and spouse are there to help in ways that suit their strengths — but you have to ask and sometimes delegate. Delegation is key on the big day, where you'll need to pass your itinerary over to your maid of honor or a trustworthy family member to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day without you being distracted.
To conclude...
Remember, you're not alone. Planning a wedding can be fun if you keep organized and allow yourself enough time. Your wedding planning book and organizer will be your best friend throughout this exciting journey. Be sure to check out the 5-star rated planner, and then breathe: your wedding planning just got a whole lot easier!
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