Making a Few Choices
Now that you have down the basics, it is time to determine your wedding vision.
Would you like a large or small wedding, modern or traditional?
What do you envision your wedding day to be like?
Plan out your vision and start making it happen.
Guests
Who do you want at your wedding?
Start making a preliminary guest list and estimating how many people will attend. Put down the most important people, such as immediate family first and build from there. You don't have to have the final list right away just get an idea of how many people you think you will be inviting. Remember, a large number of guests may limit your choices for a wedding and reception site and will increase the costs.
Who do you want in your wedding party? Let them know as far in advance as possible so you ensure they are part of your special day.
A Place
Select the date
Wedding Site-Choose a wedding site and check availability. Once you have decided make sure to secure your date by placing a deposit.
Reception Site-Start visiting reception sites and checking availability. How many guests can the reception site accommodate? Is this going to work for how many people you want at your wedding?
Once you have selected a reception site book the venue and devise a plan. Is this place easy to get to? Is there sufficient parking for the number of guests you are expecting? If your reception takes place outside what is the backup plan for bad weather?
Ceremony
Find an officiant.
If you are having a religious ceremony make sure to go over any special requirements for getting married. Allow yourselves sufficient time to plan and meet the requirements before the wedding.
If you are planning a Destination Wedding check any local requirements for obtaining a married license. Make sure you are aware of any restrictions well in advance of booking anything. Look for a resort that specializes in Destination Weddings and can provide assistance with finding an officiant, travel and planning.
Food
Do you want a sit down dinner or a buffet? How many guests do you expect to invite? As the guest list increases so does the price of the reception.
Money
Whether your budget is $100 or $1 million you will need to determine how much you would like to spend.
Make sure to budget for the Honeymoon, dress alterations, Save the Dates\ Invitations, tux rental, accessories, decorations, marriage license, rehearsal dinner, tips and any unexpected expenses. Develop a plan for how to manage the costs of your wedding.
Wedding Dress-Start looking for your wedding dress right away. Finding the right dress can take time and most likely it will need alterations. Try to get your dress at least 6 months in advance so you get the dress properly customized and fitted.
Meet with Vendors
Meet with different caterers and discuss your needs and check availability. Get pricing information and references from a number of caterers and go with the one your are most comfortable with.
The Cake
Go for a taste test and view samples of different cakes.
Florists- You will most likely need flowers and decorations for your wedding. Meet with different florists and discuss different options. View samples of the florist work and get references and cost estimates.
DJ's/band- How will you entertain your guests? Do you want a live band or a DJ? Meet with DJ's and bands and get estimates.
Photographer/videographer-Meet with different photographers and view samples of their work and get estimates.
Transportation- Do you need a limo or special transportation? Also, think about how you and your guests are getting to and from the wedding and reception. Shop around and get estimates.
Once you have met with different vendors take the estimates and compare them to your budget. What are your expected costs? How will you be paying for the wedding? Will you be receiving any help from family or friends? You will want to start putting money aside now for wedding costs.