Wedding planning tips
Congratulations! You’re engaged! Planning a wedding can be daunting and exciting, overwhelming and insightful. I often get asked where to start, so here are some tips...
Budget
Decide on a ballpark for your budget and what is essential for you. This will help in the decision-making process, and where to start when choosing vendors. The cost of weddings can add up, so decide on what’s non-negotiable and start there.
It’s a good idea to create a buffer of 10% for unexpected costs and to allow for a bit of wiggle-room.
Date
Choose your preferred date, but if you’re comfortable being flexible, that will help you with your preferred suppliers. Chat to your key peeps to make sure they can make it.
What is most important to you!?
What comes first, the date, the venue, or the vendor? There is no easy answer to this, and it’s up to you and what is most important. I have listed below some regular non-negotiables:
Reception venue
Ceremony venue
Celebrant!
If you have a specific preference or non-negotiable for any of the above, contact them for their availability first. Some vendors will hold the date without a deposit for a short period of time.
Write things down
Writing things down is a good idea - it’ll save you time in the long run. For my wedding, I had a big hard copy folder with notes and brochures, but used a little bit Pinterest too! (It wasn’t such a big deal then!) If you’re contacting multiple vendors, record it so you don’t accidentally contact them twice. If you have receipts, save them somewhere safe. Have somewhere for useful information you’re given.
Important info
Under the Marriage Act 1961, you are required to provide at least a months’ notice of intention to marry to your marriage celebrant. So if you’re thinking of a date at short notice contact your celebrant ASAP.
You’ve got this!
Not everyone will plan more than one wedding, so it makes perfect sense to feel overwhelmed! There’s no right or wrong way to do it. It’s totally up to you! I always have lots of suggestions, so please ask!
