Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting activities a couple will go through together. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most stressful. There are a lot of aspects to consider that are often overlooked when dreaming about that perfect day. Knowing how to properly prepare for the big day can eliminate the feeling of being overwhelmed. After all, it is the best party you will ever throw. From your sweetheart slipping your custom engagement ring on your finger to “I do”, there are quite a few guidelines you should think about in order to make the whole thing easy as pie (or wedding cake!).
Develop a Budget
Finances are important to consider when planning any activity in life, and your wedding day is no different. Setting a concrete budget will help guide you through the buying process when selecting your custom engagement ring (yes, this counts!), bridal dresses, food and beverage vendors, finding the right venue and every other detail that goes into making a wedding happen. So, saddle up on a reasonable budget that will ensure your wedding doesn’t break the bank. You don’t want to be in debt during your first years of marriage–trust us when we say it’s a bit of a downer!
Solidify the Guest List
Knowing the number of people who are going to be in attendance is vital. A 40-person wedding and a 200-person wedding propose two totally different challenges and preparations. Before you get too far into the process, get a general idea of the guest list size.
Lock Down Your Wedding Date
People will be asking you when your big day is. So, it is best to start finding the right date sooner than later. Different venue options can vary depending on the season and time of year. This also impacts the theme and color scheme of the wedding. Picking a date quickly can help you plan accordingly.
Pick the Perfect Venue
The perfect venue can make the perfect wedding. Whether you and your fiance want a giant church or an open field, picking the right venue for you will make your special day that much better. So, start the process of finding a place to hold the event early. Knowing the costs involved with each venue you are considering will make planning much easier.
Create Your Wedding Registry
People will also start asking you about where you are registered. Gift-giving is not exactly a strong suit for everyone, so directing them to your registry will help your guests throughout that process. Additionally, create your registry early so you can make changes down the road as you see fit.
Creating a registry in the digital age is easier than ever. The Knot and Zola are particularly popular choices for this.
Book Entertainment
Booking the right entertainment is crucial no matter what type of wedding you are going for. There is a reason there are so many talented wedding DJs around the world. It is because couples want the perfect vibe at their wedding, and so should you. A custom playlist can also be developed and played by the DJ. Whether it is a dance extravaganza or something more low-key, selecting the right entertainment that fits your budget is something important to consider.
Make Sure You Pick the Perfect Custom Rings
Your wedding bands are even more important than your custom engagement rings, if you can believe it! They are a symbol of your commitment to one another. Make sure to speak candidly with your future spouse about your vision for your wedding bands. If you decided to do a custom engagement ring, it may be a fun idea to try to create custom wedding bands, too.
Send Out “Save the Date” Cards
Once you finalize your guest list and have a date set, send out “Save the Date” cards! This step is fun since you can customize your cards and help people excited about your upcoming wedding.
Pick out Clothes and Bridal Jewelry
Once you set the theme of your wedding, pick out outfits that will accentuate it. For the bride, selecting that perfect wedding dress is the most important step here. Bridesmaids’ dresses are also exciting to pick out. For the groom, finding that sharp suit to accompany the bride will have you feeling confident. Suits for the groomsmen will have them looking great. Keep any accessories you might be wearing (watches, jewelry, hairpieces) in mind when planning your outfits.
Think of a Hashtag
In this modern era of social media, why not bring it to a wedding? Think of a creative hashtag to go with your wedding. Ask the guests to post any pictures they take across their various social media platforms. After the festivities, simply search that hashtag and sift through all the pictures that everyone took! It will save you from the lengthy process of trying to reach out to people for pictures.
Attend Your Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
At the end of the planning process, you and your fiancé should treat yourself a bit. Enjoying a bachelor or bachelorette party is a great way to enjoy some free time with some of your closest friends.
Get a Marriage License
Before you exchange rings, get your marriage license, as it is a legal requirement for marriage. Each state has different laws regarding marriage licenses, so make sure you know your state’s laws.
Enjoy Your Day
When it is all said and done, this day is about you and your partner! Therefore, you should be enjoying the whole day with your friends and family and celebrate life together with the person you love.
From Custom Engagement Rings to “I Do”, Mark’s Diamonds Can Help
Getting married is one life’s most special events! At Mark’s Diamonds, we’re here to help guide you through the process. Engagement rings, wedding bands, ring upkeep/repair, anniversary gifts, and push presents- we’re with you every step of the way. Book an appointment with us today to get started!
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