Planning your wedding is not an easy task and it can be quite stressful. The key is to stay organized. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Step 1
Set a budget. Very important -- you should plan how much you want to spend on each detail of your wedding, and make sure you don't exceed that amount. In some cases but not all, parents of the bride or groom will offer to pay for specific things.
Step 2
Choose a theme. It doesn't have to be anything really specific, but you want there to be a consistent feeling throughout. Make sure the theme is easy to plan and decorate. Everything should be consistent with the theme.
Step 3
Decide on the size of your wedding. Remember to talk this over with your fiance. A dream wedding for one may not be for the other.
Step 4
Choose your venue. Even church venues can charge fees.
Step 5
Choose your officiate (a pastor, or rabbi for example). If they don't charge a fee outright to perform the ceremony, be courteous to pay a generous gratuity for their time.
Step 6
Attend pre-marriage counseling. (optional) This may take a large time commitment, but is worth it in the long-run. Be honest about your desires and expectations for marriage.
Step 7
Set the date. The factors in choosing a date include the availability of your venue, friends and family. Think about who you must have at your wedding, and try to set the date around them.
Step 8
Send out invitations. Be creative; you can make your own and add a personal touch or go to a proffessional. Send them as early as feasible, for yours to make schedule arrangements. (If Jewish, make sure to get kippots made)
Step 9
Get the gown. Start looking early, months before the wedding. This way you will have plenty of time to make a selection and take care of fitting. In most religions it is traditional that the mother of both the groom, and bride comes to find the dress, as well as the maid of honour.
Step 10
Get some wedding rings. This is a fun task to do together, and symbolises your devotion to eachother. Most couples get matching rings to show that they complete one another's soul.
Step 11
Find a photographer/videographer. Consider a professional for this special occasion, and make sure that they are reliable so that you don't have to worry about forgetting your wedding, for years to come.
Step 12
Decide what type of food and refreshments you will offer at the reception dinner. Try to find a happy medium between what would please your guests and what you can afford. Weigh the pros and cons of hiring a professional caterer, as it's not cheap, but it's one less thing you'll have to handle personally. Some couples choose to base the menu on the culture of the family, or go for something that most people like. (example: italian)
Step 13
Pick a cake. Before settling on a cake it's best to have a tasting first. Also look into a cake that will match your theme, and please both the bride and groom.
Step 14
Hire Your Entertainment. Decide on a band, DJ DO NOT do it yourself with an iPod there is more to wedding entertainer then just music, they will keep the flow of the event, make announcements, and plan all your special events with you. Each has it's advantages and limitations (this should not be booked last, because all the good bands & wedding DJs get booked first!) The entertainment is crutial and is what makes a wedding one to remember!
