First Steps In Planning Your Big Day!

Choosing the Date:

The first step in planning your wedding is to pick your date! It is ideal to give yourself at least a year in order to book your favorite vendors and venues. It is wise to also choose a back up date (this is just in case your church or venue is already booked on your initial date). I recommend consulting your family and close friends when choosing your date, this allows them to clear their schedules ahead of time and to also confirm that they have no prior engagements.

Setting a Timeline:

The next step in the planning process is to set up your timeline in order to keep your planning on track! You can also use your timeline as a checklist to make sure everything is done. Check back tomorrow for a timeline template!

Determining Your Budget:

There are several websites that provide budget planning tools that I definitely recommend. MarthaStewartWeddings.com, TheKnot.com, and WeddingChannel.com have wonderful interactive and easy to use planning tools. Expenses to expect for your big day are as follows: rings, bridal wear (gown, shoes, headpiece, veil, undergarments, garter, alterations), groom's attire, bridal party attire (unless they are paying for their own attire), officiant's fee and marriage license fee, invitations (postage, RSVP cards, Thank You cards, etc.), flowers (bride, bridal party, corsages for mothers, centerpieces, flowers for church, flowers for reception), photographer/videographer, transportation, cake, venue fee, catering fee, alcohol, favors (cake knife, toasting flutes, etc), music (DJ/band), rentals, and the honeymoon expenses.

Stay tuned for more tips! Blissful planning to you all!