How to Plan a WeddingNow that you are engaged, you are probably wondering how to plan a wedding. At first the thought of planning a wedding may seem stressful and overwhelming, but if you get organized from the beginning, it can be fun and fulfilling. Your Wedding Budget First, set down with your fiancé and discuss the wedding. Be honest and open about your wishes and dreams for the wedding. Decide if you want a large or small wedding, a traditional or non-traditional wedding, and whether you want a religious or secular ceremony. 
Who Pays For What? Traditionally, the bride’s family has paid for the wedding. However, since the average cost of a wedding is over $20,000, the couple, the bride’s parents, and the groom’s parents often agree to share the costs. Click here for information on who traditionally pays for what. Create a realistic budget from the discussions that you have had with your fiancé and your parents. Your goal is to really stick with this budget while planning your wedding. For information on making a wedding budget checklist, click here. HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING WITH A WEDDING PLANNER Do you need a wedding planner to help you plan your wedding? If you feel that you don't have the time or knowledge for planning a wedding, then you may want to consider hiring a planner. The wedding planner will have information on the best wedding sites and vendors and can save you a lot of time and headaches. You will only need to tell them what ideas you have for your wedding, and they can make it happen for you. Plus, they will make sure that you do not go over your budget. However, with today’s economy, you may choose to save the money that a wedding planner charges to spend elsewhere in your wedding. Wedding planners may charge 15-20% of the actual budget of the wedding as their fee. Others may charge a flat rate for their services. This fee will be based on the time that they have to spend on your wedding. HOW TO PLAN YOUR WEDDING DATE Have you always dreamed of having an outdoor wedding in the spring with all the flowers in bloom? Now is the time to decide on the best dates and times for your wedding. Start as early as possible, since many wedding sites and vendors can be booked as far ahead as 18 months. Most weddings occur during the summer months and on Saturday night. By planning a wedding in an off-month, like April or November and on a Friday or Sunday evening, you will have more choices and greater savings. If you do decide on an off-month and day to get married on, try to negotiate a better deal with all your vendors on their fees. It is a good idea to try to schedule your wedding at least three weeks before or three weeks after a holiday weekend to get better rates and better service. Also, try not to schedule your wedding during special events, such as super-bowl weekend. HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING AND CUT COSTS How to Save on the Bride's Attire Your wedding dress can be one of the most expensive items in your wedding budget. However, with a just little planning, it doesn't have to be. 
When it comes to shopping for your wedding gown, time can be an important cost-cutting factor. Start shopping early for the dress of your dreams. This way you can shop smarter and stay within your budget. There are plenty of sample sales and clearance events for bridal gowns. These sales often include significant savings on designer gowns. If you are planning an outdoor or more casual wedding and not set on the traditional white wedding gown, then you might consider shopping in the bridesmaid's department. There are many beautiful gowns at a fraction of the cost of a traditional wedding dress. You could also, consider purchasing a previously owned wedding dress or having a gown made exactly the way you want it. All of these ideas can help you stay within the budget you have set and maybe save a little money to spend on another part of your wedding. HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING AND SAVE EVEN MORE MONEY There are two other major ways for you to save money, when planning your wedding.
How to Plan a Wedding and Cut the Guest List Down The more people you invite, the greater the cost. If possible, try to cut your guest list down to 100 people or less. This will cut the costs of your:
Small weddings are the weddings that everyone remembers! It is easier for the guests to talk and get to know each other. The bride and groom have more time to mingle with all of their guest. There ends up being less stress and work for the bride and groom when planning the wedding. However, this may be one of those compromises you will have to make with the people who are helping to pay for the wedding. Often, it is very hard for some people to cut the guest list down. HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR BRIDAL PARTY Large bridal parties cause more expense and often times, more stress for the bride. If possible, try to keep your bridal party small. Two attendants, on each side, is plenty. For more information on choosing your wedding party, click on the link above. HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING CEREMONY When planning a wedding, many times couples overlook the planning of their wedding ceremony - but this is what the marriage is all about. Right! Your main goal is to have an unforgettable, meaningful ceremony. Plan your ceremony from start to finish. Decisions to Make Before Choosing a Ceremony Site
As you research your location choices, be sure to find out what is and is not included in the price. Once you have made your decision, don't delay in reserving the location. For your wedding ceremony, you really only need the minimal of decorations. A couple of alter bouquets, pew or chair bows, aisle runner and a unity candle, if desired. All of your guest are more interested in looking at you and the service. HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING RECEPTION There are three things that make a good reception:
Catering Options for Your Reception Feeding your guests will be the largest expense of your wedding. The time of day and what type of meal you serve can help you stay within your budget. How to Plan a Wedding Brunch Reception Following a early or late morning wedding, a brunch is a great economical reception idea. Fresh fruit, salad, omelets, Belgian waffles, croissants, crepes and hash browns can be served with plenty of soft drinks, water, mimosas (orange juice and champagne), hot coffee and teas. A wedding cake should also be served. How to Plan a Wedding Lunch Reception Lunch receptions are usually held around noon and 3 pm. They can be sit down or buffet. Salads, pasta, chicken vegetables with dip are all common foods served for a lunch reception. They can be started with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Of course, there is the wedding cake.How to Plan a Wedding Tea Reception Tea receptions are usually held between 2:00 pm and 5:pm. Tea sandwiches, small desserts and a variety of teas, coffee and champagne or wine are generally served. Plus the wedding cake. How to Plan a Wedding Cocktail Reception A cocktail reception is usually held between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Plenty of good hot and cold finger hors d'oevres are served on napkins. There is no seating. Usually champagne, wine, beer and soft drinks are served. The food and drink will continue until the wedding cake is cut. How to Plan a Wedding Evening Reception Usually indicates a full meal. Sometimes, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres are served the first hour. To keep costs down offer wine and beer rather than a full bar. The wedding cake is the dessert.How to Plan a Midnight Breakfast Reception A midnight breakfast is usually served when the wedding ceremony was held after 8:00pm. Evening cocktails and hors d'oevres are served. At midnight there is usually a midnight breakfast with fruit, waffles, ham and eggs. The wedding cake will end the night. If you are planning a wedding with a sit down meal, you will need place cards, so your guests will know where to sit. A reception for 150 guests usually last around 5 hours. One hour for cocktails and four hours for the dinner, dancing, and other traditional wedding activities. Click here for more wedding menu ideas.
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