How do I plan a wedding?

Question

My boyfriend proposed last night and I said yes, yay!! I don't even know where to start. How do I plan a wedding???

Answer 1

congratulations. may you have a long and happy life together.

you have to start with the big things. Where? How many guests? Type of Wedding (church service / civil ceremony etc?) Then you can establish things like themes, menus, music, bidesmaids etc Pick up a couple of wedding magazines for inspiration and make a mood board or scrapbook of things you like so you can show your florist etc what sort of thing you are looking for. Communication is key, so remember to keep your fiance involved.

Enjoy the experience and good luck!

Answer 2

Congratulations Sweetie! I hope you will be very happy!

The first thing you need to do is take a deep breath and calm down. Then, you need to visualize the "whole" picture.....see the wedding day the way you want to happen. After that, break it down into smaller parts, otherwise you will be totally overwhelmed. Get yourself a nice thick 3-ring binder and make dividers.......Guest List/Invitations, Colors/Clothing, Food, Flowers, Ceremony, Reception, Photographer, Wedding Party, Gifts, etc (and there will be lots of etc's). Then prioritize the order the tasks need to be done in. Some can be assigned to others and some you will need to do yourself. Some things need to be planned further out such as the place and the minister. Be sure when you set the date, to give yourself enough time to accomplish everything.

You really just plan it like planning a big party. Also keep in mind that some things will go wrong. No matter how hard you plan, nothing is ever "perfect". You have to expect it, and be ready to go with the flow.

Of course, you "could" always scrap the idea of a big wedding....book a vacation at Sandals Resort and get married on the beach in a bikini.

Whatever you decide to do, I am sure you will have a lovely day.

Answer 3

Congrats. I'm a wedding planner and the biggest problem that I see with Brides (Grooms too) is them NOT having nor sticking to a budget. This is the most important part of planning. You then need to decide how many people you are going to invite. This will effect many areas, not only with food & drink, but also with location, favors, invitations etc. Many times, locations will offer a wedding coordinator or planner included in their fees, and if they do, I would use them for some or all of the planning. They don't "plan" the wedding for you, they mainly help you stick to your budget, and offer you assistance in planning it, plus they can have connections that can save you money on items and services needed for your wedding. I have a check list that I give brides if you would like I can email you a copy of it, if your wanting to plan your own wedding. Just remember to relax and have fun, it will be over with before you know it!! Congrats!

Answer 4

I am having the same problem. I just got engaged too! Here is where i am starting. Figure out what time of year you want to get married. Next search for a reception hall. What ever reception place you choose whatever date is available at that time of year you choose is the wedding date you pick. Next find the church to get married in or get married at the reception place and find a justice of the peace (ask reception place about that). Many reception places include things like wedding cake, meal, DJs, night stay in a hotel, flowers included in their wedding packages.
What state do you live in? Maybe we can help each other?
So first step is where will the reception be held and then go from there.

Answer 5

Congrats. I'm a wedding planner and the biggest problem that I see with Brides (Grooms too) is them NOT having nor sticking to a budget. This is the most important part of planning. You then need to decide how many people you are going to invite. This will effect many areas, not only with food & drink, but also with location, favors, invitations etc. Many times, locations will offer a wedding coordinator or planner included in their fees, and if they do, I would use them for some or all of the planning. They don't "plan" the wedding for you, they mainly help you stick to your budget, and offer you assistance in planning it, plus they can have connections that can save you money on items and services needed for your wedding. I have a check list that I give brides if you would like I can email you a copy of it, if your wanting to plan your own wedding. Just remember to relax and have fun, it will be over with before you know it!! Congrats!

Answer 6

Congratulations. Now it is easier than some think . I planned mine and pulled it off in 30 days. Yes it is to be aday to remember but you do not need to spend a fortune it doesn't have to be that costly and can still be fantastic.
first set the date., then pick the location. If you have it during a time you can do it all outside that is real nice and saves money on halls. If you want a church wedding that is also great, I did. Once the date is set contact your minister and let him know so you can reserve the church for your day. If the church has a reception type room you may hae the reception there right after the wedding. Once all those details are worked out then it is time to get your dres picked out and your colors for your bridesmaid and flower girls if you choose to have them. Your fiance needs to pick his best man and a couple of ushers for sating guests and decide on tuxs or nice suits, sither way can be real nice. Once you have date time and location pick out invitations and decide how many guests you want. from both sides.Or if you have the software you can design your invitations on your computer. If you are on a limited income Like the most of us are you canhave a great wedding and reception for not alot of money so you can enjoy your special day and not have a financial worry. This is the main parts you need. If you would like to hear more from me please feel free to email me . Congratulations and good luck.

Answer 7

Firstly, a big Congratulations!

The first thing you need to do is to decide on a budget as this will have a great impact on the sort of wedding you can have.
Then you need to decide if it's going to be a large formal wedding or small informal one, whether it's going to be in a church, registry office, hotel (or similar)...or of course abroad.
Once you have thought of all these sort of issues then you can start thinking about actually organising it.
Wedding magazines are often useful as they often provide you with tick lists etc. and can give you ideas on wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses etc
Alternatively you can try websites such as www.theknot.com
Make sure you get a reputable photographer too as I know so many people who have been disappointed in their wedding album.
Lastly, start booking things up quickly as the best venues are often booked up way in advance, wedding dresses can take 4 months to make, and even simple things like fruit wedding cakes need time to make too!
Good Luck and have fun. The earlier you start preparing, the less stressed you will get!

Answer 8

Figure out two things: the budget and what is it that you would really love to do. For example, my fiancé and I considered getting married on a sailing ship - but then we found out that it would limit the number of guests, and it would exclude dancing; and I REALLY wanted to have dancing at the wedding; so you kinda start throwing the ideas out there, and coming up with possible venues. Do you want to get married in church? If so, which one? If not, then where? Outside, in a special place? Are you having a reception? How many people would you invite? Make a guest list and put everyone you'd even consider inviting - then start trimming it down if necessary. Most venues will help you plan the wedding/reception, since they do it all the time, and it's a piece of cake for them, they can help you a lot. Friends of ours did a renaissance-themed wedding in a park, it was a hit with everyone, they had renaissance garb made for them. My fiancé and I are doing a "pirate" wedding next month - we're in a pirate re-enactment guild, and our friends from the guild are helping organize and coordinate stuff; we're going to have a pirate minister, pirate musicians, and a cannon salute - all courtesy of people in the guild; should be fun. A friend of mine from work is getting married in Yosemite this winter, she said she's "always wanted to get married in the snow". You kinda have to just sit down and start coming up with stuff that goes something like "I've always wanted to have this and that at my wedding"... And it goes from there! Look online for resources and tips. Good luck and congrats!

Answer 9

congrats! first of all, it's the best feeling :) well if you can afford it, I highly suggest hiring a wedding planner. Planning a wedding sucks. I've been working on mine and it's a major PIA especially considering I just wanted to elope. Point aside, try not to let everything stress you out, set a time line for yourself and make sure you dont try to juggle everything all at the same time. When you look for photographers and DJ's make sure to ask for references so you don't get screwed. Ask your friends and family to help you. I'd say step one is booking the hall or where ever you want it at least a year in advance, these places book up fast. Good luck to you, it will seem super overwhelming but just remember you love your man and it will be worth it in the long run :)

Answer 10

Don't waste your money on a wedding planner. Get a book about wedding planning. It;ll only cost a few pounds. Then just follow the various steps. It's just like planning a holiday!

Good luck