While recovering from both turkey overload and the flu this past week, I decided it was the perfect opportunity for me to stay inside and focus this week’s blog on some tips for all newly engaged couples. With the holidays coming that means one thing to wedding professionals – engagement season – so I’ve listed what I believe to be the top five bits of wedding planning advice of any couple caught under the mistletoe this year.
1. Begin with a Budget. While the first thing that may come to mind after slipping that sparkler on your finger is whether you want ballgown or mermaid cut, the first conversation you need to have is about budget. It’s most likely the least fun part of the wedding planning process but with this out of the way, you’ll be free to focus on ballgowns and cake flavors. It’s very important to be honest with yourself about what you can afford and are willing to contribute. If mom and dad are helping out, it’s good to involve them as well so that everyone is on the same page. Weddings of any size budget can be gorgeous and unique and remember, it’s much more fun to wake up as Mr. and Mrs. knowing that you still have money left to go on a honeymoon.
2. Add a Personalized Touch. Every couple would like to think that their wedding is a one of a kind event when in reality, most reception spaces are booked solid with a new couple in and out each weekend. With so many of these venues offering packages that include everything from linens to centerpieces, it’s east to get caught up in the ease of just planning off of the site’s package “menu”. Try to think outside the box and add a few touches that reflect your own personal style. Just because table numbers are included at your reception dinner site doesn’t mean that you have to use them. Instead, use pictures of places the two of you have traveled and include a short story from that trip on each table. Or, use random numbers that have meaning to the two of you as a couple. Adding unique touches throughout your day help guests feel as though they are attending a more intimate event and it is these small details that will stick with them when thinking about your wedding day.
3. Shop Around. Planning a wedding can be extremely overwhelming with all of the bakers, florists and caterers to choose from. Doing a simple internet search for Milwaukee wedding photographers brings up so many hits that you may feel like hiring the first person you speak with as long as their price is right. Try to fight this urge and but the effort in to keep looking. I’m not saying that you can’t eventually go back to this first person you speak with but I think that there is value in speaking with a handful of vendors in each category. Each person you meet will help you form new questions and give you new ideas so that when you are ready to sign on the dotted ling, you know that you are getting exactly what you really needed all along.
4. Prepare to Relax. Weddings as a lot of work. A lot. With all of the little details, little mishaps are bound to occur. When planning for your wedding day you need to be prepared for everything from a broken boutonniere to a limo that never shows This means that you need to entrust a friend with copies of all contracts in case phone calls need to be made and also consider having a wedding day emergency kit that includes things like safety pins, shoe pads and sewing glue. (I even carry smelling salts for the occasional fainter – really!) You need to be extremely prepared and then when you wake up on your wedding day you can relax, knowing that you have done everything you can to ensure things run smoothly. Even with all of your preparation, things can still happen but it’s important to not let them bother you and remember that a broken high heel has never ruined a wedding.
5. Hire a Wedding Consultant. While I realize that this is a bit of self-promotion, I think this tip is one that many local brides don’t even consider when in reality, it is one of the best things you can do for yourself. A wedding consultant not only can help you with all of the above but also helps to alleviate a ton of planning stress, keeps you on budget and task and even *gasp* can save you money. We know the tricks and have the relationships to navigate you through the Milwaukee wedding maze and with many qualified professionals in the Miwaukee area, you are sure to find someone who you care confident in working with and offers you the exact services that you need.
Happy Planning!
