Plannng a wedding can be daunting. If your budget allows, hiring a professional planner might make the task simpler and smoother.
As you plan your budget, ensure you set a guest count and stick with it – this will prevent having to add items from your “wish list” closer to the big day.
1. Set a Budget
If you are paying for your wedding yourself, setting a budget at the outset and adhering to it can help prevent overspending on “wish list” items which can later be cut from.
Make a list of non-negotiables and prioritize them. Perhaps on-site sleeping accommodations for out of town guests are a must; or maybe you want your guests to dance the night away with live band entertainment.
Consider that venues and vendors book up quickly; often more than a year ahead. To maximize bargaining power and avoid last-minute price increases or unexpected fees, aim to reserve your preferred dates at least nine months ahead. Doing this will ultimately save money in the long run.
2. Hire a Wedding Planner
Employing a wedding planner is one of the most essential decisions during the planning process, as they’ll ensure everything runs smoothly on your special day, communicate with vendors and take care of any last-minute details that arise.
Interview potential planners by asking about their experience and specialities; also inquire as to pricing and which services they provide (month-of coordination, full service planning etc).
As part of your research, it is also beneficial to see how they prefer communicating with clients – do they prefer meeting in person, emailing, or using both methods? This will allow you to determine whether they are an ideal match.
3. Create a Wedding Website
Once you start sending out save-the-dates, your inbox is bound to become inundated with inquiries regarding directions to the venue and plans for dealing with inclement weather on wedding day. A wedding website can handle these inquiries efficiently on your behalf – saving both time and stress!
Make sure that the website builder you choose offers customization features, so you can upload photos and videos of yourself and your fiance as well as modify text themes, fonts and colors – even optimize images so they load faster for visitors! Look into this website/이 웹사이트 to see how nice websites can be made using WordPress!
Make sure you include the website address and password on your save-the-date cards or invitations and maintain it throughout your engagement – it will save time by sharing information easily, rather than emailing or calling guests with updates individually.
4. Hire a Venue
After setting your budget, start searching for venues. “Getting started early helps align desired dates with availability,” according to Gankin.
Make sure the wedding venue you select fits with the look and feel you desire for your big day, such as photos or videos to help visualize how guests will experience it on their big day. When choosing a venue for your big day, ask for photos, videos or descriptions from past brides as references for the big event.
Be sure that the venue can accommodate your guest list and has sufficient capacity in case of weather issues, while remaining private to prevent strangers from snooping on or interrupting your ceremony.
5. Hire a Photographer
One of the most essential decisions you’ll need to make for your wedding is choosing your photographer, so this shouldn’t be taken lightly!
On your initial meeting with a potential photographer, don’t be intimidated to pose questions and gain more information about them – this is your opportunity to determine whether they will be the ideal match for you!
Make sure to request photos from full weddings instead of just styled photoshoots – this will provide a better indication of their capabilities and how they collaborate with clients on the big day.
Determan emphasizes the importance of finding a photographer with whom you share an intuitive bond; after all, they’ll be with you throughout your special day and are responsible for many duties from keeping time to directing poses – they must understand you and your vision to do their best job!
6. Hire a DJ
Your wedding day is an event to cherish forever and should include decor and music elements that leave guests gasping with amazement!
Interviewing DJs or bands requires taking an in-depth approach. Gather information on past performances, listen to music demos or view videos of them in action if available, and ask about their past accomplishments.
Be sure to inquire about their equipment; will they use uplighting, photo booth or any other special effects as part of their package? Many DJs offer such add-ons. Furthermore, be sure to ask if they have ever performed at your venue before and what time they arrive to set up; this is particularly important if your ceremony and reception will be in different locations as this allows them to ensure their equipment works with both audio systems at each site.
7. Hire a Band
No matter your wedding style – moonlit serenade or grand orchestral performance – live music can add the perfect finishing touch. When booking musicians for your special event, ensure they reflect its theme; for example if your venue is an old-fashioned hotel a DJ playing hip hop may not be appropriate!
When choosing a band for your reception, it’s advisable to ask them if they can learn some of your favorite songs and play them through their sound system at the event. Most bands are more than willing to learn these tunes for you!
Be mindful that most wedding bands will need to finish their set by midnight as this may be required by your venue and local laws. Make sure to discuss this early with them so they can plan accordingly.
8. Hire a Hairstylist
Many brides-to-be turn to family and friends for help in getting their hair and makeup done for the big day. Be it an untrained cousin or just someone willing to assist, make sure that whoever it is they turn to for this task are qualified professionals.
Ask about their work experience and if possible arrange for a trial run before booking them for your wedding. Also inquire as to the number of weddings they plan on working, any minimum call-out fee they impose, etc.
Also, having a contract and deposit signed will reduce their likelihood of canceling last minute and ensure their services will be available on your wedding date. Showing that you are serious and will pay for their service can help everyone involved maintain peace of mind and alleviate stress levels.
9. Hire a Makeup Artist
Makeup artists will spend most of the wedding day with you and your bridesmaids, so finding someone whom you trust and can rely on is of utmost importance. Additionally, asking past clients for references will give an indication of how well they treated brides and did their jobs effectively.
As well as understanding their pricing structure, it is also crucial that you fully comprehend their payment structure. Many artists require both a deposit and contract in place in order to reserve your date; otherwise it may be prudent to seek another MUA provider.
Some salons provide makeup artists, but these may only be amateurs who may have taken a one-week course. It is better to seek out professionals with dedicated experience who know all of the latest products, techniques and sanitization practices in this field.
10. Hire a Videographer
Though it might be tempting to try to tackle everything yourself, delegating certain tasks to your partner or even other family members and friends may help speed up completion. Engaging them also strengthens relationships.
When hiring a videographer, narrow your search based on location and style. View sample films to assess whether they capture your story.
Make sure that your contract clearly details coverage time, shooters and any extra services such as engagement videos or same-day edits for social media. Also pay close attention to how your videographer communicates with you; if they seem disinterested or unreliable they probably won’t make for a great fit; an effective videographer should anticipate your needs while being an natural on camera presence – which will only enrich the final product even more meaningful.