After saying yes to your boyfriend-now-fiance's wedding proposal, it is time you embark on the whirlwind journey of wedding planning. A lot of brides and wedding planners will tell you that planning a wedding is not a simple task. It can be stressful and it makes bridezillas out of sweet and demure bride-to-be's. There are a lot of things to consider when planning a wedding and it can be overwhelming to plan things down to the last detail. The key to planning a wedding is to stay organized and focused and you must be prepared to spend a lot of time in the process.
Picture It
Conceptualize your wedding from beginning to end. Where will your wedding take place? Is it going to be a formal event or would you prefer something more casual? When is it going to be? What is the theme of your wedding? What kind of food do you want to serve? Be sure to include the ceremony itself and the wedding reception after when you think about your wedding.
Budgeting
Set a budget. This is perhaps the most important thing to consider because whether you like it or not, weddings cost a lot of money. Your budget should be functional and has room for a bit of flexibility. It should combine both fantasy and practicality.
Guest Count
Decide on how many guests you want to invite. The size of your wedding will affect the size of your budget. Discuss the guest list with your fiance. Some couples set a limit number when it comes to guests, like 50 people each from both sides to make a total of 100 guests. This is where you also decide on who will be included in the wedding party (maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.)
Documents
Prepare the necessary documents you will need for your marriage certificate. If it isn't valid, you're not married. You might be required to attend pre-marriage counseling before you get approval for your marriage license.
The Date
Set the date. The wedding date will be determined by the availability of the couple, the guests, and the venue.
Location
Book the venues for the ceremony and the reception after the date is set. This is important especially if the venues you choose are famous wedding sites.
Who Officiates
Choose who will officiate the wedding. You have the option to choose between having a civil wedding or a religious ceremony.
Remaining Tasks
Choose your wedding dress, and the outfits of the bridal party. Interview and hire vendors, caterers, and wedding photographers and videographers. Send out the invitations, preferably weeks before the wedding and make sure the guests RSVPs.
