First of all, I want to give you a big introduction that I’m not getting married nor engaged yet. But we’ll get there when the right time comes. In the meantime, I am here to help the future brides to organize their thoughts or ideas for their big day.
Now, I know, it’s hard to give an input for something I haven’t experienced yet. But on the contrary, I can give you reasons why I can be of help. First of, since this is my line of business, I’ve been reading a lot with regards to this matter. Second would be, I have a very reliable source, my clients a.k.a. the future brides of course. Third, since I’m not the one who’s getting married, my mind is as clear a crystal in terms of all the ideas without having to worry about all the other factors such as expenses, seminars, location and all those things. I hope I was able to convince you by now…
Please be guided though, that I am only trying to help in giving the future brides an input and sorting out different wedding ideas. Specially on the creative side, which I can say I’m good at… So, drink that cup of coffee now because you will really need it to keep your mind up. I’m sure I’ll need one…
Photo taken using my instragam
Before we start the never ending bullet points, first thing’s first… buy or find a notebook or journal that will keep you organize for the entire preparation. Ideas might just pop-up anywhere and anytime, so it’s necessary to write it down to remember that thought in the future. I suggest you look for a nice design though. Doesn’t matter whether how small or big it is so long it is something that you like looking at and it will relive you from stress. Smash can help you organize your ideas with their very cute journal. I did a previous post of their video, and it totally inspired me. Or you can check our various Notebook designs if you want a custom one.
Photo from Smash Stories Blog
Now that you have something to write on, let’s start with the Wedding List, shall we? Here we go:
• Create your wedding mood board or folder.
Photo from Decor8 Blog
One way to compile those overwhelming ideas are to compile them literally. Decor8, as one of my daily inspiration, taught me this during our e-course, and Holly also showed how to make one. So tear down pages from the wedding magazines or print all those photos that inspire you for your wedding details. From the motif to theme, decorations to stationery. Then little by little try to eliminate the least favorites, to help you focus for your dream wedding.
• Write down all your prospect vendors and leave a space for their contact numbers/person and website.
— Since you have an idea on what you wanted, writing down your suppliers will be easy since you already know the style you desire. This will lessen the hassle from bringing all their calling cards and brochures. Anytime you need to set an appointment, ask for their rates or review their site, you can simply find these information in your handy dandy notebook.
Here are the necessary vendors you’ll be needing:
– Church
– Reception
– Coordinator
– Florist/ Decorator
– Caterer
– Jewelry supplier
– Invitation and Stationery
– Wedding gown
– Photographer and Videographer
– Wedding cake
– Make-up artist
– Wedding singers/band
• Set your budget and check the actual rates.
Photo from Kesler123
— It’s definitely important to have a budget just so you would know if your expenses are still parallel to your finances. Dream weddings shouldn’t have to be expensive. But if you have some preferences on something like a certain photographer or the location, try to adjust on the other details. At least from here you would know if you’re already on top of your budget.
• Finalized your Date and jot down your guest lists.
Photo from Martha Stewart Weddings
— Your wedding date can be finalized later, but you have to decide not later than 6-8 months {if you have a long engagement}. Just to be safe that you can still book your vendors on your preferred date.
— A simple or a big wedding, it doesn’t matter. It’s very important to list all your expected guest from the very start. Because as time gets closer, the list gets bigger. So it’s necessary to list them now to check it once in awhile if you have forgotten some friends or relatives. From here you can also check the people you wanted to include in you entourage.
Photo from Amelia Kay Photography
Okay, so it was not really an never-ending list… but I don’t want to overload you with too much information on our first Wedding 101. But these are the necessary things that you have to consider first. You may say this is very simple but it needs a lot of thinking, because this will be your foundation during the preparation time. You will definitely encounter overwhelming ideas over the internet, friends newly weds, etc., but once you have a focus or idea on what you wanted, you would save time and money for not being fickle-minded.
Next on our Wedding 101 will be more about themes and motifs. Hope you can drop by again…
Hmm it appears like your blog ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m
thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog
writer but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any tips and hints for beginner blog writers? I’d definitely
appreciate it.
[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value.
Hey! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok. I’m absolutely enjoying
your blog and look forward to new updates.
[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value.
Hello… yes you can follow me at @iam_artisan