In this article, I’ll share my top tips for planning your wedding (or any event you’re organizing!). So, for those of you who are getting ready to take the plunge and don’t know where to start, let’s get going!
We'll start with the date or the location.
And there are two options. Either you want to get married on a specific date and choose a venue that’s available on that date; or you prioritize the venue you love and choose an available date. It’s up to you to decide what’s most important to you! Feel free to visit 3–4 different venues to compare them (after making a list of your requirements regarding seating capacity for the meal and seating arrangements, outdoor spaces, and backup plans in case of bad weather…). As you can see, the earlier you plan, the more options you’ll have (ideally, start planning 18 months before the big day).
Next, you can move on to choosing a caterer. A short or extended reception, a live cooking demonstration, plated meals or a buffet, local products, something unique or traditional, a tiered wedding cake or a standard wedding cake… go ahead and treat yourself!
At the same time, choose your theme.
This will be your guiding theme and what brings harmony to the event: bohemian, rustic, glamorous, colorful, cinematic, minimalist… it doesn’t matter, as long as it reflects who you are!
Be sure to contact the town hall and, if necessary, the place of worship to find out what steps you need to take.
Next, you’ll need to consider all the other vendors you’d like to hire. Some need to be booked 8 to 12 months in advance: DJ or band, photographer, videographer, secular ceremony officiant, decorator… but don’t forget: the florist, the hairstylist, the makeup artist, children’s entertainers if needed, vehicle rental, and other entertainment options if you’d like (magician, cocktail bar, fireworks…), etc.
With everything else on your mind, have you remembered to send out your invitations? And keeping track of the RSVPs? You’ll need to do this to finalize your orders with the caterer, create the seating chart, choose gifts for the guests, and possibly arrange accommodations.
Normally, no one forgets this, but have you chosen your wedding dress yet? We recommend starting 9 to 12 months in advance, as several fittings are needed to make adjustments. As for you, sir, we don’t wait until the last minute either!
My advice:
Throughout these preparations, to avoid getting overwhelmed, burning out, and overspending:
- Set a maximum budget and allocate it to the various categories (with a buffer for unexpected expenses)
- Be careful: keep track of every expense, pay your vendors on time…
- Plan as far in advance as possible so you don't have to do everything in the last few weeks—or even the last few hours…
- Ask your friends, family, or a wedding planner for help 😉
- Create a schedule for the big day and make sure it’s not too packed
But above all, enjoy these moments—your wedding isn’t just about the big day itself, but also about all the little and big preparations leading up to it. You’ll see—it only makes the happiness multiply!
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