Planning a Wedding Checklist
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Organizing a wedding is multifaceted and requires excellent attention to detail. The overall summary of all the things you need to prepare is as follows:
Establishing the Bases
- Establish a budget: This is the cornerstone of your wedding planning. Decide how much you are prepared to pay. This will give you a clear understanding of your financial boundaries and will impact all subsequent decisions.
- Make a guest list: To help you choose the location, caterer, and total budget, estimate the number of guests you will be inviting.
- Select a Date: When choosing a wedding date, consider your city’s seasonality, the venue’s availability, and most importantly, any meaningful personal dates unique to you two. This is your day, make it truly yours.
Selecting Your Wedding Look
- Decide on Your Wedding Theme: This indicates the overall look and feel of your party, whether it be boho, modern, rustic, or antique.
- Color Scheme: Select a color palette that reflects your theme and style.
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Location & Suppliers
- Select a Location: Make bookings for a ceremony and reception location that suits your wedding theme, number of guests, and budget. Verify the services, capacity, and location.
- Wedding Planner: If your budget allows, consider hiring a wedding planner. This professional will handle every aspect of the wedding planning process on your behalf.
- Choose a caterer who can accommodate both your budget and any dietary needs.
- Hire a photographer or videographer to document your day.
- Florist: Choose a supplier for boutonnieres, flowers, and venue décor.
- Hire a band, DJ, or other entertainment for the reception.
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Legal Bits
- Obtain a marriage license by the policies of the local government.
- Legality of Officiant: Verify if your officiant is legally authorized to perform your marriage.
Careful Planning
- Choosing and purchasing a wedding gown for the bride.
- Along with the groom’s attire.
- Organizing outfits that the groomsmen and bridesmaids will wear together.
- Send out cards with the date marked on them, then design, produce, and distribute wedding invitations.
- RSVP management involves maintaining the guest list and monitoring responses.
- Programs: Day-of stationery, Menus, and signage.
(paulrichstudio - stock.adobe.com) - Rings for the Wedding: Purchasing bands for the bride and groom.
- Verify that the bride and her entourage have arranged appropriate hair and cosmetics appointments.
- Transportation: Arrange for the wedding parties and guests’ transportation in advance, if needed.
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Day-of
- Ceremony Specifics:
- Promises: Either write your vows or have your officiant verify the script.
- Choose the ceremonial music for the signing, leave, and entrance.
- Organize the seating for both the ceremony and the reception.
- Specifics of the Reception:
- Establish a seating arrangement by assigning guests to tables and seats.
- Schedule the Reception: Determine the approximate timing of the speeches, first dance, and cake.
Happy couple bride and groom cutting a wedding cake
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