Things to Think About When Planning The Perfect Wedding
Our parents and elders have always told us fairy-tale-like stories about their remarkable weddings. From the milky white bridal dress to the dazzling wedding ball, we can’t help but dream about the day we get to experience all of this for ourselves.
But as it turns out, all you’re getting right now as you prepare for your wedding are sleepless nights, endless checklists, and ultra-tight deadlines, right?
Planning your own wedding? Check these tips to help you plan your own wedding without a hitch!
If you’re stressed rather than enjoying the process of preparing for your special day, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Here are the most important things to think about when planning the wedding of your dreams.
Setting the Date
First things first, it’s important to choose a date for your wedding that will suit both you and your loved ones. Agreeing on a date that works with everyone can be challenge because we all have different commitments. However, set the date on a weekend, if possible, to ensure that all your loved ones are with you on that special day. You have to keep in mind that wedding venues are more expensive during certain months of the year depending on the wedding season in that country.
The wedding season generally extends from fall to spring in the hot countries of the Gulf region - excluding the holy month of Ramadan. Elsewhere, the wedding season starts in the spring until early October. If you’re working with a tight budget, consider off season weddings when venues offer cheaper rates.
As the bride or groom, you’ll certainly have to ask your manager for a few days off in advance, to prepare for your day and maybe send out an invitation for a generous extended vacation. It’s totally up to you.
The Guest List
Start thinking about your guest list, sit down with your family and your significant other, and discuss who you’ll want to be there by your side.
Finalizing the guest list is one of the hardest tasks in the entire wedding planning process as you want to invite the people closest to you, who will provide you with moral support, genuine happiness, and help you with the preparations for your big day.
Avoid inviting too many people (including your parent’s lengthy guest list) because chances are you’ll need to make a few cuts. Be selective with who you choose to be your guests because each person counts. It’s recommended to plan the wedding stationery and send out your save-the-date cards 6 months prior to your wedding date.
Be mindful of the restrictions imposed by the COVID19 pandemic and the maximum number of guests allowed at the venue you are getting married at.
Your Dream Venue
Choosing the perfect venue is a back-breaking task, though there are a plethora of wedding venues to choose from. Think about these few things to help you decide:
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Your Vision
Do you want a modern, extravagant wedding at a hotel or resort? Or maybe a tropical wonderland or a beach wedding, incorporating natural aesthetics like a floral aisle, lagoons, saltwater in your hair kind of theme? Many people, particularly couples living in North America, nowadays head to a tropical resort in Hawaii, where they can get married at their Kauai wedding venue to have a beach wedding like the ones we see on TV and fall in love with. Wherever the place may be, choose a venue that aligns with your desired theme and vision.
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Budget
Venues with top-notch décor, large capacities, in-house catering, and full services can cost fortunes. So make sure to plan your budget well, what you want the venue to offer and the capacity you need, then research your options and compare prices of different venues and packages. Keep looking and meeting up with vendors until you find the best wedding package that suits your preference and budget. Make sure you carefully read any contracts to avoid extra costs that may end up blowing up your budget. After all, allotting time in finding your dream venue is the brass track that ensures your wedding is memorable.
Create The Playlist
At some point, we’ve all daydreamed about having our own wedding playlist and even created one in our heads. Start by writing down a list of songs that you love, give it to the band or DJ, or entrust it to one of your bridesmaids/groomsmen.
After the formalities, it’s time to hit the dance floor and bust some moves! You can even surprise your spouse and guests by singing a song of your own. Music is something many people enjoy, so have fun and celebrate this remarkable memory with your family and friends!
Picture credit: Farah and Karim's Authentic Village Wedding
Don’t Do it Alone
Planning a wedding requires tough decisions so always involve your fiance to discuss priorities and know the most important things to both of you.
Try to reach a middle ground if you disagree on certain aspects, like with the choice of photographer or music band. Talk about adding your own heartfelt touches; traditional and familial customs are always special and meaningful.
Compromise is critical, especially when it comes to minor details, and deciding together will allow you to focus on what really matters to you two.
Reasonable Timeline
The earlier you start planning, the better. You’ll be more likely to get the place, time, and price that you wish for. Most venues are booked months (or even a year) in advance. You can pretend the wedding is a month earlier so that you’re done with everything, even the last-minute stuff like picking up the dresses, makeup and hairstyle rehersls... giving you a chance to relax.
The entire process of planning a wedding can be tiresome, but you don’t have to get caught up in trivialities. Anticipate changes and be flexible, and most of all, enjoy the process! Remember what’s truly important is that you are getting married to the person you love and celebrating the beginning of the rest of your life with.
