You Think You Know How to Plan Your Wedding?

If You Read One Article About Wedding Preparations Read This One

In this post, you will get tips on:

The ultimate After-Engagement Checklist - Where, When and How

Now that he has finally proposed and you have said yes, you may be wondering what comes next. Here is what you need to do. After celebrating, taking ring selfies, and showing it off on social media, don't forget to update your relationship status from single to engaged.

After sharing the exciting news with your loved ones, it's time to start focusing on planning the wedding. The first thing you should do is insure your ring as soon as possible. The following tips will help you with wedding planning.

Things You May forget For Your Wedding:

Top 11 Things You Didn't Know

Your rings:

1. Insuring Your Rings

Not all insurance plans are created equal. "There are two basic types of insurance policies for rings," explains Doyle. "One is a replacement policy, which, in the case of a loss, the insurance company will work on your behalf to replace your ring with something comparable. The second type of policy would reimburse a percentage — 100 percent, or something less — of the value of the ring in the event of a loss. In general, a replacement policy will be more affordable than a policy that will reimburse with a check."

Pro Tip: Inquire with your homeowner's or renter's insurance provider about adding jewelry coverage to your existing policy. This may be a more cost-effective option than purchasing separate insurance for your engagement ring

Learn more: ‘ All about the rings ’

Wedding date:

2. Tips for Choosing Your Wedding date

Come to an agreement on when you both believe is a good time to get married. You can consider multiple dates and then narrow it down to one that works for both of your schedules and the availability of vendors and venues. Consider the seasons (spring/summer, fall/winter) to determine the type of wedding you want. Take into account the weather, personal schedules like school and work, calendar dates such as holidays, and any other factors that could affect your guests' attendance. Being flexible will greatly assist in choosing a wedding date!

Pro Tip: Create a shared calendar or spreadsheet to track dates that work for both of you, considering factors like school, work schedules, and the availability of key vendors and venues. Flexibility is key!

Wedding Budget:

3. Tips for Crafting Your 'Guestimate' Budget

Take a day or so to discuss in detail how much you want to spend on the wedding. The conversation should focus on ‘who is going to pay what, and if parents from each side would be willing to help out financially; try to find out how much money they could contribute.’ Decide what type of wedding you both prefer, such as small and elegant, simple and chic, rustic, vintage, outdoor/indoor, or at a synagogue/church. Have the financial discussion before making any other plans!

Pro Tip: Clearly define your wedding vision. Are you dreaming of a grand celebration or an intimate gathering? Your vision will guide your budget and help you prioritize your spending.

Learn more: Wedding Day Budget and How to Start

*** FYI: When creating a vision for your ideal wedding and mapping out the details, remember that your projected budget could change. This will be influenced by the decisions you make, hence the term 'guestimate'. Finding a middle ground is crucial - if one person prefers a more intimate celebration, compromise. The key is ensuring that the day is truly meaningful for both of you and that you can share it joyfully with your loved ones and friends.

Learn more: 28 Wedding Expenses to Keep in Mind!

Wedding Guest List:

4. Tips For Crafting Your Guest List

Creating your guest list is not just a task to check off your list, it's a strategic move that will ultimately determine the financial success of your wedding. The size of your guest list has a direct impact on your catering expenses, venue selection, and overall budget allocation.

Pro Tip: Begin by deciding on a realistic guest count early in your planning process. This will serve as a guiding force in choosing the perfect venue and establishing a solid budget. Keep in mind that every guest you invite will add to your total expenses, so choose wisely.

*** FYI: We suggest that you use this, ‘ Five-year/five-minute rule of thumb ’ to help you along.

Wedding Menu:

5. Tips for Crafting Your Wedding Menu

Once you've finalized your guest list, it's crucial to start thinking about your wedding menu. To ensure a memorable and delicious dining experience, opt for seasonal ingredients that are perfect for the time of year you're tying the knot. For a summer celebration, prioritize dishes that showcase the best flavors of the season. Keep in mind that certain seafood, like lobster, may have to be substituted with imitation alternatives if they're not in season. Planning ahead and choosing seasonal fare will guarantee a menu that wows your guests and elevates your special day to new heights.

Pro Tip: Consider working with a local caterer who specializes in seasonal menus and can provide you with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This not only adds a touch of sophistication but also supports your local community.

*** FYI: Caterers usually charge per plate/person. This means, if a caterer charges, let’s say $70 per plate/person, and you decide on inviting 150 guests, well your bill will look something like this: 150 guests @ $70 per plate/person = $10,500 plus tax. This could only account for the food or for a package option that includes wait staff, linens, utensils, kitchen staff, and other items. This really depends on the caterer you find and what they offer. Read before signing, or better yet, hire a wedding planner ( day-of-service ) to review your contract before making that decision.

Wedding Venue:

6. Suggestions for Choosing Your Wedding Venue

After you have identified the key elements you require for your wedding reception, it's crucial to choose the perfect location and confirm its availability for your desired date. Your wedding theme will play a significant role in determining the ideal venue for your special day - whether it's a grand ballroom with elegant chandeliers, spacious seating arrangements, a dance floor, or a picturesque outdoor garden.

Visit at least 3 to 6 different venues to explore their offerings, ask pertinent questions, and take detailed notes. Consider various factors such as the venue's location, room size, decor, climate control, parking availability, and scheduling conflicts with other events. Evaluate if the venue boasts any appealing features like a garden, gazebo, or lush greenery that align with your vision.

Pro Tip: Schedule a venue visit during the time of day your wedding will be held. This will allow you to experience the venue's lighting and ambiance firsthand and get a better sense of the overall atmosphere.

Learn more: What you should know before selecting a venue

Wedding Dress:

7. Advice for Choosing the Your Wedding Dress

Finding the right wedding dress can be a daunting task. First, read the link below and then go shopping to see what is available. Look through magazines and ask for recommendations on where to search. Consider whether you will buy a new dress, rent one, wear your grandmother's dress, or choose a white, ivory, floral, watercolor, colorful, jumpsuit, or pantsuit.

Take your time to think about all of these options and spend a few days reflecting on what will work best for you. Remember to keep your budget in mind, as well as the style and whether you will be having a daytime or evening/weekend wedding.

Learn more: ‘ Know your style before dress shopping ’| Dress Ideas

Bridal Party:

8. How to Select Your Bridal Party

To have or not to have? Deciding whether or not to have a bridal party is a personal choice. Some brides choose to forego having a bridal party altogether, while others opt to have only a Maid of Honor and a best man. This can save money in the long run and alleviate the pressure on close friends. However, if you do choose to have a bridal party, it is recommended to have a maximum of 1-3 bridesmaids in addition to your Maid of Honor, and the same number of groomsmen. It is important to communicate your plans to your friends in advance so they can make arrangements accordingly.

Pro Tip: If you do choose to have a bridal party, consider having a "bridal party reveal" to surprise your chosen friends and celebrate your decision together.

Related: The Bridal Buddy Option

Wedding Cake:

9. Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Cake

Have you considered your preference for the wedding cake? Would you prefer the caterer to bake it, or do you want to splurge on a cake from a well-known baker? Will it be a towering three-tier cake, a cozy two-tier cake, or a grand single cake?
The number of guests you have will play a significant role in determining the size of the cake and ultimately its cost. There are many factors to take into consideration!
When it comes to wedding cakes, the possibilities are endless. You can get creative with flavors, textures, and even include your favorite comfort foods. Your cake can truly be a reflection of your unique taste and style. I am confident that whatever you choose, it will be a delightful highlight of your special day.

Pro Tip: Schedule cake tastings with your preferred bakers to sample different flavors and styles. This will help you find the perfect cake that not only looks stunning but also tastes delicious.

Learn more: Questions to Ask Bakers

Wedding Flowers:

10. How to Select Your Wedding Flowers

When choosing your wedding flowers, it's essential to consider what's in season, popular, and will complement your table linens and the overall theme of your venue, including the head table. Tall vases are a chic choice for modern weddings, enhancing visibility, but smaller or non-floral centerpieces can also make a statement. Keeping your color palette to a maximum of six colors is recommended for a cohesive look.You can view examples of our suggestions here:

Learn more: 13 Fresh Ways to Use Succulents | How to budget like a Pro | How To Choose Your Floral Style

Pro Tip: Consult with your florist early on in the planning process. They can provide expert guidance on seasonal availability, budget-friendly options, and unique floral arrangements that will bring your wedding vision to life.

Wedding Savings:

11. Tips for Saving Towards Your Wedding

Take a day or so to discuss in detail how much you want to spend on the wedding. The conversation should focus on ‘who is going to pay what, and if parents from each side would be willing to help out financially; try to find out how much money they could contribute.’ Decide what type of wedding you both prefer, such as small and elegant, simple and chic, rustic, vintage, outdoor/indoor, or at a synagogue/church. Have the financial discussion before making any other plans!

Pro Tip: Clearly define your wedding vision. Are you dreaming of a grand celebration or an intimate gathering? Your vision will guide your budget and help you prioritize your spending.

Learn more: Before using a credit card | Step to Planning Your Wedding

You Think You Know How to Plan Your Wedding?

Back to You

Ultimately, it is highly advisable to allocate at least 20% of your earnings into a savings account that accrues interest specifically for your wedding. This simple suggestion is designed to aid you in meticulously preparing for your momentous occasion.

Read our article on ‘ At last, the secret to planning a stress-free wedding ’ . And use our wedding cost estimator to see how much your wedding will cost. 😕

Don't miss out on our company's story, the hottest wedding trends, and valuable planning advice on our About Us page. Stay updated with even more wedding ideas on Pinterest and Instagram. Plus, visit our newsletter on the 'Featured' page - no sign up necessary. We can't wait to keep you in the loop with all the latest updates!

Meet Keren Michele! She's the creative force behind the content you see daily. A certified wedding planner and lead planner of K’Mich Event Planning & Consulting, she excels at crafting memorable weddings and events. Let her expert guidance make your dream day a reality.

P.S. - Ready to make your wedding dreams a reality? Here are three ways we can assist you in planning your special day:

Phone Consultation: Spend thirty minutes with us discussing your vision for your wedding soirée. We'll ask all the right questions to ensure we understand your unique desires and goals.
Wedding Day Management [Day-of Coordination]: Need help tying up loose ends or managing last-minute details? Our team is here to ensure your big day runs seamlessly from start to finish.
Partial Wedding Planning: Take control of your wedding while still receiving expert guidance and support. Let us help you bring together all the elements of your dream wedding.