This morning, I woke up early and headed over to Today's THV to share wedding planning tips for all you newly engaged gals. The 2013 holiday season was one for the record books it seems — so many of you got engaged! Congrats! In an effort to help y'all plan, and plan well, we ventured over to the studio (bright and early at 6 a.m.) to wake you up with a wedding to-do short list. If you just so happened to have still been sleeping (can't say I blame you), here's video from today's news spot (or you can watch it at the bottom of the post) and below all the details about each of our "first-things-first" planning to-dos.
• Budget and prioritize.
Obviously, this is something you need to do first before booking anything. Determine how much do you want to (or can) afford to spend, and who all is contributing funds toward the budget. With that dollar amount in mind, determine 3 to 5 elements you consider the most important to you and your groom. Is it photography, the venue and the menu or the gown, the décor and the band? This is an important step, because you need to decide which items are worth splurging and which you can live without or find a way to save on.
• Pick your venue first – NOT your wedding date.
Brides tend to lock down a date before anything else, but I recommend them picking their dream venue first. Locking yourself down to a set date will likely limit your venue options, as there are many other brides out there booking weddings too. We suggest having a wedding date window of opportunity — a few weeks to a month — so when you call your dream venue, you can choose from an available date they have within that flexible window you gave yourself.
• Book a wedding photographer next.
Even though Arkansas has a long list of talented wedding photographers, the best of them book up fast and don't work every single weekend. They have lives too. You'll likely want this person to shoot your engagements, bridals and wedding photos, so getting in with them early. Establishing a relationship will really bode well for the whole experience. Choose someone with your same taste/aesthetic. Do NOT use a friend with a camera – too many brides have lived to regret doing that. Learn from their mistakes.
• Go gown shopping!
You've been dreaming of this experience since you were a little girl, so go ahead and book your bridal appointments as soon as you want. Often, the dress can set the tone for the whole wedding, so it's a good thing to knock out early. That way you can use the "essence of your dress" to inspire your décor and beyond. And be sure to watch our blog for news on sample sales and trunk shows – two great ways to save money on your dream dress!
• Make one to two wedding decisions a month.
After these four things, just make just one to two decisions about your wedding each month. With the average engagement lasting 14 months, there is no reason to knock out all the planning in the first month. Don't let the wedding consume the next year of your life. Enjoy those last days as a single lady – think lots of girls nights and time with your family.
Happy planning, -Lindsay
