Congratulations–you’re engaged…what’s next? It can be overwhelming when you begin to think about the wedding plans. There are some things to keep in mind while planning: be sure to not always talk wedding while you’re together and to make sure to have fun and enjoy your engagement because time goes by fast and you’ll be married before you know it. It doesn’t matter if you get married in a church or another venue you two should consider going to pre-marital counseling–not because there is anything wrong just because it is very helpful and brings you two closer together.
Step One: Approximate your guest list so you have a good idea of how large or small the wedding venue can be
Step Two: Determine a budget. Generally things break down something like this:
Reception: 48%-50%
Ceremony: 2%-3%
Attire: 8%-10%
Flowers: 8%-10%
Entertainment/Music: 8%-10%
Photography/Videography: 15-25%
Stationery: 2%-3%
Wedding Rings: 2%-3%
Parking/Transportation: 2%-3%
Gifts: 2%-3%
Honeymoon: 3%-5%
A Maine wedding average is around $30,000.00
Step Three: Decide what you want the feel and style of the wedding to be. Will it be a rustic wedding, a formal wedding, a coastal wedding, a lakeside wedding, a barn wedding? Do you want it to be casual or more elegant? What are your goals for your wedding–enjoy family, spend time together, have fun on the dance floor? What are five words you would use to describe your wedding?
Step Four: What time of year would you like your wedding? Narrow it down to the month–leaving options for the venue you choose in case they are already booked.
Step Five: Will you make a whole wedding weekend? How many people would be attending the rehearsal, will you do a post wedding brunch?
Step Six: Hire a wedding planner
Step Seven: Begin your venue search try to narrow it down before making appointments to see them.
When you go and see the venue here are some things to consider:
parking
lighting for the reception/ceremony
is it close to public transportation?
does it need to be wheel chair accessible?
what is their end time for the reception party?
what types of spaces are there and how is it laid out for the types of events you want (cocktail hour, ceremony, and reception)
will the venue have enough space for the proposed guest list?
what is the carpet and ceiling like? (it will be in photos)
is there housing on site or nearby for your guests?
what do they have for tables and chairs–do they work with a rental service?
will yours be the only wedding that day?
can you do the ceremony onsite?
do they do the catering?
Step Eight: Catering/Rentals if they are not agreed upon in the contract
Step Nine: Book a band or a DJ
Step Ten: Book your photographer and videographer
Step Eleven: Begin working with your stationer to send out your invitations
Step Twelve: Book your hair and makeup team
Step Thirteen: Hire transportation for the wedding day
Step Fourteen: Find a dress and get fitted
Step Fifteen: Decide on suits/tuxedos
Step Sixteen: Hire the Florist
Step Seventeen: Hire a Baker for the cake/dessert table
Step Eighteen: Begin working on the favors, finding your wedding shoes, and welcome bags