Step 1: "...that day's gonna be a Good Day!"
Why is selecting a date sooo important? Because it will help you start the process of researching and scheduling, checking Wedding Ceremony & Reception site (or Venues) and Vendor availability, and placing deposits to reserve that perfect location or desired vendor services. Remember, some vendors (especially highly sought after ones) book quickly or only offer limited availability so it's important to start calling to check on specific dates. Also, many Venues offer differing prices depending on the season, time of day, and day of the week. Start selecting a date by picking a couple of potential dates or a timeframe (such as the last two weeks of May) for your wedding day. Then look at your schedule, the schedule of some of the important guests (like parents, best friends, etc.), Holiday's or other special events that may conflict with your big day. After all, you want your special day to stand out and you don't want to compete with Cousin Steve's Graduation. Then... choose your date!
TIP: Not sure if you can snag your dream Venue? Ask about Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays availability and pricing which often book for less than the more popular Saturdays.
Step 2: Does Size Matter?
Oh yes it does. Not only will the size of your wedding effect the protocols, mood, tone, and feeling of the ceremony and celebration but it will also effect the cost and resources you'll need to create it. So close your eyes and ask yourself, will it be an intimate affair with 60 guests or do you envision a tremendous affair with 200, 300 or more?
Of course, the number of Wedding Party Participates (or Attendants) and wedding guests will vary throughout the planning process but the number of guests will have a direct influence on everything from finding Venue(s) to accommodate the group, to cost of Bridal Party Flowers (Bouquets, Boutonnieres, Corsages, etc.), to the catering cost per person, the number of reception and cocktail hour table linens and decorations, and so on. Just keep it simple and ask yourself, would you like a Small Wedding (less than 100), Medium-size Wedding (about 100 - 200), or a Large Wedding (greater than 250) and go from there.
Step 3: Be at home with your range
Most "Brides and Grooms-to-be" are new to the wedding industry and are not familiar with the various product costs, service fees, and other expenses that eventually add up to the total cost of a wedding. So, how much does the average wedding cost? According to recent data the average wedding in the United States in 2011 costed approximately $26,500 (Some areas do vary, for example in Virginia the average is slightly higher with average at $29,000). Yes, even in this economy... Surprised? The resources, products, and service providers involved in the production of a wedding experience inflation just like any other industry.
Sure, there will always be people out there who are willing to do a poorer job for a lower price and as a result take advantage of Brides & Grooms during there once in a lifetime event... that's the bad news. Now, here's the good news! Most reputable Wedding Professionals will be able to work with you to help you understand your budget, offer options, and assist you in creating a simply wonderful event.
That's why it so extremely important to have a general but realistic budget range in mind. I use the term "Budget Range" because as you enhance or scale back on different aspects of your wedding to focus on what is important to you and what you really don't want the budget itself will range. Sit down and truly think about a "budget range" that features a low-end and a high-end number that you'll spend on your wedding. Keep in mind, the budget will fluctuate as the type, size, style, and details of your wedding takes form. Think about the aspects of your wedding that are important to you, what you are willing to be flexible on, and what you will not compromise on. Remember, giving yourself a "budget range" to work with will be one of the most essential parts in the planning process.
TIP: Relay on your Pro! When you hire Wedding Professionals you hire all of their knowledge, experience, and resources with special events. Most Wedding Pros such as Planners/Consultants or Designers (learn the difference between Wedding Coordinator and Designer in our earlier posts "... and you do what?" or "Why Wedding Flowers cost so much" here), Caterers, and so on will help you keep on track and work within your budget... trust them!
What's next?
Once you've established these very general guidelines for your wedding (The Date, The Budget Range, and The Size) you can start the basic research to begin the wedding planning process. As I mentioned before, January is the ideal time to start planning our wedding, in fact, January through March is known in the wedding industry as "Bridal Shows and Booking Season".
Take the next few days to visit:
- Bridal Shows for great wedding ideas
- Pick up established Bridal Magazines and visit reliable Wedding Websites (including local ones)
- Look for and register to visit Venue and Vendor Open Houses
- Make the time to Schedule Consultations to meet with Wedding Professionals.
- your Binder or Notepad to keep your notes and pictures
- your Calendar to schedule appointments on the spot (Initial Consultations are usually free)
- your checkbook or credit card to hold your wedding date with a deposit (Vendors/Venues can book up fast)
Once again, congratulations and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask... Happy Planning!
Blessed wishes,
Janel and your friends at Vivid Expressions LLC
Very wise advice!
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