Why didn't Dr. Suess write Oh the Decisions You Will Make instead of the Places you Will Go?
Seriously, am I the only person that is a bit overwhelmed by all of the choices there are with wedding planning? Date, venue, caterer, style, colors, food, wedding party, guest list, engagement photos, accommodations, transportation, music, linens, chairs, lighting, start time, make up, hair, dresses, rehearsal, save-the-dates, ceremony style, ceremony readings, cake, shoes, jewelry, grooms attire, first dance song, all other special dance songs, photographer, videographer, invitations, wedding website designs, favors, seating assignments, wedding party gifts, flowers, seating assignment, cake topper, cake cutter, decorations....I think that you get the gist, but seriously so many questions that you need to answer.
Where to start? Dream up your wedding, who will be there? How do you envision it? What do you think the cost of that wedding would be (times it by 2, general rule)? Now what is your budget? Setting a budget of what you can afford, take into consideration what others are willing to contribute, now re-envision the reality of your wedding. Can you still throw an amazing wedding on a budget? Of course! But it will take time and research and planning ahead. So instead of buying decorations, plan to make them with your friends. Create a timeline that will include creating those, but also make sure it is fun and exciting!
Can you afford a wedding planner? Do the research! Can you afford to not have a wedding planner? I am planning a wedding from afar, living in Florida and planning for Maine. I am VERY fortunate to have an AMAZING group of friends and family that are willing to do research and photo stalking of areas, but this is where a wedding planner could and would come in handy.
As many people that reached out to you after the engagement, do you be afraid to ask for their assistance, their expertise. Is one of them a photographers? DJ? Florist? Crafty and can create save-the-dates or invites? Same with a job, it is usually more about who you know than what you know. So if you know someone, ask! Be a go getter! In the long run this could help save you money and also create an environment that allows others to be involved in your big day!
Well....what are you waiting for?? Start your list of questions/needs and start filling in the blanks!!!