8 Steps to Keep Your Wedding Planning On Track
So, you’re engaged! Congratulations! Now comes the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) task of wedding planning. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you take those first steps. Our experienced team at Laural Mill has every tip that you need to get your wedding planning started off right.
1. Set Your Budget
One of the most important things to establish early on is your budget. This will guide your decisions throughout the planning process. Consider all factors, including venue costs, photography, catering, attire, florals, and entertainment. Here at Laural Mill, we pride ourselves on transparent pricing and beneficially inclusive packages to make your budgeting easy.
We would also recommend setting your budget before visually planning too much. While Pinterest and other wedding planning resources can provide incredible inspiration, it can be difficult to understand how much certain events cost to put on.
2. Create a Guest List
Decide who you want to share your special day with. This will help determine the size of your venue and other aspects of your wedding. If you find yourself on a tight budget, consider an intimate wedding with fewer guests. Your budget will stretch further and you will be guaranteed quality time with each guest. You can read all about micro weddings with a guide on how to decide if its right for you here.
3. Consider hiring a Wedding Planner or Coordinator
Before you begin hiring any other vendors, it is important to consider whether you will need a wedding planner or a coordinator. If event planning makes your heads fill with stress, a wedding planner may be a worthwhile investment. They can also help you in your hunt for your other vendors and can provide helpful recommendations to keep you on budget. If pulling off the final details and orchestrating late-stage vendor details is all you want help with, a coordinator might be appropriate.
We have created a helpful guide for deciding whether these two key vendors are an appropriate fit for you here.
4. Choose Your Wedding Style
Do you envision a natural or rustic wedding, a glamorous ballroom affair, or something more intimate? Your style will influence everything from your color palette to your decor. We suggest sticking with what is true to you. Think of your ideal date experience as a couple and build from there! Your enjoyment will be at the center and your guests will be provided with a true picture of what brings you both joy.
At this point, it is safe to start visual planning. When it is time to interview vendors, make sure that you talk openly about what you like about each style. Allowing them to guide you in ways to achieve your core aesthetic goals will help you to make the most of your budget.
5. Pick a Date
We recommend first thinking seasonally with choosing your wedding date. The time of year will change much about the look and feel of your celebration. Consider whether you will want to primarily be outdoor, indoor, or a combination of both.
Your venue will be the greatest factor in choosing your date due to their availability. Your second greatest factor will be your top priority vendors availability if you are locked in with any must-haves.
If price point is a major consideration, look into off-season dates and weekday weddings. Some vendors may have discounts for slower times of year which could work greatly in your favor.
6. Find Your Dream Venue
Your venue will set the tone for your wedding. Consider factors like location, capacity, and amenities that align with your vision. We recommend walkthrough tours at venues whenever possible. Seeing the facilities and having a clear understanding of the features of the venue as well as professionalism of the team is a must.
Here at Laural Mill in Indiana, we love to provide our couples with a clear picture of what we provide as a venue. With our impressive list of included details and staff who are well equipped for any wedding day curveball (weather being an important one), we love the peace that we can provide to our couples. If you are interested in visiting Laural Mill, we’d love to have you out to the venue for a tour!
7. Hire Essential Vendors
Start securing key vendors like your photographer, caterer, florist, and DJ. Research and compare different options to find the best fit for your budget and style.
We always recommend having a call or meeting with each vendor that you consider. While this takes more time, it allows you ease in asking questions and getting a feel for who you are hiring.
Particularly in the case of your photographer, make sure that you feel at ease around them. Your wedding day visual team will be by your side throughout, so ensuring that their portfolio reflects what you love AND that you enjoy spending time with them is crucial for a great experience.
8. Design Your Dream Day
From flowers and decor to invitations and favors, let your creativity shine. Consider personal touches that reflect your love story and make your wedding truly unique. We particularly love guest experience touches. Custom cocktail napkins with fun facts, conversation cards at tables to help your loved ones connect, and tidbits like pet related decor are lovely ways to personalize your day.
Your wedding doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s, the point is to celebrate your love story.
Would you like to delve deeper into any specific aspect of wedding planning? Let us know and we can provide tailored advice!