Weddings are awesome when you are a guest but believe me as a celebrant, it can be one of the scariest experiences you will ever have. However, with careful research and planning, you can make the process much easier. Take all that needs to be considered without leaving any stone unturned.
First, consider your finance. This will help you decide what you can afford to do for your wedding. If you are expecting to have a large budget for your wedding, consider hiring a full-time wedding planner. Your wedding planner will help you make a budget, book vendors, and keep you on schedule.
Whether you decide to hire the services of a wedding planner or run your wedding yourself, here are some facts to be considered to make your day perfect.
How to Prepare For a Wedding
- Create a guest list. Creating a guest list will help you know the number of people you are expecting hence the choice of venue to use. Keep in mind that you may need to reduce the number of people you’re inviting if you can’t find a venue within your budget. Arrange your guest list in order of importance and priorities.
Read: How to Show Love to Who You Care
1. Reserve a wedding venue. When your guest list is ready, proceed to reserve the venue for the event. Most times, popular and affordable wedding venues are usually taken up so you need to make your reservation early. Before deciding on the venue consider the availability of chairs, tables, lighting, decorations, and other necessities. Also, compare several locations before finally making a choice.
2. Send out wedding invitations. Once you are sure your venue is booked, go ahead and send out your invitation. Prepare your wedding invitation including the date and time, RSVP information, the ceremony location (if separate from the reception,) and the dress code. It is important to send out your wedding invitations early (not later than six weeks before the wedding). Send out a reminder closer to your wedding date.
3. Find an officiating Minister. The officiating minister is the person that will lead your wedding ceremony. Usually, a religious leader or Justice of the Peace would fill this role. Make sure your officiant agrees with your chosen date. Also, make sure you talk about getting a marriage license.
4. Select and Order Your Cake. A wedding cake is very essential in a wedding ceremony. It is important to carefully choose the design and the baker and then place your order in advance. Keep in mind that large, complicated cakes are usually quite expensive so consider your budget.
5. Choose your vendors in advance. A wedding vendor is anyone who provides a service for the wedding. Considering cost and packages choose the appropriate vendors that will satisfy your needs. Decide if you need the services of Florists, Photographers, A DJ or wedding band.
6. Reserve a caterer. The duty of the caterer is to take care of food and drinks. Be sure your potential caterer is available on the date of your wedding and can meet up with the requirements (servers, bartenders, tables, etc) essential to make your day awesome and reduce stress and cost.
7. Purchase a wedding dress/ Suit and matching shoes. Remember the day is yours and this leaves you in the spotlight. Take your time to choose and buy your dress /suit. Make the purchase a few months in advance to allow time for alterations. Additionally, choose a dress that flatters your body type and fits in with your wedding vision.
8. Hire Professional Beauticians. Make sure you get beauty treatments ahead of time to avoid adverse effects showing off to ruin your make up. These beauty treatments include Hair waxing, Eyebrow shaping, Facials, and other skin treatments. Your beautician should take care of your hair and makeup.
9. Emergency Bag. An emergency bag is very essential as it will help correct any wardrobe, makeup, or hair problems that may occur throughout the wedding. If you don’t have time to assemble this bag yourself, ask a trusted friend or family member to assemble it for you. This emergency bag can include Spare makeup kit, deodorant, headache pills, and other essentials.
10. Dress Code For Groomsmen and Bridesmaids. Carefully choose your groomsmen and bridesmaids and select their clothes appropriately.
