He FINALLY put a ring on it!!!!!! So, now what do you do???
Well…planning a wedding is like training for the Olympics. You’ve been “training” for this for a long time and the summer games are only a few months away! As a young girl, you probably played “dress up” with a pretty white dress and a veil. You started dreaming of who that lucky boy would be, how you’d wear your hair and what flowers you’d carry. It’s truly been the moment that you have waiting for your whole life. Now it’s here, it’s happening and you’re freaking out! Where do you begin?
First, take a deep breath and enjoy the moment! You have the man of your dreams by your side and happily ever after is within your grasp. Take some time to celebrate it! Rushing into the planning will only make you crazy. Once things settle down, you can sit down with your fiancée and talk about what each you envisioned for the big day. Now, I am sure you are thinking, “who cares what he wants, it’s MY day,” but be reasonable, hear him out and then show him the “blue prints” for the day! Compromise is key, be open minded. You might find that some of his ideas are actually worth considering!
I have been a wedding planner for over 15 years. I was also in your shoes as a bride just a few years ago, so I know how you must be feeling. How will I ever get all of this done? You will, I promise! A good solid plan ALWAYS comes together. I have prepared a list of useful tips and some of my best advice to help you as your journey to happily ever after begins.
Get prepared. A well informed bride is a smart bride! Prepare a list of things that are important to you and take it to every wedding appointment. Remember this: No matter where you have your reception, who you choose for the DJ, Band or Photography, YOU ARE THE BOSS! Do not let people push you around or tell you how you want YOUR day to go! You are paying them for a service. There is always room for compromise and certainly doing things within reason, but it’s ultimately YOUR DAY! Do not lose sight of that!
Set a tone! Are you going to be a bride who goes with the flow or are you going to be Bridezilla? Your loved ones and your vendors will be much more willing to help you achieve your picture perfect day if you are more laid back. Again, do not give up control, but trust me, a little kindness goes a long way!
Set a budget. Budgeting for your wedding is crucial, as this will have a great
impact on every other aspect of your day. Plan for unexpected expenses, there is always one or two!
Make your guest list. The number of guests you decide to invite to your wedding will directly influence the cost of your wedding and the size of the venue required. Be reasonable! Pick the people who are most important and present in your current life. Those are the people who deserve to be around you when you say “I do!”
Set the Date. Talk with your families about potential wedding dates to ensure the important people in both your lives will be able to take part. Many places do book up quickly, so having alternate dates or just being open to other dates is a good idea!
Choose the venue. Look for all inclusive packages. This is a great way to stay on budget. Locations that include table flowers, open bar packages, the wedding cake, chair covers, etc….are ideal! There are many venues out there that will show you amazingly low prices, but oops…they forgot to mention that we need to tack on tax and gratuity. Be aware of hidden fees. Also, make sure that you are comfortable with the people who will be helping you plan this event. Are they willing to help you achieve your dream? If you have ANY hesitation, RUN! It’s not for you!
Invite family and friends to be in the bridal party. Make careful decisions about who can best provide emotional support to you leading up to the big day. Be mindful that while you may have a handsome budget, your attendants may not. Try to be reasonable when sharing your wishes for the perfect shower and bridesmaid’s dresses. There is a great financial commitment that comes along with saying “yes to the dress,” so respect your loved one’s limitations.
Pick a color / theme. Many brides choose themes that are reflected in their save-the-dates, invitations, ceremonies, receptions and thank-you cards. Choosing a theme and color scheme in the beginning will help narrow down options later.
Hire a caterer. If you choose a location that does not have catering included in the price, you may need to hire a caterer. Once again, do your homework. Ask for recommendations from the venue you have selected. Often times, they may have a list of recommended caterers. Ask for a tasting. You want to make sure the food is going to be pleasing to your pallet! Weigh the options of sit-down versus buffet style dinners. The misconception is that buffet service is cheaper, but that is not the case. For a buffet to be a success, a GOOD chef will make sure there is enough of each item for every guests at the event. Therefore, the cost is higher. Also, when picking the menu items, take into account the dietary needs of your guests by offering a variety of menu options, including a vegetarian dish or a gluten free option.
Make the announcement. Decide how you want to let the community know of your planned nuptials. Will you be putting a notice in the local paper, or simply changing your Facebook status to ENGAGED?
Get your Wedding Dress. The dress HAS to be fabulous! Listen to your instincts and choose a gown that “feels right” and reflects your personality and style. You will absolutely know when it’s “THE ONE!”
Dress your party. Once you’ve chosen the wedding dress of your dreams, speak with your fiancé about his wishes for his suit, as well as the bridal party attire. Be open minded for the ladies, as they all come in different shapes and sizes. What may look amazing on a size 2, may not look as fabulous on a size 18. You want to achieve a certain look, of course, but do not put your bridesmaids in something that would make them uncomfortable or self conscious. When choosing a color, keep in mind that perhaps the boys may not feel comfortable in a peach bow tie and vest. Be open to the men’s suggestions, you might be surprised.
The Wedding Cake. With any luck, your wedding package will include your cake. Most locations that include the wedding cake will offer you some selections for flavors, colors and style. If you have to look for a cake on your own, ask the venue if they have recommendations. They would know who is good and reliable and in closest proximity to their venue. Whether you choose a large multi-tiered cake or cupcakes, remember to keep your budget in mind. The fancier the cake, the more expensive it will be.
Hire a photographer. Choose your professional photographer wisely. Carefully look at their photos and make sure that their style is your style. Whether you prefer traditional wedding photos or candid shots, to make sure no moment is overlooked, inform your photographer that there are certain photographs that you want taken and give him the list.
Choose your flowers. Choosing the florist is vital in setting your theme. You want to make sure you pick someone who is reputable and reasonable! Set a budget and stick to it. By the time you see the florist, you should have your date locked in, your colors chosen and your attendants accounted for. Make a list of exactly what you need. Visit at least 3 florists and ask for a quote from each. Ask to see a sample of their work. Keep in mind that your favorite flower may not be in season when you are having your wedding, so be open to their suggestions.
Book the entertainment. Do you want a DJ or a live band? Talk about your music preferences, as well as the types of songs you want played at your reception to keep your guests on the dance floor. The entertainment can make or break your wedding. If you are considering a live band, go out and listen to them play live. You may like the idea of live music but remember that a cover is not always as good as the original!
Make hotel and travel accommodations for out of town guests
Obtain marriage license, travel documents and insurance information
On the Wedding Day :
Keep the bridal party hydrated!
Make sure everyone eats a good breakfast, including you.
Bring an emergency kit. Be sure to pack your makeup (in case you cry it off), hair spray, hair pins, extra panty hose, inhaler/emergency medication (if necessary), nail file, flip flops, change of clothes for after the wedding, deodorant, perfume and TISSUES! Don’t forget the tissues!
The most important advice I can offer you on this very special day is to take a moment or two throughout the excitement of the day to soak it all in. You are planning a 5 hour event that is ALL ABOUT YOU and you do not want to forget one moment. So many girls tell me how quickly the day goes. Stopping here and there to look out over the crowd, seeing who is there celebrating with you, smiling, dancing and laughing. Those are the moments you want to remember. Through out the planning, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Take it one task at a time. Make lists and remember to have fun!!!!!!!!
Best Wishes and Happy Planning!
For more information about booking your wedding event at Peddler’s Village, contact Ann Lipcsey at: 215-794-4078. Visit www.PeddlersVillage.com to learn more.
Well…planning a wedding is like training for the Olympics. You’ve been “training” for this for a long time and the summer games are only a few months away! As a young girl, you probably played “dress up” with a pretty white dress and a veil. You started dreaming of who that lucky boy would be, how you’d wear your hair and what flowers you’d carry. It’s truly been the moment that you have waiting for your whole life. Now it’s here, it’s happening and you’re freaking out! Where do you begin?
First, take a deep breath and enjoy the moment! You have the man of your dreams by your side and happily ever after is within your grasp. Take some time to celebrate it! Rushing into the planning will only make you crazy. Once things settle down, you can sit down with your fiancée and talk about what each you envisioned for the big day. Now, I am sure you are thinking, “who cares what he wants, it’s MY day,” but be reasonable, hear him out and then show him the “blue prints” for the day! Compromise is key, be open minded. You might find that some of his ideas are actually worth considering!
I have been a wedding planner for over 15 years. I was also in your shoes as a bride just a few years ago, so I know how you must be feeling. How will I ever get all of this done? You will, I promise! A good solid plan ALWAYS comes together. I have prepared a list of useful tips and some of my best advice to help you as your journey to happily ever after begins.
Get prepared. A well informed bride is a smart bride! Prepare a list of things that are important to you and take it to every wedding appointment. Remember this: No matter where you have your reception, who you choose for the DJ, Band or Photography, YOU ARE THE BOSS! Do not let people push you around or tell you how you want YOUR day to go! You are paying them for a service. There is always room for compromise and certainly doing things within reason, but it’s ultimately YOUR DAY! Do not lose sight of that!
Set a tone! Are you going to be a bride who goes with the flow or are you going to be Bridezilla? Your loved ones and your vendors will be much more willing to help you achieve your picture perfect day if you are more laid back. Again, do not give up control, but trust me, a little kindness goes a long way!
Set a budget. Budgeting for your wedding is crucial, as this will have a great
impact on every other aspect of your day. Plan for unexpected expenses, there is always one or two!
Make your guest list. The number of guests you decide to invite to your wedding will directly influence the cost of your wedding and the size of the venue required. Be reasonable! Pick the people who are most important and present in your current life. Those are the people who deserve to be around you when you say “I do!”
Set the Date. Talk with your families about potential wedding dates to ensure the important people in both your lives will be able to take part. Many places do book up quickly, so having alternate dates or just being open to other dates is a good idea!
Choose the venue. Look for all inclusive packages. This is a great way to stay on budget. Locations that include table flowers, open bar packages, the wedding cake, chair covers, etc….are ideal! There are many venues out there that will show you amazingly low prices, but oops…they forgot to mention that we need to tack on tax and gratuity. Be aware of hidden fees. Also, make sure that you are comfortable with the people who will be helping you plan this event. Are they willing to help you achieve your dream? If you have ANY hesitation, RUN! It’s not for you!
Invite family and friends to be in the bridal party. Make careful decisions about who can best provide emotional support to you leading up to the big day. Be mindful that while you may have a handsome budget, your attendants may not. Try to be reasonable when sharing your wishes for the perfect shower and bridesmaid’s dresses. There is a great financial commitment that comes along with saying “yes to the dress,” so respect your loved one’s limitations.
Pick a color / theme. Many brides choose themes that are reflected in their save-the-dates, invitations, ceremonies, receptions and thank-you cards. Choosing a theme and color scheme in the beginning will help narrow down options later.
Hire a caterer. If you choose a location that does not have catering included in the price, you may need to hire a caterer. Once again, do your homework. Ask for recommendations from the venue you have selected. Often times, they may have a list of recommended caterers. Ask for a tasting. You want to make sure the food is going to be pleasing to your pallet! Weigh the options of sit-down versus buffet style dinners. The misconception is that buffet service is cheaper, but that is not the case. For a buffet to be a success, a GOOD chef will make sure there is enough of each item for every guests at the event. Therefore, the cost is higher. Also, when picking the menu items, take into account the dietary needs of your guests by offering a variety of menu options, including a vegetarian dish or a gluten free option.
Make the announcement. Decide how you want to let the community know of your planned nuptials. Will you be putting a notice in the local paper, or simply changing your Facebook status to ENGAGED?
Get your Wedding Dress. The dress HAS to be fabulous! Listen to your instincts and choose a gown that “feels right” and reflects your personality and style. You will absolutely know when it’s “THE ONE!”
Dress your party. Once you’ve chosen the wedding dress of your dreams, speak with your fiancé about his wishes for his suit, as well as the bridal party attire. Be open minded for the ladies, as they all come in different shapes and sizes. What may look amazing on a size 2, may not look as fabulous on a size 18. You want to achieve a certain look, of course, but do not put your bridesmaids in something that would make them uncomfortable or self conscious. When choosing a color, keep in mind that perhaps the boys may not feel comfortable in a peach bow tie and vest. Be open to the men’s suggestions, you might be surprised.
The Wedding Cake. With any luck, your wedding package will include your cake. Most locations that include the wedding cake will offer you some selections for flavors, colors and style. If you have to look for a cake on your own, ask the venue if they have recommendations. They would know who is good and reliable and in closest proximity to their venue. Whether you choose a large multi-tiered cake or cupcakes, remember to keep your budget in mind. The fancier the cake, the more expensive it will be.
Hire a photographer. Choose your professional photographer wisely. Carefully look at their photos and make sure that their style is your style. Whether you prefer traditional wedding photos or candid shots, to make sure no moment is overlooked, inform your photographer that there are certain photographs that you want taken and give him the list.
Choose your flowers. Choosing the florist is vital in setting your theme. You want to make sure you pick someone who is reputable and reasonable! Set a budget and stick to it. By the time you see the florist, you should have your date locked in, your colors chosen and your attendants accounted for. Make a list of exactly what you need. Visit at least 3 florists and ask for a quote from each. Ask to see a sample of their work. Keep in mind that your favorite flower may not be in season when you are having your wedding, so be open to their suggestions.
Book the entertainment. Do you want a DJ or a live band? Talk about your music preferences, as well as the types of songs you want played at your reception to keep your guests on the dance floor. The entertainment can make or break your wedding. If you are considering a live band, go out and listen to them play live. You may like the idea of live music but remember that a cover is not always as good as the original!
Make hotel and travel accommodations for out of town guests
Obtain marriage license, travel documents and insurance information
On the Wedding Day :
Keep the bridal party hydrated!
Make sure everyone eats a good breakfast, including you.
Bring an emergency kit. Be sure to pack your makeup (in case you cry it off), hair spray, hair pins, extra panty hose, inhaler/emergency medication (if necessary), nail file, flip flops, change of clothes for after the wedding, deodorant, perfume and TISSUES! Don’t forget the tissues!
The most important advice I can offer you on this very special day is to take a moment or two throughout the excitement of the day to soak it all in. You are planning a 5 hour event that is ALL ABOUT YOU and you do not want to forget one moment. So many girls tell me how quickly the day goes. Stopping here and there to look out over the crowd, seeing who is there celebrating with you, smiling, dancing and laughing. Those are the moments you want to remember. Through out the planning, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Take it one task at a time. Make lists and remember to have fun!!!!!!!!
Best Wishes and Happy Planning!
For more information about booking your wedding event at Peddler’s Village, contact Ann Lipcsey at: 215-794-4078. Visit www.PeddlersVillage.com to learn more.
