Perhaps the most romantic moment in the lives of young couples is the one that culminates in engagement. That said, the romance of the engagement is often quickly overshadowed by the stress of planning a wedding. The following pieces of advice will help any couple make sure that the planning of their wedding goes smoothly.
Practice how you’re going to walk the aisle a lot before your wedding date arrives. Try to practice at the wedding site so you can test your chosen shoes on the flooring at the site. This allows you to have confidence in every step on the big day.
Choose a less popular month to get married if you want to save money. Many brides and grooms decided to tie the knot between May and September. Venues tend to be pricier during these months. Should you have to book during the season, do so well in advance to garner your best deal.
Getting married in an off-season will lower your wedding costs. Wedding season runs from May through September. You can expect to pay more if you schedule your wedding during this time. If you want to book your wedding at those times, make sure you are booking far enough in advance so you get a great deal.
Online wedding gown purchases can be easy on your wallet, but give yourself enough time for alterations as needed. I spent $100 on the gown I purchased for my wedding, but spent another $200 for altering it. Make sure the costs are included in your budget.
Wedding dresses are not cheap. To save money, consider looking at dresses that have the same appeal as a wedding gown, but aren’t categorized as such. A bridesmaid dress might strike your fancy as an option, and it would be cheaper than a dress designated for the bride. You can choose to alter the dress and add your own flair, while still saving plenty of money.
Make use of a family member’s or friend’s property for your venue. If you’re friends with someone who owns a large backyard, you can have a cheaper wedding there. Saving money on the venue will allow you to hire people to set up and clean up.
If there will be toasts or speeches given at your wedding reception, ask the speakers to practice in front of you to ensure that the material is appropriate for those attending your wedding. If there are going to be different generations there, you don’t want to offend anyone.
Choose catering with an ethnic theme to spice up your reception! Use lots of different foods rather than the more traditional chicken and steak. Variety makes things interesting, so why not incorporate it into your big day?
Make your wedding personal by including elements that embody you, your soon-to-be spouse, and your relationship. Select a wedding theme that really symbolizes the times that you and your future spouse have spent together.
Try shopping around to identify skilled and experienced photographers before choosing the one for the wedding. You would not want to be stuck with a wedding photographer that does not meet your high standards. To find some talented photographers near you, look for reviews online or see if friends or family can recommend anyone.
The most critical factor to keep in mind when you are getting married is of course the person you are marrying! Marriage will change your life, and the decision to wed should never be taken lightly. Take care to consider the person’s characteristics–both the things that you love about them and the aspects that are challenging.
Full length mirrors are great for practicing the “aisle-walk.” If you will be wearing heels, this is even more crucial. If you fear turning your ankle awkwardly, think about flat heels instead. Reducing the risk of falling is better than going with the best-looking footwear.
Tie little decorative items into all the elements of your wedding decor. If you have a ribbon on the bouquet, use it for other things like your gown, centerpieces or on chairs. These small details are memorable and help your wedding day stand out as having been well planned.
The lighting in your venue should be able to be dimmed. You will probably want to lower the lights for your first dance, but have brighter lights during most of the reception. Verify this with the venue, before signing your contract.
Select your makeup artist carefully. Be sure to view his or her work before hiring. Do you like how they do their work? They must be able to create the exact type of look you want. You don’t need to be around an hour before the wedding stuck with a makeup artist that did a poor job.
When making plans for table sitting, make sure the number of guests is even at each table. Also group tables by age, to help them find things to talk about.
If you invite people to an exotic destination wedding, they will likely want to stay for part of your honeymoon time as well, since they are already there. They can all save some money by staying since the hotels usually offer better discounts for the longer stays. This will help give them a vacation they’ll never forget as well!
You can look for local talent in many places; Craigslist is a great start to find people. Be sure to meet in person, and bring your groom along for safety, prior to handing over any money.
The lighting in your venue should be able to be dimmed. You will want to have the option to dim the lights during dances or have bright lighting during the ceremony. Inquire about the lighting with the venue, prior to signing any contracts.
If travel is a common bond between the groom and bride, incorporate this into a theme for the day. For example, you could make your wedding invites or your save-the-date cards look as though they were vintage postcards or travel passes. Consider using a steamer trunk as an attractive, themed display for everything from wedding programs to party favors.
If you choose to use a wedding cake that is colorful, you might want to place it on top a coordinating piece of fabric. You can also try solids, patterns and heavily-textured fabrics like satin, velvet or silk for more visual interest that helps bring everything together.
If the wedding couple have very different cultural backgrounds, use a wedding ceremony from one tradition and have a reception and feast honoring the culture of the other half of the couple. This solution creates a contrast that will honor the traditions of both families.
If you want to discover local talent to assist with your wedding, try Craigslist. Don’t pay any of your responders a penny until you meet with them personally, and always have your betrothed accompany you, for safety’s sake.
If dinner isn’t a part of your reception plans, formal tables shouldn’t be either. Luxury chaises, lounges and plush sectional seating can encourage your guests to interact with each other. Plush seating offers a way for their to be separate lounging areas, as well as a place for guests to get comfortable and relax.
Multiple course receptions should have treats on the table for guests to consume between servings. Crackers or sugar roses are excellent choices.
Any couple that applies these ideas to their wedding planning might just find the process a further bonding experience. Learning to plan a wedding together is a great way to build the foundation for marriage and a life together. The information in this piece can encourage a couple to build a wonderful wedding event as well as a beautiful, lasting relationship.
There is a possibility that the seasonal flowers from your own state are not available at your wedding destination. Contact florists near the destination and you can find out which flowers are available.