The First Steps to Planning your Fairytale Wedding
Congratulations on saying “YES” to your fairytale wedding. Now the adventure of planning your wedding begins - but, where to start? From choosing the perfect venue, to finding the dress of your dreams, there’s so much excitement ahead that it can feel overwhelming. Let’s take a look at some of the essential first steps that will set the stage for the celebration of a lifetime!
Define your Vision: Close your eyes and imagine your dream wedding. What does it look like? Feel like? Smell like? Take time as a couple to envision the atmosphere, style and vibe you want for your special day. Whether it’s a romantic garden affair, a chic city soiree, or a whimsical woodland celebration, defining your vision will be your guiding light throughout the process. A vision board can help you share your vision when approaching wedding suppliers.
Set a Budget: Ah, the dreaded B-word - but fear not! Setting the budget (and sticking to it) can ensure wedding planning success. Sit down together and determine how much you’re willing to spend on each aspect of your wedding from the venue and catering, to the dress and decoration. Be sure to leave a little wiggle room, or allocate an ‘emergency fund’ for unseen expenses, because let’s face it, they always seem to pop up when you least expect them!
Choose the Day: Picking the perfect wedding date can be tricky, so we would recommend starting with a few dates. Consider factors such as season, weather and any other significant events which may already be in place. Once you have a few dates, you can start to narrow these down based on supplier availability. This is where getting an early head start on your plans can be really beneficial. The earlier you approach the venue, photographer, etc the more likely they will be able to accommodate your wedding.
Draft your Guest List: Cue the confetti - It’s time to make your guest list. This is a must do early on as it may dictate certain other elements of your wedding such as venue. A preliminary list will give you an idea of numbers which are crucial for moving forward and keeping within budget!
Choose your Venue: The venue is the theatre to your love story, so choose wisely. Take the time to tour different venues, and imagining yourself saying “I Do” in each setting. With grand ballrooms, castles, manor homes or rustic barns, the possibilities are endless. Once you’ve found the one that makes your heart skip a beat, book it before someone else swoops in and steals your date!
Find your Dream Team: Every fairytale wedding needs a dream team behind it. Whether this be professional suppliers, friends or family, they will help you to bring your dream creation to life. When approaching wedding vendors, it is important to ensure they align with your vision (and budget). Be sure to read reviews, ask for recommendations and schedule calls or meetings to ensure you find the perfect fit for your day.
Celebrate the Love: Amidst all the planning and preparation, don’t forget to take time to celebrate your love and enjoy the magical journey together. Whether it’s a romantic date night, a weekend getaway, or simply cuddling up on the couch with a glass of wine, cherish these moments of togetherness and remember that the best love stories are often found in fairytales.
As you embark on this joyous journey of planning your dream wedding, remember to stay true to yourselves, keep love at the forefront of everything you do, and enjoy every moment of the adventure. With a little laughter, a lot of love and some careful planning, your happily ever after awaits.