In my experience, the main reason why couples choose to hire a wedding planner is that they lack the confidence to do it themselves. Having confidence in your own abilities is the key to successfully planning your own wedding. Here are a few quick tips that will boost your confidence right away.
As I was planning my little girls' birthday party recently it came to my mind that we all have some type of experience in party planning. However, when we think about wedding planning we just assume that we are in need of an experienced planner. What if it's you that is the experienced planner? Who says that your experience can't come from baby showers and birthday parties? You know you have the experience to plan your own wedding you just need the confidence.
Sure a wedding is a little more detailed and elaborate than your average birthday party, but all the same facets are involved. You generally have décor, food of some type, a cake of course and some type of entertainment. The only major difference is the theme and perhaps the scale. Now you are thinking that a wedding takes a lot more work to plan and I would say that yes while there is more involvement you have more time to plan generally speaking. With a birthday party or a shower you plan about a month or two in advance. Hopefully with your wedding you have at least a few months. If you don't there's no need to panic; it is still possible to do the planning yourself. Spread the decision making out as not to procrastinate to the very end. This eases the stress and worries of all the details.
Once you have your date chosen start on the guest list right away. Make sure that you and your fiancé agree on the size of the event. Once you have the list and figure how many guests you are to have start looking into venues. Decide whether to have the wedding and reception in the same or different places. Make sure that you also have a budget set and stick to it! Be thinking about the style of wedding that you want to have and this will help you in your choices. Picking the venue right away is very important as most places book months and years in advance. Be aware of the peak wedding season or be willing to be flexible on days or times of your event.
Interview florists and tell them your ideas and let them create your vision. Try a few and see which does it best and within your budget. Remember you are the customer. Getting your flower choices chosen in advance is a good idea. Don't forget to include bouquets and corsages. Next meet with bakers and look at their portfolios and check prices. Choosing your cake should be a fun part, because there's a taste test involved. Next you need to line up a DJ for your reception. Have a list of wanted songs ready to pass on. Whether you want a sit down meal or finger food, interview different caterers and see what your options are. Yes, this includes another taste test!
With all the interviewing and choices to be made the easier part is focusing on you. You need to pick a dress that fits the time of year and the venue. Make your choice in enough time in advance to allow for alterations. Choose your shoes and accessories based on the style of your gown. Have an idea for how you want your hair and makeup. Set up trial runs and the appointments for the day of the wedding.
So, while a wedding is not a birthday party it is a party, a celebration; and you know how to do that right? Just think about all that needs to be done and spread out the decisions, you don't need to make them all at one time. You have the skills and experience with the planning you're just changing what the event is!
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