A lot of people resist the urge to pay thousands of dollars for a wedding planner and choose to go the DIY route and plan their own weddings. If you fall into this category and are planning your own ceremony, check out these helpful tips below and make that special day, one you can be proud of.
Do not settle for the first wedding location you find–shop around. A wedding is a once in a lifetime experience that you want to make sure is perfect. Picking the wrong venue could be the difference between having the wedding of your dreams or having the wedding of your nightmares.
When you arrive to your reception, make sure to make the rounds to all the tables to greet your guests. By the end of the night you should have spoken with each guest at least twice, so take that into consideration as you plan your events for the evening. Don’t forget to say goodbye as each guests leaves if you can.
It is okay to let loose at your wedding reception. Many people take their wedding day too serious and do not remember it is supposed to be a joyous occasion. When this happens, they look back at their special day with unpleasant memories. Laugh with your guests, and dance to upbeat music.
For those seeking a more non-traditional wedding, you may want to consider having it on the beach. It is a beautiful ambiance and can be a lot cheaper than having it elsewhere. Also, try to have your reception at a location that is walkable or easy to get to from the beach.
Give your guests an online list of events, including out-of-time attendees, so that they would be aware of the events they could attend. Include events such as the rehearsal, dinners, fittings and anything else they might need to appear at.
Though the idea may not appeal to you at first, a “like new” wedding dress can really cut your dress budget. Most of the dresses you will find have only been worn once and some sellers require this. You can find and afford much grander options for your dress that you would not have originally considered trying to buy.
Make sure that you choose an overall theme for your wedding. A wedding without a theme is okay, but if you want something memorable, a theme is going to remain in the minds of those who attend forever. The theme is easy to create and follow and can be anything that ties together your relationship with your new spouse.
Think about which effects windy weather could have on your outdoor reception. Avoid any light fabrics and complex hairstyles. Find solid tents that will stand in case of wind. Let everybody know that the location might be windy: give them advice about clothes and hairstyle that will not look bad when the wind blows.
Discuss sponsorship with vendors who will be servicing your wedding. Many vendors will reduce costs if you allow them to do small things such as their name on the place cards for tables, listing them in the wedding program or perhaps a mention during the reception festivities by the DJ. These small savings can add up quickly.
Try to avoid the holidays when you are planning your wedding. Yes, some weddings are going to happen on holidays for specific reasons. However, if your’s is not one of these, target a date that will not force guests to decide between your special day and a holiday trip. Find a neutral time that will allow for the best turnout.
Going the do-it-yourself route can really put a lot of pressure on you to pull off a stellar event, whether you’re the one getting married or just the one planning the ceremony. Always make sure that you’re seeking advice on how to simplify the process. Use what you’ve learned here and plan a great wedding.
