Where to Start
When you first get engaged the most daunting thing is to think about is all the things that have to be decided and organised before the big day. The key is to be organised and know what exactly you want.
First thing to do is sit down with your partner and decide what kind of wedding you both want to have and that also means what you can afford. If you are paying for it yourself then set yourself a budget to stick too, but if parents are paying for the wedding or contributing a sum of money then get them into the conversation as soon as possible so you know what you have to work with. There is NO point in talking about some lavish affair when you can't afford it.
When you have decided on the type of wedding do bear in mind that venues where you might like to hold the ceremony or reception get booked up far in advance (sometimes 1 to 2 years), especially in the summer months. That also goes for churches and register offices, so as soon as you have talked to your minister/registrar and reception venue, get your date booked. Don't forget to make a rough draft of the guest list so you know how many people you need to accomodate, that way you will get somewhere with enough room for your guests but not pay for something beyond your needs.
One of the most important aspects to planning is to get the date sorted out as everything else goes from that point. If you know exactly where the ceremony and reception are to take place and on which date you can go ahead and start getting everything else booked especially if you are after something particular. The more you do now the less likely you are to panic the closer you get to the big day.
As I write this I look back at my own wedding day which I planned all myself and though I got great joy from planning the day I was so busy in the morning, I was quite tired by the time of the wedding. If you are lucky enough to have a wedding where everything is laid on for you, great. But if you are planning everything yourself don't try to do to much on the day. Delicate to others or hire a wedding co-ordinator even if it is just for on the day, as the only thing you should do is have fun getting ready.
Don't be daunted at the prospect of the planning process, don't feel you have to stick with tradition, it's your day so go out and get what you want. Please check out our monthly articles for advice from the professionals and our countdown to the big day. Family and friends are a great source of ideas and support so don't forget them or the groom of course. I wish you great success with your wedding day but more importantly the most happiness for your future lives together.
