Your wedding day should be a special event that highlights everything that makes you unique as a couple. Making that happen; however, can be a challenge. Here are some tips for newly-engaged couples to help them plan their Denver wedding with a minimum of stress and frustration.
Start with the Guest List
We always suggest that couples start the wedding planning process with a guest list. Knowing who will be attending your event helps you:
- Create an accurate food and drink budget.
- Decide on the size and location of your venue.
- Figure out who will be in your bridal party.
- Adjust menu selections, seating, and other accommodations for participants with sensitivities or health issues.
Once you’ve completed your individual lists of invitees, you should come together to review each other’s lists. Finalize the list together to ensure that both of you are happy with those who will be a part of the biggest day of your life. For more advice, check out 9 Essential Tips for Making Your Wedding Guest List from The Knot.
Create a Budget
Know how much you have to spend before making any plans to minimize stress as the wedding approaches. Pin down sources of financing before committing to arrangements so your day won’t be ruined with worries about paying bills. Here are some of the funding sources we suggest couples investigate first.
- Personal savings
- Loans and contributions from family and friends
- Lines of credit or bank loans (Treat these options as a last resort!)
Some vendors may offer easy terms or periodic payment options. We always caution couples to be careful with their wedding budget. Of course, you want your wedding day to be spectacular, inspiring, and memorable. However, don’t sacrifice the long-term future of your new family for one day of overindulgence. If the vision in your mind doesn’t match the reality in your bank account, there are other ways to make your event magical without spending too much cash.
Pin Down the Details
This is where the fun begins. Now that you know who’s coming and how much you can spend, it’s time to start planning the details. These essential steps are the foundation of your wedding planning process.
- Pick several dates for your ceremony. Venues around Denver, Colorado can be busy during certain times of the year. If you are too attached to one date, you could have a hard time finding a ceremony site. Flexibility allows you to choose a venue based on atmosphere and amenities, not their booking calendar.
- Talk about what you want for décor, meal options, beverages, activities, and displays. Go wild! You may not be able to fit everything into your budget, but the information will be invaluable at later stages in the planning process. Use a notebook or journal to record your ideas. Save photos on your phone or on your computer or cut them out of magazines for visual references.
- Asking for referrals from people you trust will save you a ton of time. Be sure to researching pricing in advance, though, so you don’t end up meeting with a vendor you can’t afford. You can check out The Bridal Collection’s preferred vendor list here.
- Consider hiring a professional wedding planner. They can help guide you to photographers, hair and makeup artists, florists, caterers, and entertainers in the Denver area that fit your budget and wedding style. Professional planners also make the planning process less stressful by handling all the little details for you. Make sure you take your idea file with you!
The Dress
While you’re working on the details of your big day, take some time to shop for your wedding gown. Check out our tips for making sure you look and feel beautiful on your big day:
- Browse magazines, Pinterest and designer websites to familiarize yourself with the latest styles and options. Bring inspirational photos to your bridal appointment.
- Ask friends and family members that you trust for their recommendation for bridal shops.
- Shop as soon as you can. Wedding gowns typically need to be ordered 4 – 6 months in advance of the wedding, although The Bridal Collection carries some ready-to-wear options.
- Bridal stylists are experts at what they do – trust them to make you look your best and enjoy the experience!
Enjoy the Ride
Wedding plan can be super fun and super stressful even in the same 24 hour period. Here are few recommendations for staying cool:
- At the beginning of your engagement, make a list of what you are most looking forward to about being married. Re-visit the list when you are feeling stressed.
- Plan fun dates that do not involve wedding planning and make a promise not talk about the wedding (bowling, hiking, laser tag and movies are some of our favorites)
- Celebrate – bridal showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties and engagement dinners are all fun ways to celebrate your upcoming wedding. Click here for our list of unique bachelorette and bridal shower ideas.
Check out other popular planning blogs:
10 Tips for Stress Free Wedding Gown Shopping
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