Planning a wedding can be incredibly exciting as well as super stressful at times. You likely have a million questions running through your head. To make the planning process a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 most asked questions by brides and provided answers to help you navigate the planning process.
1. How do I choose my wedding party?
When choosing your wedding party, it’s important to think about who you want to stand by your side on your big day. Who really has your back? Can keep their cool in a stressful situation? Is the life of the party? And is never late for a social event? Choose people who are important to you and who you know will be supportive throughout the planning process.
2. How do I pick a wedding dress?
Choosing a wedding dress can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that the dress should make you feel confident and beautiful. Consider your personal style, the theme of your wedding, and the venue when selecting a dress. You can search for inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest and save those dresses that spark your interest. Ask around for wedding dress boutique recommendations and don’t be afraid to shop around before you settle on a dress. It’s also a good idea to bring a trusted friend or family member with you to give their opinion. Someone who you know will be supportive without pushing their own taste on you.
3. How do I choose a wedding venue?
When choosing a wedding venue, consider the size of your guest list, the location, and the overall feel of the space. Picture your dream wedding and see which venue suits your ideal scenario best. Scrolling through Instagram will help you get an idea of the look and feel of a place. It’s also a good idea to visit a few different venues before making a decision. Don’t forget to consider the cost and whether the venue has in-house catering or if you need to hire an external caterer. And if you do want to bring your pet to the party, make sure you choose a pet-friendly wedding venue.
4. How do I create a wedding budget?
Creating a wedding budget can be tricky, but it’s essential to keep your finances in check. Start by listing all of the major expenses, such as the venue, catering, your celebrant and wedding attire and then zoom in to details such as table decorations and ring boxes. Then, work out a rough cost for each item and adjust as necessary. It’s a good idea to ask for quotes from wedding vendors as soon as you start planning your big day, so you can check to see what fits in your budget and what you need to scrap. Not only that, but also because most venues, celebrants and photographers book out six months to a year in advance. Keep in mind that unexpected expenses will likely arise, so it’s a good idea to have a contingency fund of about 10% of your total budget.
5. How do I plan the wedding menu?
Planning the wedding menu can be a fun and delicious task. Start by thinking about the type of food you want to serve and the style of service (buffet, platter, cocktail, or plated). Consider any dietary restrictions your guests may have, and see if you can incorporate any dishes that have a special meaning to you and your partner. Your venue can give you recommendations and might even have an in-house caterer.
6. How do I choose wedding flowers?
Think about the overall aesthetic of your wedding and choose flowers that complement the theme and colour scheme, as well as fit your budget. Follow a few florists in your local area on social media to see what they have to offer and if this complements the vibe you’re after. Also, consider the season in which you are getting married, as some flowers are only available at certain times of the year. Dried floral arrangements are also becoming more popular and are a great alternative to fresh flowers. Often cheaper too!
7. How do I choose wedding music?
Choosing wedding music is all about personal preference. Think about the overall aesthetic of your wedding and choose music that complements the theme and atmosphere. You can also consider having a live band or DJ to keep the guests entertained. Or, opt for a Spotify playlist and have each guest share their favourite song with you to add to your wedding playlist. Spotify even has a feature where the songs in your playlist can blend together, so there never be any awkward silences in between tunes. Ready to hit that dancefloor!
8. How do I choose wedding favours?
Choosing wedding favours is a great way to thank your guests for attending. Consider giving something that is both useful and memorable, and something that is uniquely and truly you. Popular options include:
- Personalised chocolate bars or cookies: customise the packaging with your names, wedding date, and a special message.
- Mini bottles of wine or champagne: Mini bottles of wine or champagne make for a classy wedding favour that guests are sure to appreciate. You can personalise the labels with your names, wedding details and a sweet quote.
- Personalised seed packets: select your favourite plant or flower and give them to your guests as wedding favours. No better way to say ‘Let Love Grow’!
- Engraved napkin rings: a trend we’re seeing more and more and something we LOVE, are engraved napkin rings. Not only useful on the day, but a sweet keepsake for your guests to treasure forever. Saves you writing name cards on the day, too!
9. How do I plan a wedding day timeline?
A wedding day timeline is an essential part of planning your big day. It will help you keep track of all the important events and ensure that everything runs smoothly. Start by listing all the important events, such as the ceremony, reception, and after-party. Then, work out a rough timeline for each event and adjust as necessary. Your wedding photographer can help you with this as they often have great experience in helping couples plan their wedding day and know how long each part of the day will take.
10. How do I handle wedding stress?
Wedding planning can be stressful, but it’s important to remember to take care of the bigger picture first and handle details later. And you’re not alone! Don’t be afraid to ask for help where you need it. And above all, try to enjoy the process!
Planning a Wedding: Here’s some inspiration for you
Looking for more wedding inspiration? Want to bring your dog to the party? Keep on reading!
- What does a Wedding Pet Assistant do?
- Wedding Feature: Kat & Dean
- Wedding trends to watch in 2023
- 7 wedding photo ideas with your dog
- 5 ways to include your dog in your big day
Cover photo by Elliott Kramer Photography