Congratulations on your engagement! Getting engaged is the beginning of one of the most exciting adventures you will ever take with your partner. If you are like most of us, you are at ground zero brainstorming ideas with no idea where to begin. You might even be considering a wedding planner to guide you through the process. If you are taking on this challenge on your own with determination to save more and DIY this major event, we have a few tips for your wedding planning journey.
The Wedding Planner Dilemma
Before we go any further, let’s delve into the dilemma that many couples are faced with in the very beginning. Hiring a wedding planner can save you so much money in the process of planning, since they have all of the connections and a network to get you the best rates; however, hiring a wedding planner costs money. Who really needs a wedding planner? Getting married is really just about $90 and a trip to the courthouse, depending on court fees. A wedding is about so much more than getting married. It is about having the experience your moment deserves, and the planner is about creating it on your budget. You are buying a personal assistant with industry experience and connections to plan your vision within the parameters of your budget. To take advantage of the connections and savings, you might need to spend about 15% to 20% of your total wedding budget for this luxury. Couples are able to forego a wedding planner and save thousands of dollars on wedding planning with an all-inclusive wedding venue that has connections with wedding vendors and has in-house designers and planners. An all-inclusive wedding venue can be the answer to it all.
The First Steps to Wedding Planning
Wedding planning begins with a dream location and a picturesque venue. If you forego the wedding planner and plan with an all-inclusive venue, you will be able to pick a theme, colors and décor with designers and planners at the venue. You will also be planning other events simultaneously, such as the rehearsal dinner and the honeymoon. Sometimes, a venue can offer extra savings when you book additional dates for other events, such as the rehearsal dinner. Booking the wedding venue is the first and most important step to wedding planning. It will start the clock and get the events on your timeline in motion.
Location and Atmosphere
The location is the foundation of everything you are planning. Think about how you envision your wedding day and a location that will make it meaningful. You should consider whether you want an indoor ceremony or something outdoors. Think about the time of day and the type of celebration that will follow. With your theme and the tone of the atmosphere in mind, choose a wedding venue that can accommodate the ceremony and the reception. This will save you money and make things easier on the day of your wedding. A wedding venue is more than a beautiful space. It should encompass the fairy tail and meet the requirements of your unique checklist.
Wedding Planning with Your Venue
Choose a wedding venue that will plan with you. Some venues are bare and offer nothing more than the walls. This would require renting furnishings, décor and extensive design services. There are services beyond the design, such as bartender staff, banquet staff, day of event coordination services and food managers. An all-inclusive wedding venue offers the furnishings, décor, chinaware and staff services in one package. Wedding planning with an all-inclusive wedding venue can save you thousands on planning your wedding day. If you have a wedding planner, they will work with your planner to bring your vision to life. Wedding venues have preferred vendors that can plan your wedding and help you build your wedding team in one place. This provides convenience and additional savings.
What's Next?
After booking your venue, book your wedding vendors. You should hire your caterer, florist, photographer, cake designer, live band or DJ, and shop for the wedding dress you will wear on your magical day. Do not wait until the last minute to book your vendors. The best talent will fill their calendar early. You should also reserve a hotel block for guests and the wedding party. It is never too early to create a gift registry and a wedding website that will keep your guests and wedding party in the loop. Make sure you purchase your invitations and begin planning the honeymoon about six months prior to your wedding day. You should also shop for wedding party gifts, hire transportation and create a day of event timeline. The last few months of planning will move quickly. Do not forget to book your wedding officiant.
The Last Few Months of Wedding Planning
During the last few months of wedding planning, you should:
Provide your bridal shower host with your guest list
Create a playlist for your deejay or band
Finalize the catering, cake and floral arrangements
Purchase or make your wedding favors and place cards
Request that your special people make speeches at your rehearsal dinner and on your wedding day
Shop for the honeymoon
Schedule a fitting for your wedding dress
Purchase wedding rings
Follow up with all of your vendors to review details and the timeline
Make sure your band or deejay has your playlist
Communicate important details with your videographer and photographer
Mail out wedding invitations six weeks before the big day
Obtain a marriage license a month in advance
Purchase beverages to stock the bar
Schedule one last dress fitting a few weeks before your wedding
Attend a bridal shower, a rehearsal dinner, a rehearsal ceremony, a bachelor party and a bachelorette party
During the last couple weeks, plan the seating arrangements, provide the final headcount to the caterer and pack for the honeymoon
Always follow up with your vendor team and venue the final week before the big day
Crystal Ballroom North Tampa
Crystal Ballroom North Tampa is an all-inclusive wedding venue with an in-house design team and planners that are dedicated to creating your fairy tale. Beyond making the picturesque venue and elegant designs affordable, Crystal Ballroom offers additional day of event coordinator services to create a flawless event. Every wedding package includes all of the furnishings, décor, bartender services, banquet staff and an in-house design team to decorate the entire ceremony space and reception ballroom. Relationships with vendors provide access to professional services at reduced rates to save couples even more. Schedule your private VIP tour and begin your wedding planning journey.
