25 Tips For A Happy Bride: How To Plan A Wedding (2018 Update)

2. 1. Get Inspired You’re probably wondering:how long is the average engagement? The average engagement period is usually over one year, so you’ve got enough time to gather ideas and inspiration from many sources. Studying the topic —this is among thefirst steps to planning a weddingyou need to know. Websites, books, magazines, YouTube channels, and TV shows are there to keep you updated on the latest trends, give you options and make you feel confident in your choices. 2. Be Organized There are many ways to get your ideas together and get rid of those random notes you’ve jotted down all over the place. Your wedding plans can be gathered and organized very efficiently! Depending on your preferences, you might choose one of the following ways to keep things on track: Diaries Free templates and checklists Boards with notes kept in your house or workplace Calendars Online apps such as WeddingHappy Documents in your laptop • • • • • • Don’t forget to take notes of any important meetings and dates, check off everything that’s already resolved, update the calendar frequently and keep it neat! Here’s another concise wedding planning checklist that you may find handy.

3. 3. Get Ready Ahead of Time Being aware of this upcoming huge event in your life means planning everything ahead. If you’re looking forward to a spectacular appearance on your Big Day, aim for a slow, but efficient transition starting a year before your wedding: -Work out and keep fit (it will also relax you during this crazy wedding planning period -Experiment with new hairstyles and makeup in advance, to see which one enhances your features best, and go for the perfect look on your Big Day -Try on many dress designs to be sure you make the right choice without rushing into a quick decision. You should sign up for a dance class some months before your «big day», in order for your first dance go smoothly and be enjoyable for both of you. This way, you’ll be confident enough in your dance moves when everybody’s watching.

4. 4. Take Your Time You might be wondering:how many hours does it really take to plan awedding? 5. Set Your Priorities There are many things to consider when you plan weddings, but you should know which ones need to be addressed first. The answer depends on many variables: the number of guests, the magnitude of the event, your preferences, your budget, etc. It can take as few as 100 hours or as many as 400 hours for a big wedding with lots of details to take care of. Still, the average number is somewhere around 250 hours to plan a wedding for 100-125 guests. Here are the top 4 first steps to planning a wedding: The date The venue The budget The theme • • • •

5. 6. Gather Your Loved Ones on a Team From your family to your dear friends, everybody will want to chip in and help you organize this important event. Your families will be more than happy to plan every little detail with you, and your friends have been waiting for so long to be your bridesmaids! Because it’s your Big Day, you and only you make the rules. Your friends will all want to stay by your side when you walk to that altar, so questions likehow many bridesmaids are you supposed to have? Only have one answer: you can have as many bridesmaids as you want! The bigger the team, the more beautiful the wedding pictures!

6. 7. Remember You’re Not Alone While being caught in a pile of plans and meetings, you might forget that this event is about the TWO of you! Your groom has waited eagerly for this day and his great ideas might surprise you. Here’s how your groom could help you organize everything: Choosing a theme that is meaningful for both of you Designing the DIY decorations Helping with schedules and keeping track of things He can even help you figure out the details (the cake, the music, the décor) if you’re confident enough in his tastes! • • • •

7. 8. Set a Budget How can you plan a wedding on a budget? While some say that setting a fixed budget for a wedding is impossible, you may very be able to work well with the financial resources you have. So, if you’re on a budget and looking to split the expenses, you might also want to know who pays for what at a wedding? Usually, the bride and her family will pay for the church, the wedding dress and all the accessories (veil, trousseau, etc.), floral arrangements and bouquets for bridesmaids, wedding video and photos, food, decorations, the groom’s ring, invitations and all related stationery and guest transportation. On the other hand, the groom and his family will pay for the bride’s ring, the music and liquor at the reception, the honeymoon, the bride’s bouquet, corsages for grandmothers and mothers and boutonnieres for men, the groom’s outfit, the officiant fee and marriage license. Also, you might wonder: “who pays for the honeymoon?” The traditional answer is the groom and his family, but if you want to break the rule, it’s fine.

8. 9. Decide on the Date 10. Search for the Perfect Venue 11. Choose a Meaningful Theme 12. Schedule the Events 13. Talk to Vendors and Rentals 14. Sketch Your Guest List 15. Choose the Traditions You Like 16. Get Your Perfect Outfit 17. Talk to Photographers and Videographers 18. Choose the Right Music 19. Choose the Perfect Cake and Decorations 20. Add a Personal Touch 21. Choose the Right Menu 22. Take into Account Having a Rehearsal 23. Be Creative

9. 24. Be Present You’ve done your part and put together an entire wedding, but don’t forget to simply enjoy it. Time will fly by so fast that you will be amazed by the energy and resources you invested in this, so don’t forget to be there for you and for your loved one! Your big day should be special for everyone. Making your guests feel welcome and happy is an important part of any wedding. You want to be surrounded by everyone you love and feel good, so don’t be caught up in managing every little aspect and try to enjoy every moment of it. Listen to what others have to say Take the time to breathe in all the love you’re surrounded with Make time for yourself Plan and dream together with your husband Enjoy the little things • • • • •

10. 25. Embrace the Unexpected You forgot the next step in the middle of the dance floor, you lost one of your earrings and the bride on top of the cake is melting. So what? Even the best wedding planner can encounter unexpected events. Since it is likely the first event you’ve ever planned, don’t be so hard on yourself. It doesn’t have to be perfect –it has to be natural and adorable. You may be surprised to remember the clumsiest details of your wedding very clearly but with time, they just may become some of the most adorable memories.

11. FINAL THOUGHTS • MAKE SURE YOU DON’T GET TOO CAUGHT UP IN PERFECTION AND FORGET ABOUT THE REAL MEANING OF YOUR WEDDING: CELEBRATING YOUR LOVE. IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE PERFECT FOR OTHERS, IT HAS TO BE PERFECT FOR THE TWO OF YOU! Read more in our blog www.weddingforward.com