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First time planning a wedding? Awesome, I got you! This blog will give you practical tips to help ensure that your special day runs smoothly by following our wedding planning tips. From guest lists to venues, our wedding planning tips will ensure that your special day is glitch free.
Before we share 7+ awesome wedding planning tips, if we haven't met, Hey I'm Krystal a local Calgary wedding photographer! I work hand in hand with my awesome team and in house Calgary videographer to bring our clients discounted photo and video packages! If you'd like to learn more about them I'd love to chat with you here.
Wedding Planning Tips
Alright, on to the good stuff. Here is a list of 7+ wedding planning tips with a FREE Download below to help you start this process smoothly and stress-free!
1. Start planning your wedding day early
You might have the summer of 2024 in your mind as the ideal date for your wedding, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait a year before you begin your wedding planning. The sooner you start planning your wedding, the better, as it will be easier and less stressful as your big day approaches (trust me, I've done this a few times). Having a clear plan set up before starting your planning, will help you keep on top of things and prevent you from forgetting something important. Some of the most important things are your budget, insurance, and guest list.
2. Nail your budget
Don’t begin spending money on your wedding until you’ve set yourself a realistic budget. The Knot has a wedding budget calculator you can grab here. A common mistake is forgetting all the extras, in order for you to have a budget that will work for you, you’ll need to take every single detail into consideration. Remember to account for additional costs like gifts, beauty expenses, and dress alterations. The small things add up the fastest!
3. Accept a helping hand from the people you trust
Friends and family will hopefully be willing to offer you a helping hand with your wedding planning. By accepting a helping hand from the people you trust, you will be able to be open and honest if things aren’t exactly the way you would like them to be.
If you are going at this alone, I understand you - which is why I work alongside you, to create your dream wedding day. With lots of helpful tips and tricks, I want nothing more than for you to feel supported and loved through this process, cause I get it, not everyone has support in their corner, especially if you are considering eloping.
4. When it comes to the guest list, be selective
It’s important to sort out the guest list earlier on so that you can focus on finding the perfect venue that will be able to cater to all your guests. Your biggest expense might be costs per head (unless you are eloping), so don’t feel bad for not inviting people you actually don’t want to be there. It’s the hardest and biggest decision of your wedding planning, but it needs to be done. It’s only you and your partner's decision.
5. Pick your bridesmaids and maid of honor
If you guys decide you want to have a wedding party - totally okay if you don't. It's actually becoming a bit of a trend not to. But if you do, your bridesmaids and maid of honor should be your support structure throughout your wedding planning process. This is why it’s very important to make sure that you choose wisely. It’s not the best idea to choose family members you rarely see or friends you’ve made recently. Rather choose your long-time best friends, close relatives, siblings, or parents/ grandparents.
6. Book the best wedding photographer
Your wedding photos are the only tangible memory you will have 20 years from now, so don’t underestimate the benefits of an excellent wedding photographer. Make sure you do your research and find a photographer who will understand and get to know YOU. It would even be a good idea to choose the same photographer for your engagement shoot. This will help you get to know your chosen photographer better and see if their style suits you and your partner. Memories fade over time so having amazing photos to treasure from your big day in the form of a wedding album, prints, or digital images is a decision you want to be sure of.
7. Get your wedding menu right
To some, one of the most important aspects of a wedding is the food. From buffets to hog roasts, to mini fish n' chips, to bake offs, the quirkier the food is- the better! Avoid underestimating this part of your wedding planning. It's your day, have fun with it!
8. Let your groom have his own responsibilities
Your fiancé will hopefully have his own opinions and ideas when it comes to planning the wedding, so listen to what he has to say as it is his big day as well. Most grooms I've met like to be involved in the menu, budget spreadsheets, and music.
9. Don’t forget the important things
If you find yourself getting overwhelmed or stressed in all the wedding planning, take a step back and remind yourself what your big day is really all about- getting married to the love of your life. So to help you enjoy it a bit more, I have a gift for you.
Wedding Planning Timeline
I've come up with a free wedding planning checklist to help you keep your brain organized on when things should be booked or when to consider even looking into them! Please feel free to download it for free here! I'm so excited to help your brain not feel so overwhelmed! Of course, if you have more questions for us or you feel we might be the right fit, make sure and reach out here.
Xo
Krystal