Ten Wedding Planning Tips

If you’re researching tips for wedding planning, chances are that you’re newly engaged-or planning to be very soon! Do you have the perfect theme picked out for your engagement party and/or for your wedding? Did you pick out your engagement ring or did he give you a FPO ring (for placement only) for now? Whether you’re just starting the planning process or you’re well on your way, here are ten tips not to overlook as you’re getting ready to marry the love of your life! (And in all the excitement, don’t forget to buy a wedding gift for your groom!)

1. Guests Come First

Get a solid estimate of the number of guests you’ll be inviting BEFORE settling on a venue. The rule of thumb is to allow for 25 to 30 square feet per guest. That may seem like a lot, but by the time you factor in the space for the tables, walking space, dance floor space, etc., it’s a good estimate.

2. Black Out Dates

Make sure you know what other big events may be happening on your special date. Big trade conferences, huge sporting events, or other large events can affect traffic, hotel room availability, etc.

3. Nature Is In Control

Guests often skip out early from hot summer tent weddings or poorly heated loft receptions. Bugs swarm during certain times of the year. Consider renting pest control tanks, portable fans (or heaters)- anything to make your guests feel comfortable, so they enjoy the entire celebration with you.

4. Cash Back

Take advantage of the high price of weddings by signing up for a credit card with rewards. Consolidate all expenses on this one card and reap the rewards, which could be helpful on your honeymoon.

5. Negotiate for Extras Up-Front

When you are negotiating with your various vendors, ask for an extra “throw-in” before signing the contract. Vendors are more likely to give extra to secure the reservation than they are to meet you halfway later. An extra hour of cocktails, the lighting package with the DJ, an extra flower arrangement for the head table… items like these can be secured for free by a shrewd negotiator.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Advice

Your wedding vendors have experience. Ask them for advice on how to make things the best they can be, considering your budget.

7. Be Flexible to Save Money

It seems everyone wants to get married in the Spring/Summer on a Saturday. If you are flexible and Friday evening or a Sunday would work for you, you can often save roughly 30% on the venue and the entertainment.

8. Make a Kids Policy

You can choose to include children or not. It’s your call … but communicate this clearly up front to EVERYONE. You can have one policy for immediate family and another for friends and guests.

9. Go Over Ground Rules

There may be restrictions you never considered. Is flash photography restricted in the church? Are you allowed to use tent stakes in their lawn if you are setting up tents? Simply ask each vendor what restrictions / policies they have so you can ensure there are no conflicts.

10. Emergency Contact Info

Make sure each vendor has the name and number of someone they can contact on the big day- just in case something goes wrong. If the limo driver gets lost, or the flowers are delivered to the wrong address, they all need to be able to get ahold of someone who can help. Also, have a list of their phone numbers with you on your big day, just in case you need to reach them at the last minute.