You’re engaged? Congratulations! Now it’s time to start planning a #wedding! Where do you start? How do you keep it under control? What should you research first?
Don’t stress, at Michelina Lawson we’re here to help you from the very first steps. Whether you decide to celebrate your wedding as a formal event or a relaxed backyard event, we have a wealth of knowledge to share on where to start and how to keep your planning a wedding under control.
1. Start with a budget
Before all the fun can really begin, you need to do the boring stuff. Sit down with your partner and your families and figure out who is contributing, how much they are contributing and decide on a total budget. It’s a good idea to set your wedding budget within realistic boundaries, as it’s likely that things will come up that blow it out a little. There are a number of apps such as Wedding Planning by the Knot which are easy to use and keeps track of all your inspirations, supplier details, receipts and bookings throughout your planning journey.
2. Decide on your guest list
Next step, decide on your guest list. Knowing how many people will be attending your wedding will largely affect all the other decisions you make. Booking a venue with a maximum capacity of 100, when you have a guest list of 150 is never going to work. A key thing to remember is that not everyone you invite will attend, in most cases attendance rates are around 80-90%.
3. Choose your venues for reception and ceremony
Now onto the venue. Most brides already have a vision or style in mind when they become engaged. Some imagine themselves on a waterfront with the glistening harbour and boats in the backdrop. Others are looking for a venue with ultimate opulence and grandeur where they can fulfil their true fairytale dreams.
If you’re considering a civil ceremony, it can be helpful to find a venue that can cater for ceremonies and receptions.
4. Decide on a date
Once you’ve decided on your dream wedding venue, think of the time of year you prefer, and choose 2-3 possible dates to have your wedding. Venues fill up fast, so it’s important to plan in advance. Work with them to find a date that suits your needs and once the contract is drawn up and signed, it’s official.
5. Engage suppliers to suit your wedding theme
Now the fun begins. Make a list of all the elements you want to include in your special day and create a list of potential suppliers for each category. You’ll want to act fast as venues, caterers, suppliers are often booked more than a year in advance. We suggest deciding what your highest wedding priorities are (photography, catering, flowers, décor etc.) and taking care of the most important details first.
6. Decide on your wedding dress
It’s time to find your dream dress. Start by looking online at all the different styles and designs that exist and deciding on a particular style. Ball Gown, A-Line, Mermaid, Sheath? Once you have an idea of the style of dress you prefer, it makes the whole shopping experience a whole lot less overwhelming. Make appointments at boutiques that appeal to your tastes and just enjoy yourself! Once you find the perfect one, you will know.
7. Organise all the other little things
The last steps in planning your wedding are deciding on all the smaller details. You may feel like it’s all coming together, but there’s still a lot of decisions to make. Bridal party outfits, hair, makeup, cake, music, invitations, signage, bonbonniere, your vows. Having a clear theme or style for your wedding day from the initial stages will help you bring together a celebration that is true to your taste and personality.
Michelina Lawson Catering
Contact us and we can help you create a menu. Taste canapes and dishes from our catering team. Whatever the budget we can make it work for you.
If you made it this far, we feel confident that you know where to start for planning your wedding. To get you inspired, follow us on Facebook or Instagram for our latest inspirations, tips and tricks.