Bridal Business
Calling all brides! Tis the season for I dos and honeymoons and after an unprecedented pandemic, I am sure I speak for all of humankind by saying we all could use all the love we can get. As a former bride, I know all too well the numerous details that go into having a wedding and the many moving parts that make a smooth planning process whole. So allow me to get down to bridal business so you can plan your nuptials with the utmost confidence.
Planning
Whether you are recently engaged, halfway through the planning process, or swiftly approaching the wedding day finish line, there are 5 things you simply must add to your wedding planning arsenal.
Create an account with The Knot - If I am able to suggest the most important thing you can do for your wedding planning process, it’s to take full advantage of this bountiful platform. The Knot is a one-stop shop for all things wedding, from vendors in your area to budgeting, guest list management, and endless reception inspiration. The Knot also has a mobile app so staying organized is always at your fingertips.
Get and stick to the wedding checklist- Having a wedding checklist not only keeps you on track but ensures details like deposits and crucial deadlines aren’t missed. I have heard many a horror story of wedding dresses not ordered with enough time for tailoring before the big day to final payment dates sneaking up on couples that didn’t properly check the budget along the way. Having a detailed checklist, like the wonderful one provided by The Knot was a God-send while I was planning my wedding and made everything me and Lawrence needed to do a breeze.
Pick Your Venue First- Before you go dress shopping, send out save the dates, or even pick your wedding colors, decide on your wedding and reception venue/s. Hear me out. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with a full, fledged ball gown in a backyard barn (If that’s your cup of tea), the ceremony and reception venue/s serve as the immediate backdrop and overall aesthetic your big day wishes to convey. If your dream is to be a bohemian bride, consider an outdoor ceremony with a reception under the stars. Should you be a blingy bride like I desired, opt for a reception space with a more opulent pace. If nonconventional speaks to you, book a unique and wow-worthy venue. Gone are the days where a wedding and reception can only be had in a church or the downtown luxury hotel. Find a venue that speaks to the two of you and then begin everything else. You’ll find that the choice of wedding dress will make more sense and picking the cake and other darling details will be easier with a specific theme based on your venue choice. Trust me.
Stick to the Budget- I cannot stress this enough. While having a jaw-dropping wedding may seem like a good reason to spend all the dollars, after that single, solitary day, is an entire life ahead and frankly, it makes absolutely no sense entering your marriage in debt. Thankfully I was munificent parents that wanted to contribute to the overall budget of our nuptials, but even so, Lawrence and I looked at the wedding we wanted and compared it to the reality of what we truly were able to do. It is not lost on me that the pandemic has not only put many weddings on hold but has resulted in many unforeseen financial blows and so it is even more crucial to consider just how much you are willing to comfortably spend. I will give one solid suggestion for those wishing to save a bit on their big day. A destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort is a game-changer for couples on a budget! Not only is food included during your stay, but these resorts have amazing wedding and honeymoon packages. Get married in an amazing destination and then stay there for your honeymoon. Your guests will enjoy their wedding/vacation and you two get to start your forever in a major way.
Follow YOUR heart- Weddings bring out the best and unfortunately the worst in people. Family may try to pressure you into adding traditions that don’t speak to you both as a couple while others may get angry at you for not making the guest list cut. Your wedding day is simply that, YOURS and you cannot call it yours If you please everyone else. Never lose sight that this day is to celebrate you and the one you have chosen to accompany you through life’s journey. People will get rude when you stick t your guns but in the end, you’ll be able to look back on your big day and find great peace in knowing that every second of your big day was completely yours.
Although a mouthful, I do believe that the greatest injustice done to an engaged couple is the lack advice that could be provided from couples who have already been down the wedding planning road. It is my great hope that in implementing these 5 simple but so significant steps in your planning process what will be left is a wondrous wedding day that was well worth it all. Congrats in advance and happy planning!
