Congratulations, you have decided to get married! Now what?
Planning
a wedding does not need to cause unnecessary stress on your
relationship. Just follow these tips from the professionals here at
Par-Tee Rentals and you will be on your way to a headache free event in
no time!
There are many factors that come into play
when organizing a wedding. These are just a few tips to help you start
planning your big day!
Set the Date
Sit down with your husband or wife to be and set a few important dates:
- Select a wedding date when your lives are least demanding. This can
be based on a few things such as work schedules, family occasions
(birthdays, etc), even the bride's menstrual cycle can play into the
selection of your date. Some couples like to pick a date that is
important to them, such as the anniversary of their first date. It is
important to have at least one back-up date.
Set a Budget
An event can be planned on any budget.
It is vital that the couple agrees on their budget prior to too much
planning. If family or friends are footing the bill, be sure everyone
has agreed on the budget beforehand to prevent overspending. Creating a
list of all necessities (venue, DJ, florist, etc) can also help in
budget planning.
Create a Guest List
Likely
one of the toughest (and most argued about) to-do's on your list! The
sooner you start writing your guest list, the better. If you have a
budget, take this into consideration when creating your guest list.
- Divide the list by categories: bride, groom, bride's parents, groom's parents, collective.
- Once you have a list (it will likely be pretty large the first time
around) begin whittling it down. Here's a tip: If you haven't spoken to
someone in over a year, you can likely remove that person from your
guest list
- Decide if you want to have children and infants. If not, and a
couple responds stating they will be bringing their children, handle it
directly (with care) and state that you apologize but cannot accommodate
children at the wedding.
- Remember: this is your party and can invite (or choose not to invite) whomever you wish.
Music
Ceremony Music
- Tradition usually takes the reigns here, however be sure to choose
music that has meaning. If the bride and groom prefer a non-traditional
song, be sure to inform the venue (or band) of your decision in advance.
Reception Music
- DJ's usually carry the best variety and promote dancing and fun. If
you prefer a live band, go to one of their gigs to get a feel for the
crowd's response as well as their talent.
- Smaller bands are certainly cheaper than a full band, but usually more expensive than a DJ.
Photography
Do your homework. Choosing a photographer is one of the most important decisions a couple can make.
- It is best to book your photographer months in advance after careful
consideration. Browse their portfolio, speak directly with them about
things such as rates, extra costs, etc.
- Ask friends and relatives for recommendations and look through their
wedding album to see if their photographer would also be appropriate
for your wedding.
- Make sure your photographer has wedding-specific experience.
The Ceremony Location
Choose a location that is important to both of you.
- Traditional: church, temple, or synagogue
- Contemporary: museum, garden, or beach
- Unique: in the air, underwater, wherever your risks take you!
- Private: some couples enjoy a small, private ceremony and a large party afterwards
The Reception
Your reception can be elaborate or
low-key. Make sure you stick with your own style so you are able to
fully enjoy your evening.
The Location
- Do you prefer a traditional reception, such as a hall, or a more unique experience, such as a tent reception?
- Book early! Halls book up quickly. If you are deciding on a tent
reception, do your research on reputable and fully insured tent
companies. Meet with a representative to discuss your options. A
reputable company will never oversell you.
Choosing a Decorator
Do your research. Go to
wedding shows, chat with friends and family members, and browse the
Internet for local decorators. Even the hall you book with might be able
to recommend decorators they enjoy working with and trust.
- Book early. Just like everyone else, decorators can have weekends
where they are completely sold out. In fact, some decorators will only
take on a certain number of events per weekend to ensure their brides
have their full attention on their special day.
- A good decorator is happy to set up a meeting at your convenience and will openly display their work for you to browse through.
- If you feel you are being 'oversold,' you probably are. A good
decorator will not oversell you and will work within your budget to
ensure you get the most 'bang for your buck.'
- A reputable decorator will have a contract outlining payment procedures and item-by-item breakdowns of what you are paying for.
- The decorator should be interested in your personal style and be able to incorporate your style into their work.
- A responsible decorator hires only knowledgeable and talented staff who help ensure the event is set up in time.
- Be prepared - bring a list of questions for the decorator. We love
it when our brides come in with questions for us because it means we can
put nerves at ease.
