It is a known fact that wedding planning can, at times, feel overwhelming. While some couples hire a professional planner to manage their big day, there are plenty of reasons why you may opt to take on the majority of responsibilities yourself.
Maybe you love all the DIY possibilities you’ve found on Pinterest, have a tight budget, or have a family member or friend that is helping out. In any case, you can plan the wedding of your dreams on your own.
Here are a few tips that I have found to be helpful throughout my time in the industry:
1. Create a timeline.
This will help you determine what has to be done and in what time frame. You need more time than you think to conquer everything that goes into a wedding, so having a clear outline will help you maintain focus.
2. Set a wedding budget, communicate about costs, and be realistic.
Make a concise list – what is a necessity and what is not – of the most important things to you as a couple. If you are unsure of what certain things cost, reach out to some vendors and inquire what their pricing is like. Getting some answers will help you understand how much money to allocate for your wedding.
If family members are helping contribute financially, chat with them about what they are comfortable spending. If you as a couple are footing the bill, take a hard look at your finances. Be prepared for a reality check; many couples do not realize the full scope of costs involved.
Once you have the magic number, stick to it! Give yourself a 10% cushion for all the unexpected last minutes costs that may arise. Trust me, there will be some!
3. Picking out a wedding venue.
Find a wedding venue that has your date open, fits your budget, and provides the details that you desire. It is important to ask what is included at each venue, like the number of hours they provide for the day. Rehearsal, set up, and breakdown take time! If it’s a barn venue, do they provide bathrooms? Does the venue have AC? What is their capacity? Make a list of questions and things you know you want your venue to have while you hunt for your perfect wedding location.
4. Day-of Coordinator.
If your venue does not provide a day of coordinator, I strongly encourage you to hire one. While you are fully capable of planning your wedding, you cannot be the bride/groom and run the day! Having a day-of coordinator will relieve you of much stress, and help you fully enjoy your wedding.
5. Secure the outfits early.
Please, please, please buy your wedding dress/suit early! Alterations take time, and with the pandemic shipping can take extra-long. Decide what your bridal party will be wearing and make sure they all have their wedding attire ordered and fitted months in advance. Do not procrastinate!
6. Choose your vendors wisely and book them well in advance.
The group of wedding vendors you’ll have for your wedding day are the team that will make your wedding vision come to reality. Seek out the ones you want and get in touch with them quickly. Don’t wait on booking them, the last thing you want is for your favorite wedding photographer to be booked out for your date!
7. Seek wisdom from your married friends.
Talk to your friends and family members that have been married recently and ask them if they have any advice for you, or if there were any things they would have done differently. Take what they have to say and apply it to your planning.
Conclusion
If you are considering Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center for your wedding in the Tampa area, make an appointment for a tour! This venue is an old Florida treasure with pristine grounds full of beautiful oaks, azaleas, and camelias. Their wide range of amenities is a huge bonus as they can host you and your guests. The setting is a photographer’s dream with so many gorgeous spots for ceremony and portrait shots. It is a beautiful place to start your journey as a married couple.
My best advice is not to stress over the little things, let the professionals you hire do the worrying and work, as you the couple soak in and savor the day that goes so fast.
Photo Credit: Ashley Phillips Photography
Guest post by Tricia Bechtelheimer
Tricia Bechtelheimer is the owner, lead designer, and wedding specialist of Westover’s Flowers and Gifts in Brooksville, FL. Tricia has a keen eye for creative and original designs and a warm down-to-earth personality. Her passion for her work is evident in all that she does.
