Planning Your Big Day

One of you asked, the other accepted and now you’re half of a perfect couple. Sometime in the next year or so you’ll be getting married, having a reception and leaving on a honeymoon. How do you get from the “look at us” stage to having an unforgettable reception?

Announce the Good News
Make it a courtesy and start with both sets of parents—in person, if possible. If you have children, tell them immediately so they can feel an important part of this event and that they still have some control over their world. They need to know that, although their lives may be changing, they’ll love it. And they will, if you keep them involved.

Your co-workers will also want all the details but make sure you still pull your weight at work in the midst of heavy planning.

Set the Date
When choosing your wedding date, give yourself enough time to take care of all the details. Although weddings have been planned in six months or under, the stress factor may not be worth doing it in such a short time. After all, you want to enjoy your Big Day.

You and your fiancé can come up with a tentative date. Then check against the schedules of your families to avoid conflicts. Although your wedding is the biggest thing in your life, be fair about working around long-planned trips by family members, graduations and other major events in your family or with close friends.

Avoid Rush Charges
Popular vendors and reception sites book far ahead so allow time to get the date you want. Follow the Wedding Checklist timeline in San Diego Bride & Groom.

A span of from nine months to two years is a good planning range, depending on the size and style of the wedding and your budget.

As a bonus for planning ahead, you may get a break on some of your costs and avoid rush charges as well. You’ll have time to negotiate, too, when your back is not to the wall and you’re pressed for time.

Scheduling Alternatives
Non-Saturday weddings can be less expensive. Also consider holiday dates as options. They can be a chance for joyous family reunions wrapped around your own special occasion.

Hire a Wedding Planner
In today’s world, this becomes a virtual necessity and can make your life so much more stress-free. You will probably also save money because a good wedding planner knows the sources that can give you the wedding you want. You won’t have to guess.

Make Sure the People You Book are Simpatico
Just because one vendor has a huge reputation doesn’t mean that he or she is right for you. When you start the process of choosing vendors, whether you do it yourself or have your wedding planner suggest sources, visit them in person to make sure you are all on the same channel. You’re going to be working together for a long time.

Get Contracts!
A firm handshake is a good beginning when you reach an agreement with a vendor. However, the only thing that counts is what’s in writing. People hear things differently and “I assumed…” doesn’t go very far when the South American rare roses you thought you ordered turn into an informal bouquet of field flowers or the table linens are pink instead of white with burgundy accents.

Work Together
Most men today like to be part of the process. You will have to learn the art of give and take to have a successful marriage so you may as well get started now.