Newly Engaged? Let The Planning Begin!

Happy New Year from Cherished Gifts and Favors!

Congratulations to all the couples who got engaged this holiday season. After the festivities have slowed down and you have gotten some much needed rest, you can start planning for your wedding as early as now!

To help you out, here is a guide to start you off with your wedding planning:

Think of a Theme and Location
What kind of wedding do you want? Do you want it outdoors such as a beach wedding or indoors in a church? Do you want it formal or informal, traditional or modern? If you have specific places where you would like to get married, be organized and put them down in writing in an organizer or journal, or better yet, save them on your computer in an Excel worksheet. Chances are, with all the thinking you will be doing in the next few months, you might be inclined to forget some of your ideas. So be organized from the beginning to end and it will save you a lot of frustration!

Set a Date
Set a date that will allow you ample time to plan the wedding and also a date that your guests and family will be available on, or perhaps a very special date for the two of you such as the day you met. You don't want to have a big Christmas wedding only to find out that only your family and some relatives will show up. Also, check weather conditions for the specific date and location you want to use. You can start calling the places you're interested in to see if they are available on possible dates BUT do not make final arrangements yet until you have set a firm wedding date and have visited these locations and find them to your satisfaction.

Set a Budget
Have a serious talk with your significant other or parents about the budget. This is crucial! Talking about finances is a sensitive subject but it is important to set it straight and get an agreement on how much should be set for the wedding as well as who pays for what. If your parents will be paying for the wedding, you will have to talk to them so you will know how much they are willing to spend. Be practical and realistic in your expectations. Try to find ways to save money wherever you can.

Set a Guest List
Set the number of guests you can afford to invite. This is tough but you have to be realistic. Invite people who you want to share your special day with. Be mindful of wedding invitations for printing as well as postage costs.

For more wedding planning guides, Beverly Clark's Planning a Wedding to Remember - 7th edition will help you plan with confidence. From etiquette advice to choosing your wedding gown and more, this will absolutely help you a great deal!