Need help planning your wedding but don’t know where to start? Follow our step-by-step guide.
Need help planning your wedding but don’t know where to start? Follow our step-by-step guide.
Unless you’re planning a surprise wedding, it’s a good idea to let your family and friends know that you’re engaged! You’ll be overwhelmed by their positivity and willingness to help.
Dream-up ideas with your fiancé about what you picture your special day to look like. This will give some direction when it comes to making decisions down the line. Brainstorming together will also help ensure you achieve a concept that reflects you as a couple.
Knowing what you have to work with help you allocate funds appropriately to primary costs like venue, dress, catering, décor, etc. Once you have your essentials in place, you can then focus on finer details.
As soon as your guest list is complete, you’ll have a number to work with. This will help in many areas like seating, catering, invitations, budget allocation, etc. Also, you can now send out your save-the-dates.
Now that you’ve established your guest list, let your leading ladies know who they are. You’ll want them in place for all the fun activities to follow.
Decide on where you’ll be having your wedding and reception. Will they be at the same venue? Will you get married in a church and have your reception separately? The sooner you decide, the sooner you can send your invitations out. Hint: Nantes Estate is offering a 50% discount on weddings booked for January 2016!
Now that all your essentials are in place, you are ready to send out your invitations. Get your bridesmaids involved and plan a fun DIY day
Start booking appointments with bridal boutiques for fittings. Try on as many as you like. The right dress will feel right. If you are having a dress made, be sure you know exactly what you want and show pictures of your design to your dressmaker.
Will your venue take care of catering? Do you want a buffet or set menu? Lunch or dinner? Now is the time to start looking at options.
Create a Pinterest board of ideas and chat to your wedding planner and bridesmaids about options. Have fun! Hint: Contact Marge B from Event Styling in Durban for some great ideas.
Be sure to book your band and or DJ in advance – they become booked-up quickly in season!
Have a look around at various photographers’ portfolios and see whose style you like best. Take advice from friends on this one too. Hint: Skye Pretorius from Echowood Photography is a master at capturing special moments ;)
Be sure to have a few trials before finally deciding on your ideal look. Remember this is your special day – you want to look your best! Hint: get 50% off your hair and makeup trial with Batia Surat Makeup Artist until December 2016!
Remember that planning your wedding should be fun! Try to relax and enjoy the process. Also, trust your intuition – you’ll know something is the right choice when it feels right. All the best!
