Start Off On the Right Foot

Start off on the right foot by making some fundamental decisions, and try to keep to these agreed arrangements as much as possible, without being unrealistic when changes need to be made. It's sad to say many engaged couples don't even survive the wedding planning process, calling their relationship off due to disagreements. Be flexible, loving, and able to make concessions. This can go a long way to making your experience enjoyable and memorable, as well as averting a major blowout in spending. Once you have sorted out the basics, use "Your Wedding Summary" to create a summary page of your wedding details, print out and add to your folder.


Wedding Date

Picking a wedding date is not as straight forward as you might like to think. Every year we find couples that have had to change their date because they failed to take into consideration the details we have listed below. One couple recently had problems after their intended Maid of honor informed them that she was away on holiday in Hawaii that week, something that she couldn't just cancel.

Friends and family - before you hand over any deposits, make sure those people in your wedding you can't do without, have themselves checked to make absolutely sure they can be available on the date chosen. It's up to you to remind them to think of possible reasons they may not be able to make it. I.E. It may be a holiday weekend, or on a major sports event. They may not necessarily realize this until it's too late, so be specific and tell them as much as you can about the date. If you don't it could lead to heartache and frustration. Imagine trying to get a last minute stand-in to give you away, or be the best man. - See also the Bridal Party section.

Public and national holidays, birthdays, or other wedding anniversaries. Half of your guests may already be attending another function, or be away on holiday, which could be rather embarrassing for one and all. You don't want to make them choose between events!

 Religious holidays and days traditionally unavailable for weddings. Some religions preclude marriage on certain days and dates, and if your fiancee isn't of the same faith as you, be sure check if there are any dates not allowed.

 Weather - What will the season be. This will greatly influence attire, venues, colors. If it is to be in another country, be sure to check the local weather and calendar for these basic details.

 Work and school schedules - Work and school can impose restrictions to many days people may not be able to get off.


Style

Will it be a Religious or non religious wedding? Day or Evening?
If you are thinking of a religious ceremony, yet you have been inactive for a while, it would pay to contact your officiant as soon as possible to discuss the requirements.


Location

You may have the most beautiful location in mind, however, check to see if the gardens, flowers, or setting you have in mind will be the way you imagine on the date you have in mind. Will the location cause problems for any invited guests, for those traveling, those in wheelchairs, or elderly?


Great Organizational Tips to Start With

Get a notebook or bridal diary, and start writing everything down. Don't leave those great ideas to chance stored somewhere in your head! Phone numbers, addresses, decorating tips, vendors, prices, guests etc.
Electronic notebooks are great idea to store all of that precious information. They're handy and so portable!

Purchase an accordion folder, binder and/or notebook with file pockets and sections. Label these like we have in the major sections of this site. File all relevant information, and samples you collect along the way.

Create a database and spreadsheets to track guests and expenses.

Index cards and file. Always a great way to organize things. Divide the file into sections, guests, vendors, bridal party etc. Have a card for each guest, business used etc. Track as much info as possible on the cards. I.E. RSVP, balances, deposits, gifts, phone No.'s, addresses, partners names etc.

Print out our Free timeline / to-do-list. One for you, one for your fiancee. This will help enormously to keep your planning well organized.

Have a calendar to keep track of your wedding appointments and deadlines. Check this regularly so deposits are paid on time, and vital bookings are not overlooked.


Research Tools

Bookstores

Chamber of commerce

Friends and family

Historical societies

Local Library

The phone book and yellow pages

Professional associations & clubs

Regional publications

Tourism offices

Universities

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