Congratulations, you’re engaged! Now you’re probably wondering, what next? Wedding planning can be overwhelming. It’s completely normal to struggle to determine where to start. Not to worry though, our Zeffert and Gold team has you covered with a Step-by-Step guide to planning your perfect wedding.
Make your Guest List
It’s time to make your guest list. The guest list will be crucial in almost every aspect of planning your wedding. Often couples don’t even realize how many people they have until it’s time to write up the list. If your parents are going to want to invite people, have them put together their list as well. Keep in mind, your guests list will directly impact your budget. Between food, alcohol, favors, invitations, rentals, etc. the more people you invite, the more money you’ll be spending.
Set the Wedding Budget
Now that you know how many people you are inviting, it’s time to decide how much money you’re comfortable spending. Determine who is going to pay for what and get an overall price point. Then you can divide things up into categories and decide how much you want to spend on each thing. Make sure to include an “extra’s” category! It’s inevitable that you will go over budget somewhere or want to add something you didn’t think of. Having an extra’s fund will keep you on budget with those unexpected expenses. WeddingWire has great planning tools that help you make and stick to your budget!
Pick your Wedding Venue
Selecting a venue is a big deal! It not only finalizes where you are going to get married, but also lets you officially set a date! Try not to get your heart set on a date until you’ve found your venue. Venues book up quickly, especially for prime dates (May, June, September, October). It is better to get an idea of the season you envision for your wedding while keeping an open mind to dates. Wait and see what dates are available as you start your venue hunt then when you find your dream venue, see what dates they have open!
Find you Caterer
Next up, and in our opinion most importantly, Catering! Your caterer will set the tone of your reception and can easily make or break any event. Luckily, we’ve got you covered! With over 30 years of experience, Zeffert and Gold can expertly guide you through the entire process. We will work with you to create the perfect customized menu that fits not only your budget, but your personal style and taste as well. Although catering is one of the most important wedding decisions you will make, working with the right team can make it one of the easiest as well. Check out our Tips for Choosing a Caterer for more information on what to look for!
You’re almost there!
Congratulations! All your big To-Do boxes are checked. You know who’s coming, where you’ll be, what you’re eating and when it’s happening. Have a glass of wine and pat yourself on the back because you’re killing the wedding planning game! Now it’s time to move on to booking your other vendors. You need to find your DJ or Band, Photographer, Invitations, Officiant, Florist, Dress etc. Don’t be afraid to use the resources you already have to help with this! If you hired a planner, they should be your go-to for advice on all of this. An experience planner knows tons of good vendors, has worked with them before, and can probably even get you a discount. If you don’t have a planner, you can always reach out to your venue or caterer for recommendations as well! Most venues have preferred vendors lists that can be an awesome tool!
Last but certainly not least, enjoy the process, enjoy the little things and enjoy each other. At the end of all this, you’re going to marry the love of your life and that’s all that really matters… well that, and the food of course (Although we may be a little biased).
If you are ready to get started or need any more inspiration, contact one of our experienced event designers today!
