Great, now you have a date and location. Pick a theme (hey pintrest) and send those save the dates!
Yay, you have a theme! Time to go get your dream dress. I would suggest getting your dress at least six months in advance.
You have your dress now, so you can probably figure out your shoes and jewellery.
Go get those bridesmaids dresses! Now you have them, you can figure out their accessories.
See how the big things trickle down into the little things? Once you have a venue, decorations become easier. Once you have theme, invitations, flowers, decor, dresses and suits all become clearer. Once you have clothes, accessories become clearer. Most importantly, take it one step at at time.
Take care of your guests
Are you getting married in the height of summer outdoors? Consider skipping favours and providing fans, water and sunglasses outside instead. Standing ceremony? Don't forget a seat for the older guests. Chance of rain? Consider umbrellas.
Feeding your Vendors
Generally, you want to feed the vendors that have a) worked all day and b) will be there for the meal. Ask your venue about vendor meals, some do a special plate at a discounted price. Always sit these vendors with your guests, that way they are still their to photograph or video unexpected events and can get straight back into it when they are done. Also, nobody wants a photo of them eating.
Don't be afraid to ask questions.
I want to tell you this from the get-go. No question is too stupid to ask me. Ever. Don't ever be afraid to ask your vendor a question, even if it seems silly or it's just to settle your nerves. I've had questions and requests for images I would do without thinking, and it's all come from a place of worry or because someone has let them down in the past. Yes, there will be plenty of images with you and your mum.
Don't feel the need to explain yourself
Nobody except you and your partner need to know why you are doing something the way you are doing. This is your wedding, your day, your way. You don't need to explain the reason your best friends child is invited but your workmates's four children aren't. You don't need to explain why you aren't wearing white or why you have no bridal party or why your reception is at a pub.
Assign someone to grab important keepsakes.
You spent hours picking your stationery suite, your decorations, your boquet, and you paid for them! Often you can't grab those yourself, so enlist a parent, bestie or bridal party member to gather up the table stationery, boquets and decorations you want to keep.
Remember to take a bit of time for yourself, and some time with your partner.
I'll let you in on a secret. I always allow a few minutes at the end of our bride + groom session for you to have a few minutes on your own, and it's often the only down time you will get together. Use it!
Don't forget to thank your guests
Don't forget the all important thank-you cards. They don't have to be intricate or complicated. They can follow on from an already decided theme or they can feature your favourite wedding photo!
Take some time off from planning
Sometimes this planning gig gets overwhelming. When that happens, take some time out, call your bestie and have some wine. Take a few days off. Your preperations will be there when you get back with a fresh and rested mind.
