Planning for Your Wedding

By Ruth Manimtim-Floresca 

Weddings are among the most important milestones in people’s lives. There are those who even started fantasizing about their dream wedding when they were still very young. When the real time comes, it’s important to make sure that everything will go without a hitch on the big day itself. Here are sound tips on planning for one’s wedding from events planner and coordinator Angela Abella of Dream Event Express Planners.

1. Plan ahead of time.

   • Give yourself at least one to one and- a-half years to make plans. This gives you a good leverage in getting the most out of your preparation period. If you have no idea where to start, or are unsure if you’ll be able to cover all the bases, consider hiring a wedding planner. There are also plenty of wedding suppliers nowadays that can help you make the right decisions when it comes to choosing the right stuff for your wedding.

2. Set a realistic budget.

   • Make sure you and your future spouse agree on what you both are willing to spend on. Stick to this budget as much as possible and make sure that the money is something that the two of you already have (cash on hand). Do not be tempted to get a loan to finance your wedding. This is very impractical. Save for all the upcoming expenses instead.

3. Once the budget is set, canvass for good, reputable suppliers.

   • They can help you create your dream wedding. If you spend enough time to scout around, you’ll have better chances of finding more of the best deals in town. Ask friends, relatives, and your wedding coordinator for referrals and recommendations. Make them part of your dream team. These people are in a good position to help you plan your wedding especially if you have a budget to follow and don’t want to miss out on quality products and services which you deserve. Ask your suppliers relevant questions regarding their profile and what they offer. It would not hurt to try asking for discounts. Sometimes, some suppliers give in if you know how to negotiate well or ask nicely enough.

4. Create your guest list wisely.

   • Prioritize inviting people who really matter to you both. The guest list is a major part of event planning because most of the budget will depend on how big you want your wedding to be. Ask yourselves, “Are we really that close with this, or that, person?” Make a master list where you can track the list of guests each of you wants to invite. Don’t forget to specify the number of additional guests or plus-ones allowed per invitation. Include contact numbers where guests can RSVP or respond to your invite up to a specific time frame.

5. Be creative.

   • If you are on a really tight budget, go for DIY (do it- yourself) projects. Learn how to make some of your wedding items instead of paying for them. You may also think about recycling still useful items you have at home or which you can source from close friends and relatives. There are brides who tap into their creative juices and express them during their weddings.