Congratulations, you're engaged!
Planning your wedding can be a joyful time full of cake testings and lunches at wineries. Once the honeymoon stage is over though, you're left with piles of paperwork, bills to pay, contracts to stress over and worst of all you can run out of time if you've been busy with work!
Here are a few tips every bride to be should know before they start the daunting task of planning their wedding.
Tip No.1: Create your own personal wedding profile.
Include things like a couple of preferred dates (it's best to have about three options, this is so if you find the perfect venue you won't be disappointed if its booked on your date), the bridal party (now is a good time to jot down their contact details, you'll need them throughout), a "guestimate" and a wish list.
Tip No.2: Consider hiring a wedding planner.
This may sound like biased advice and it probably is! There is a common misconception that wedding planners are only for celebrities or the wealthy. The truth is a wedding planner can not only prevent you from feeling completely overwhelmed with stress, they can also save you time and money. How can they save money? They have great deals with suppliers and the inside information on which ones have the best prices and products. And if you ask them to include their fee in the budget you provide it's like you're getting the service for free.
Tip No.3: Find a venue right away.
The most important thing by far is finding the right location for your ceremony and reception. you'll find it nearly impossible to plan anything else without having your venues booked first. One way of minimising stress (and money) is to have both the ceremony and the reception in the one location. A great added benefit of this is that it cuts down on carbon emissions. A boutique winery or privately owned gardens have wonderful settings for ceremonies and have beautiful rooms or marquees for receptions.
Tip No.4: Don't get carried away.
The wedding industry is inundated with photographers, florists, venues, makeup artists, the list goes on! Not all are good and bad. Don't get the grass is greener syndrome. Try to stick to seeing about three of each supplier. Look at their testimonials and portfolios. If you're still having trouble deciding, give yourself time to think on it. Then if all else fails go with your gut feeling. If you get on fantastically with that photographer for example then chances are it will make your day a whole lot smoother and happier.
Tip No.5: Create a wedding checklist.
Include all the things you need to do and the absolute cut off day for getting them done. Also it might be a good idea for you to work out a filing system and invest in a good folder to keep all the little bits and pieces in.
Tip No.6: Don't be afraid to delegate.
Weddings are a fun time for everyone. Your family and friends share your joy for getting married. So don't be afraid to ask them to do you favours and help share the workload. Just don't turn into a bridezilla and remember if someone gets it wrong to take a step back, breathe deeply and say to yourself, its okay. Trust me, it will be!
Tip No.7: Take your time in Choosing your Perfect Wedding Dress and Bridesmaids at Hills In Hollywood. Make sure you Ask your Hills In Hollywood Store or Stockist Timeframes for Delivery so you can Plan for Alterations and any necessary Changes that may need to be made.
Tip No.8: HAVE FUN - ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF THIS SPECIAL TIME IN YOUR LIFE
