Now that you have figured out your budget, it is time to set your date. From a planners perspective the easiest way to tackle this step is to use the time-tested formula that a reporter would use to get their story: Who, What, When and Where?
WHO WILL YOU INVITE?
Even with your budget set, this question requires flexibility. This point can be the deal breaker for a lot of couples. There is no hard and fast rule for setting the number of invitees, but one thing is certain - once you figure out who you are inviting, you need to stick as close to your list as possible. It is so easy for the numbers to escalate by adding a couple of forgotten friends here and a long lost relative there. But just remember, for each person you add, you must adjust your budget accordingly.
Be specific about who is invited. Your invitation should include each guest by name and the total # allowed for in their party should be written in by you on the RSVP card so there is little doubt in the guests mind who is invited. This is one way to control your guest list but you may also want to consider using a professional RSVP service whose primary purpose is to reinforce your specific guest requests.
A professional RSVP service will tactfully but professionally handle guest questions and help you obtain firm numbers on attendees. Some services will even give your guests a courtesy follow-up call if they have not responded by a certain date. The cost to use these services varies as does the actual services offered by each company, but the biggest advantage of using a professional RSVP service is that it frees you up to give your attention to other areas of your wedding.
WHAT DOES YOUR PERFECT WEDDING LOOK LIKE TO YOU?
Formal, casual or something in between? A small church wedding with a large reception? An intimate garden wedding in your parent's back yard? At the beach or in the park? Knowing your vision sets the backdrop for the rest of your plans. It allows you to narrow down venues, choose the style of your invitations, and to get an idea of what your bridal party will wear.
Some bride's have planned their wedding almost since birth, while others have no idea what they want. For those who don't know exactly what they want, begin by gathering some visual resources. Stock up on wedding magazines or books, or go online to wedding blogs or web sites. Many wedding web sites offer color boards that give you an idea of how to combine and use colors for your wedding.
Another tool that is helpful in designing your look is to use a theme. A theme can be the thread that ties your whole celebration together. It can be subtle or bold or it can be something very personal to you as a couple. A theme gives you a starting point in planning your wedding look.
WHEN DO YOU PLAN TO GET MARRIED?
Summer, winter, spring or fall? June is traditionally the most celebrated month for weddings but holidays like Christmas and Valentines Day run a close second. Keep in mind the more popular the wedding date the more advanced planning that is required. To avoid waiting lists for venues, caterers, and other wedding professionals, plan as far in advance as possible.
While Saturday seems to be the most popular day to get married, it is not etched in stone that a wedding has to take place on a Saturday. Brides who are flexible can execute a suitable wedding just as well on a Friday evening or even a Sunday afternoon as on a Saturday. Dare to be different. The people who love you and want to celebrate your love with you will make accommodations to be at your wedding no matter when it is .
WHERE?
Now that you have your guest list firmed up, your vision clearly in focus and know when you want to get married, you can concentrate on finding a venue that can accommodate your dream.
Here are a few questions to consider in looking for the perfect location. Have you always dreamed of walking down the aisle of your family church or saying "I Do" on the beach at sunset? Will your wedding and reception be held at the same location or will guests have to travel between two venues? Will lodging and transportation accommodations be made for out of town guests?
Traditionally, the biggest portion of your budget will be spent on your wedding and reception venues, so finding a suitable venue is an important decision. As with deciding when to get married, the key to where to get married lies with advance planning. The more advance notice you give a venue the more likely you are to get the venue and the date of your choice.
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