Thursday, December 29, 2011

The Twelve Days of Wedding Planning

I hope you’ll hum along with my song!  It’s chronological, but not a complete list of “to dos” to plan your wedding!!
On the first day of Wedding Planning my true love gave to me a sparkling diamond on my ring. Of course, it all starts with your engagement.  Many couples are making a special effort to make sure that their diamond is certified as conflict free. A conflict or blood diamond is any diamond that originates from a country where the profits from the diamond industry are funding arms trade or military organizations. You can find jewelers who will certify all of their diamonds as conflict-free.
On the second day of Wedding Planning my true love gave to me a a Professional Wedding Planner.  The cost of a wedding planner should be off-set by the money that she will save you.  Even if you want to plan your own wedding, a professional planner will make your own planning easier and smoother by suggesting venues and vendors that will fit your budget.  The planner will trouble shoot problems for you.  Everything the follows in this song will go smoother with the advice and assistance of a professional planner.
On the third day of Wedding Planning my true love gave to me a carefully planned wedding budget.  Very few couples have unlimited money to spend on their wedding.  So before you do anything else talk with your parents and anyone else who might help pay for the wedding, access your own finances and decide on an exact total amount.  Use that amount to decide how much you can spend on each item of your wedding.  Check out this website for help: http://www.weddingplanningonabudget.com/my-wedding-budget.php
On the fourth day of Wedding Planning my true love gave to me a wedding venue. I know that many brides would choose their wedding gown immediately.  That is the wrong order because there are limited venues when you take into consideration your budget and the number of guests.  When you find the perfect venue for your reception you then have the background to “picture” yourself in your gown.
On the fifth day of Wedding Planning my true love gave to me a color scheme. Yes, it is hard to wait, but don’t pick the dress yet.  The venue will have colors (even if they are neutral) and will help you choose your wedding palette.  Also, you may want to include a color on your gown and the colors may determine which white or ivory you choose.  Remember as you plan, that you are going for a completely coordinated look.
On the sixth day of Wedding Planning my true love gave to me a wedding gown. Most brides have a wedding “dream” that includes a vision of themselves in their gown.  There are some practical considerations when you shop.  1. Stay within your budget, including your veil, shoes and jewelry.  2. Study the clothing that you wear that makes you look your best.  Look for similar elements in your gown.  3. Consider comfort.  You will wear your gown for 8 to 12 hours, will be eating in it, and will be posing for photos that you want to look happy and relaxed in. 
On the seventh day of Wedding Planning my true love gave to me aWedding theme for my big day. You know where it’s taking place, you know the colors, you have your dress, so now it’s time to plan a theme that will direct your wedding design.  

 On the eighth day of Wedding Planning my true love gave to me Professional wedding vendors. The best photographers, videographers, bakers, musicians, and DJs fill their schedules early, so it’s important to hire the professionals you want early in the planning.
On the ninth day of Wedding Planning my true love gave to me wedding invitations. Your save-the-dates and wedding invitations will coordinate with your colors and theme and give your guests a hint of your wedding. 
On the tenth day of Wedding Planning my true love gave to me a wardrobe for my wedding party.  You should have a pretty firm idea about how you want to dress your bridesmaids before you go with them to look at dresses.  Decide on the color, decide on the length, decide on the formality before you allow input.  Do be considerate about the cost.
On the eleventh day of Wedding Planning my true love gave to me beautiful flowers.  Flowers are a key piece of your wedding décor.  They do not have to break the budget and you do not have to settle for silk flowers.  Don’t be afraid to ask for a less expensive floral option.
 On the twelfth day of Wedding Planning my true love gave to me the wedding day of my dreams without a worry.
Perfect planning will result in a flawless day.  Having a coordinator on your day will mean that you and your family will be able to enjoy the day without any concerns.