- Eat a cupcake? Now THAT is great advice for the planning bride!
Last week I gave you a brief overview of my introduction to the world of wedding planning, and this week I want to go more in depth with you. I know that personally, I have found the advice and experience of other brides particularly helpful in my own journey through planning; I only hope that my experiences can be half as enlightening to brides in the thick of their own planning, too.
So, the ring is on your finger, your entire families are happy as can be, and then what? As I mentioned, first and foremost, worry about the venue. My fiance’s family and my own are very large, and include very large networks of friends. We both knew our guest list (something to be considered as you tour venues) would undoubtedly reach over 400 people – an astronomical number by most Midwestern wedding standards. We wanted to pick a venue that would be easily accessible to our families and friends, something that wouldn’t require any excessive travelling for the majority of our guests. Luckily, both of our families are from the same town, so that made it relatively easy to pick a location for venues. Unluckily for us, there are only approximately two places near our hometown that could 1) fit at least 400 people, and 2) look nice not only for a reception, but also for a ceremony.
Within two weeks of our engagement, we set up an appointment to visit a golf club we had our hearts set on: Riverview Greens in Stewartville, MN.
This gorgeous golf center looks out on to the stunning landscape of the golfing greens, and features amazing wooden arched ceilings. We fell in love with the large, sloping windows that bring the most amazing natural light in to the whole room. We knew the second we walked in that we would be getting married here. Sure enough, we booked it that day and officially cemented our wedding date for September 22nd, 2012. Not only will this venue be beautiful for an evening reception, but it will be an exceptional venue to have our actual wedding ceremony at, too. My advice to brides is to pick a venue that you feel comfortable in, and one you can envision your celebration taking place at. If it feels right, you’ll know it – much like the feeling you get when you try on *the* dress (more on that later).
Shortly after booking our venue, we sat down to write out an exact wedding guest list. Keep in mind, this can take the better part of an afternoon, or two, or three (if you’re indecisive and unable to focus on one thing for too long like me). It is important to have a fairly accurate estimation of how many guests you expect before you sign on a venue, however. My fiance’s sister was married just seven months prior to our engagement, so we based our estimation off of her guest list. We wanted to get our own list nailed down to be as exact as possible, as soon as possible. This is important to do as soon as possible, as this number will dictate many of the decisions you make regarding ordering invitations, centerpieces, favors, food, and on and on.
The next things to worry about booking include photography, videography, and DJ services. But you’ll have to stay tuned to find out how I navigated the “booking” of my own wedding, and the advice I have for brides in this stage of planning.
Tags: Brides, Events, Mani Mela, Planning, Weddings
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