The bride and groom should each begin by writing at least one full page of their "dream" wedding. This will help them to see what is and is not important for the day. Go wild with ideas and sort through the reality of those ideas as you plan.
2. Manage your budget
Be clear about your full budget -- if
others are participating in the funds,
know what they are willing to give in
the beginning so that you can plan
around the figures. Sometimes a bride or
groom will say that his
mom and dad will pitch in but they
are unclear how much.
3. Research vendors
If the bride and groom buy a "package"
from a venue, be sure to check with the
photographer, florist and musicians etc.
to find out that the quality and kind of
service is what you would choose on your
own. I just heard a bride say that she
bought a package in Hawaii and now
doesn't like any of the photos. Do your
homework as if you were not buying a
package and, when you check, make a
change if you are not happy with their
recommendation.
4. Make it your own
Go ahead and personalize your wedding --
one bride and groom I worked with named
the tables after events in their
relationship -- i.e. First Xmas, trip to
Hawaii. A photo of that event served as
a table locator instead of a number,
Vendors see lots of great ideas and may
be happy to offer them to you if you
ask.
5. Get the price right
Read all contracts carefully. Make sure
that you understand what you have agreed
to. Know ahead if the band will stay
later if you and your friends want to
dance longer, and know what the price
will be. You don't want a several
hundred-dollar surprise.
PART 2 HERE
