Article specially written for UtahValleyBride.com by Allie Cooper.
Wedding planning is back in full swing. Tim Chi, The Knot’s CEO, predicted a wedding boom in the second half of 2021 — and he was right. Almost half of the couples who had a wedding planned in 2020 postponed it to a later date, which means 2021 and 2022 are the years of never-ending nuptials. Whether you’re planning or re-planning your wedding, here are five areas to start:
1. YOUR VISION. First things first: What do you think of when you imagine your dream wedding? Here are three specific aspects to keep in mind:
• The overall theme
• Your wedding palette
• The symbols and motifs
Knowing the kind of aesthetic you want for your wedding makes it easier to plan and will pave the way to a cohesive celebration.
2. YOUR BUDGET. Finances are arguably the most important consideration when planning a wedding. But regardless of how simple or extravagant you want your wedding to be, it’s important to make a financial plan.
Prioritize. Make a list of what’s most important to you (i.e. the gown, the flowers, the venue), and prioritize those financially.
Less is More. If money is a big stress, consider having a smaller celebration. Since Covid, micro-weddings have become extremely popular, and you can pick and choose what’s most important to you without having to cater to hundreds of guests. An intimate wedding is a wonderful way to have a beautiful party — without breaking the bank.
Personal Loans. Personal loans usually start from a modest $3,500 but can increase to a sizeable $20,000. Make sure to look for loans that have no extra fees and a fixed annual percentage rate, so that you won’t be bombarded with large monthly payments. These loans make it easier for you to budget monthly, as it lets you stagger your payments over a period of time. But as with all financial loans/decisions, make sure you read and understand the details and are comfortable with all the terms.
Credit cards + Honeymoons. Some credit card providers offer great rewards that you might be able to use for your potential honeymoon. Research those plastic perks, people! It pays to be savvy.
3. YOUR VENUE + OTHER VENDORS. When choosing a venue, be sure it’s big enough to cater to your guests and the staff. For large gatherings, consult current CDC guidelines and work with your venue to make sure all parties feel comfortable. And when the time comes, inform the guests of these guidelines to ensure they can plan ahead and know what to expect.
As for your other expenses, consider who among these vendors you’d want to hire for your wedding:
• Photographers and videographers
• Hair and makeup artists
• Caterers and bakers
• Florists and interior designers
• Entertainment professionals (singers, DJs, etc.)
• Rental companies
(Check out UVB’s Preferred Vendor guide for more ideas!)
4. THE GUEST LIST. Finalizing your guest list is a complicated process of balancing resources and social relationships. Consider who you really want at your wedding and the size of your chosen venue. Make a draft using wedding guest list templates, which will help keep you organized and ensure that no invitation gets forgotten. The earlier you get this sorted, the better prepared you will be.
5. YOUR PARTNER Of course by this point, you’re already sure of the person you want to marry. That said, check in on your partner every step of the process and make sure you’re in sync on the details of the wedding. Maybe they prefer a more intimate ceremony and reception, but you want all the works — you definitely need to have a conversation and find a way to compromise.
Hopefully, this list gave you some perspective on the things you need to think about for your wedding. It’s a special day, so it’s important to be thorough with your planning. And friends! Don’t sleep on your favorite vendors. With this wedding boon, their calendars are filling up FAST.
If you’re still looking for inspiration, check out the current issue of Utah Valley Bride for wedding ideas!
