As a bride, what wedding planning tips would you give to a newly engaged bride?
Many issues of bridal magazines devote entire sections to answering this question
There are 5 general areas of concern for new bride-to-be’s, which are mentioned below.
1) What to do first
I’ve previously suggested working out your max/ideal budget, size (ie. guest list), key ‘must haves’ that you can’t see your day without.
2) Budget tips
List the ways you may think you might be able to save money on your wedding. You might love a DIY project, but make sure to think about the time implications and whether you’re willing or able to spend this. You don’t want to be worrying the week before your wedding on doing 101 last minute DIY things.
3) Who pays for what
Always a popular topic. The answer depends on the how traditional or modern the couple is and their cultural backgrounds. Often these days I think it’s a mix between both families (perhaps the bride’s still paying a little more) and the couple themselves. Just try to have open conversations about who is paying what and what that’s being spent on so there aren’t any awkward conversations later down the line.
4) The subjects that need to be discussed with families
Write a list of subjects that should be discussed with your parents and children, if you already have a family. Topics might include the budget, location, guest list, cultural traditions that need to be observed during the ceremony, and how to include children.
Make sure you know which issues that are important to you as the bride and groom and which you are willing to compromise a little on.
5) The things that don’t need to be done right away
A bride (and/or groom, mother, mother-in-law, bridesmaids, cousins…the list is endless) can get carried away with doing things that she likes first, instead of what makes the best sense. (For example, selecting the dress before deciding on the venue.) So make sure to prioritise your time on what is most important to you.
What other things are there to think about that may be of concern to newly engaged couples? Share your thoughts below.
Love Mrs M x
Rebecca's Reveries 