You’re Engaged!! Congratulations!!...... Now What?
This is one of the most Exciting, Unimaginably Satisfying, Breathtaking, and Anxious moments you’ll experience in life. You’ve been wanting and waiting for this moment, and now it’s so much more than you ever thought. But let’s be honest. You are so happy but there is that tiny bit of anxiety and confusion because you aren’t quite sure what to do next. NO WORRIES.
Let's talk about it. Here are some of the top questions most couples have when on the Planning Journey
(click a question + jump to it)
1. How much does a wedding cost?
Every event is different, every couple is different, and every budget is different. Think about what's most important to you and have a conversation with your planner about what it will take to make that happen, and what creative things you can do to bring your dreams to life within a budget that keeps your future in mind.
2. Insurances...what types of insurance are there and do we need them?
Jewelry Insurance: Now that you have that priceless piece of jewelry on your hand. It’s important to make sure it fits and is safe. Getting your new ring insured and then getting it properly sized is the first step to peace of mind.
Wedding Insurance | Liability vs. Cancellation: There is no fancy way to say this. Sometimes the unexpected happens. The year 2020 has shown us first hand how the unexpected can derail some of life's biggest moments. Like health or auto insurance, Wedding Insurance can have your back if the unexpected happens. Liability Wedding Insurance can help in the event there is an accident or injury during your event. Cancellation Wedding insurance protects your financial commitment to your wedding should it have to be called off.
Just like any other situation, having insurance is a good idea. When it comes to your wedding, it is completely your decision. We always encourage you to consider how adventurous your event may be and how much you are committing financially when considering Wedding Insurance.
3. Should we have a first look?
First looks give you the freedom of creativity in addition to the opportunity to capture a very intimate and beautiful moment. This doesn't just have to be between you and your partner. You can share this moment with your father/mother, bridesmaids, grandparent, best friend, etc. But remember, this day is about you and your partner. If you want the first moment your partner or family sees you to be when you walk down the aisle, THAT IS PERFECTLY OK!
4. Traditions...Do we have to?
Let's break the ice a little bit. Traditional wedding elements are just as beautiful as going off-script. Traditions like the garter toss, or even being walked down the aisle are timeless special moments. But there is nothing that says you have to do it. It's your wedding, so you make the rules. Be true to yourself.
5. How do we avoid getting overwhelmed by all the opinions and ideas?
This is where it really pays to have a planner who is experienced and organized. Weddings come with a lot of moving parts, and with it being one of the biggest moments your will ever experience, you also want those closest to you to be involved. With that in mind, there are tons of ideas, opinions, and concepts coming your way be it by way of your lifelong dreams, trends in the industry, your family, or Pinterest!! (It's an amazing world but sooo easy to get lost in lol). It is easy to get overwhelmed. Let your planner worry about the organization of things. Be honest about what is important to you so that you maintain focus and spend your energy in the right places. If it's important that your mother love your design as much as you do, then let that be your focus. BUT it's important to know what matters and choose your battles. Not every decision is worth stressing over.
6. Do we have to invite Plus Ones?
There is no YES or No answer to this one either...we're sorry. WE SAY ask yourself these questions to help you decide.
Are you planning a small intimate affair with your closest loved one, the celebration of the year with everyone your know and love, or something in between with your favorite people?
Will most of your favorite people attend your wedding alone because they are either unmarried or single?
Are you comfortable with making the Plus One exception for certain people?
Will any of the Plus Ones put a damper on your day?
Will the total number of Plus Ones blow your guest count out of the water?
7. Open Bar...should we, or is there an alternative?
It's all a matter of budget, event aesthetic, and preference. There are multiple ways to offer alcohol are your wedding to be mindful of your budget, the essence of your event, and your crowd. Some couples vote to keep it simple and just offer beer and wine. This lets your offer a little something to elevate the celebration without the side effects of hard alcohol. This is particularly a good compromise when you have a mixed crowd. Some couples opt for the Signature Drink(s). This is a fun way to share a little bit about who you and your partner are without the cost of a full and open bar. And why not be creative! There are also couples who want the whole experience. If you can afford it, a full open bar allows you to meet the tastes of all your guests. Be mindful, this may not be the best option if your mixed crown includes many children.
8. Live Band or DJ?
The big difference here is cost. You will commit a lot more money with a live band than you would with a DJ. Most people believe a live band adds an upscale essence to an event. And they do, but you can also achieve upscale classiness with a DJ. Just ask yourself this:
What does the budget allow?
What is your intention? Are you focused on creating a live interactive experience for my guests OR do you just want to party?
P.S. there are also creative ways to do both. Ask your planner about the options.
9. What elements will make the biggest impact when creating the mood of our space?
Our top 3 decor game changers are Lighting, Drapery, and the use of Height. These elements can create spaces that transport you. They can set create the mood and dimension that allows you to transform a simple venue into scenes only found in your imagination.
10. How do we find the venue for us?
Take a stroll through wedding sites, and Pinterest to see what you are drawn to. Talk to your planner and designer about your vision. They will help you find places perfect for you OR give your ideas to turn the venues available into exactly what you want.
11. Where should we focus our budget attention?
This will be determined by what is most important to you, and what you are more flexible. The things that are important that you are less willing to negotiate on will most likely get budgeted for first, followed by the remaining elements in order of impact and importance. Most couples focus primarily on the Venue and the Catering those are typically high ticket items. But if that's not what's important to you, let sit and talk about what is.
12. How do we determine who will attend?
Start here:
Who do you absolutely have to share this moment with you?
Will your favorite be accompanied by a date?
Then add the people you would like to celebrate with. If this causes your guest list to get out of hand, reconsider your list and adjust to those who are most important keeping ou limit in mind. If that doesn't work, consider the alternatives that let your loved ones share in your special day without having to physically within the room with you or attend all events.
13. What's Next...How do I know what I should do and when?
Wedding planning is best done in stages. Start with the things you need before you can start to consider the small details (i.e. the date, venue, etc.) Then start to layout your vision and the details and get the ball rolling on things that tend to take more to get like your Wedding Dress. Your wedding planner can guide you through the journey making sure you enjoy the ride and nothing is missed.
14. How do I predict my RSVP count?
The traditional advice is to expect 66% of your invited guest to attend. The best advice is the be prepared to host all guest invite as all of your loved ones may very well be in attendance. Stranger things have happened.
15. Why can't your guarantee flowers will be available to my desired shade?
Mother Nature is often the captain of her own ship. A plant may yield different shades each season, and some blooms change shade as they mature and open. Let your floral designer know what outcome you are hoping for and trust them to guide you to the best blooms.
16. Will going BYOB save us money?
Most couples don't have access to purchase alcohol at a wholesale rate. By the time your purchase enough alcohol and the companying mixers, garnishes, and tools at retail price, you would have spent more than taking advantage of a venue's bar package. BYOB also puts the responsibility of setup and service on your a couple. Somethings are better left to vendors.
17. How can we make our Ceremony unique to us?
There are so many ways to add your personal touch to your Ceremony be it live musicians, a unique unity ceremony, non-traditional participants like grandparents, your decor, or even small details like bouquet charms. Don't be afraid to go off-script and be creative.
18. Should I detail a dress code on the invitations?
You can't expect your guest to know your wedding is a formal Black Tie event if you don't tell them. If you would like your guest's attire to be specific, include it in your invitation, and make it easy to understand.
19. Stationary Timeline?
You will want to start with sending save the date cards about 6-8 months before your wedding and send your invitations 3-5 months before your wedding. You will want to have your RSVP back about 8 weeks before your wedding giving you time to order place cards if needed and get your final headcount to your cater. They typically need it about 1 month before your wedding. If you are hosting a destination wedding or expecting your loved ones to travel for your wedding, you must be considerate of that by sending your save the date cards and invitations at the earlier end of the planning schedule.
20. Do our guests have to pick sides?
Traditionally, the bride's family and friends site on the left side of the aisle when facing the altar, and the groom's family and friends on the right. Many couples love this idea of not choosing sides as everyone will be one big family by the end of the night. Do what makes your heart sing. Your guests are there to support you. You make the rules.
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