Send your invitations or announcements out way ahead of time, especially if your wedding will be held away from home or in another state. If the prices you get from a professional printer seem exorbitant, consider doing your own. Such invitations really stand out and offer your wedding guests a personal touch.
Consider using your computer to draw up snazzy invitations and envelopes with photographs, personal artwork and formats that make them look elegant and glossy. If you like, you can add extra bits like dried flower petals or feathers for a special touch. Use the templates page on Microsoft® Office Online if you are a lazy bride-to-be and plan your own wedding the sneaky way!
* Book Your Wedding Reception Venue
Start looking for a venue as soon as you set your wedding date. In some large cities there are very few available at certain times of the year. You may consider having a garden reception. This will require far less time spent on decorating and less time = less money. Every cent counts!
As an alternative when you plan your own wedding, look for a hotel package that offers a wedding special such as a nice ballroom in a fancy hotel and discounted rates on guest rooms, a honeymoon suite and catered menus.
* Send Thank-You’s in Advance.
Make returning from your honeymoon stress-free by sending out thank-you notes as you receive gifts before the wedding.
* Be Decisive
Make decisions and stick to them. Don’t be tempted to keep changing your mind about the cake or napkins, flowers or bridesmaids dresses. This will drive you, the groom and your helpers crazy. Don’t waste time. It will all be fine on the big day and there are no ‘wrong’ decisions when you plan your own wedding.
* Delegate with Confidence
Enlist the help of your parents, siblings or your bridesmaids. They could be invaluable in helping to print and address invitations, assemble wedding favors, or other tasks that will lighten your load and keep you relaxed and happy.
* Take Photographs before the Wedding Ceremony
Many couples actually take the bulk of their photographs before the actual ceremony. As you plan your wedding, include a day for taking photographs. This saves time and attention for the guests waiting at the reception.
* Take Care of Details
Your wedding day should run like clockwork so you are free to really make the most of it. Before the big day, go over the plan with all your professionals and bridesmaids. Doing this means any last minute snags and hitches can be avoided.
When you plan your own wedding the world really is your oyster and if you get it just right you will have created the day of YOUR dreams and not somebody else’s. Sure, to plan your own wedding is a lot of hard work but if you keep the above tips in mind, the bulk of your planning is almost done. Keep your chin up, stay smiling and remember this is about never-ending happiness, not stress!
