How to Set Your Wedding Date

In a previous post we talked about some initial wedding planning steps to take once you have gotten engaged.  Today we are going to chat about Setting Your Wedding Date.  I’ll list some guidelines to consider but not all of them will apply to you.  I always ask my brides and grooms to discuss their 3 top non-negotiable desires/categories for their wedding.  Once you know what is most important to you and your groom for your wedding you can use this approach with all of your wedding planning decisions.

Availability of Locations and Wedding Vendors

Do you want to return to your hometown and get married in the church you grew up attending?  Is there a venue that will help express your overall vision for your reception? If you have your heart set on a specific ceremony and/or reception venue, check the availability of these first before scheduling your perfect wedding date.  Perhaps your wedding photos are one of your top three non-negotiable items.  You will want to check with the availability of your desired photographer(s).  Maybe you want to rock it out at your reception with a very popular band.  Again, check the availability.  Remember popular locations and popular wedding vendors will book quickly.

Holidays

Scheduling your wedding date around holidays and popular 3 day week-ends can be tricky.  Only you know your family – will they see this as a benefit because there is an extra day to travel, or will you need to be sensitive to family members who may not want to give up their holiday week-ends such as Labor Day, Memorial Day and July 4^th to share in your wedded bliss? Be aware that floral costs are higher on Valentines Day and Mother’s Day week-ends.  This is where your discussion of what is most important comes to play.  If you have your heart set on a romantic Valentine’s Day wedding, then you will be prepared to allot more funds to your floral budget.  During the Christmas holiday season, brides reap the benefit of beautifully decorated ceremony locations and venues.

Seasons

Do you want an outdoor ceremony or reception?  Have you dreamed about a destination wedding on an island?  Do you long for the beautiful foliage the Fall season provides or the tulips and daffodils of Spring?  Then you will need to consider all the weather elements of rain, hurricanes of the islands and high humidity of our beloved Indianapolis.  I found this awesome tool on www.weatherchannel.com.  You enter your zip code and it populates with data on the warmest, coolest, driest months, along with the most cloudy and sunny days!

http://www.weather.com/activities/events/weddings/setthedate/index.html

Budget

How much money can you set aside monthly for your wedding budget?  If you fall short of the total wedding budget that is needed you can push your wedding date out to allow more time to save.  Look for future posts on additional tips related to wedding budgets.

Locality Conflicts

Does your city host annual special events, conventions or sporting events that draw huge crowds?  These events may cause hotels to raise their prices or be blacked out for your guests, along with congestion in traffic that could present challenges on your wedding day.  Indianapolis brides and grooms may want to avoid the week-ends of the FFA convention, the Indianapolis 500 festival week-end and the Super Bowl 2012.

Select a date with Significance

Do you have a date that symbolizes your love story?  Perhaps you will consider selecting the anniversary of your first date or the date you proclaimed your love.  Selecting your wedding date is one of the first decisions of many you will make as an engaged couple.  Happy Wedding Planning!

Love and hugs,

Deborah

Enjoying Bridal Shows

How to ensure you have a FABULOUS time at Bridal Shows

 

As a newly engaged bride to be, you owe it to yourself to attend a bridal show or two.  They are fun and filled with valuable information.  You can gather inspiration, eat cake and get your wedding planning started.  Below are some tips to consider.

 

• Register ahead of time – this will allow you to jump in the shorter line.
• Leave your coat in the car and carry a handbag that will allow you to be hands free.
• Take along someone in your support circle – your mom, your sister or your maid of honor.
• Collect business cards and write notes on the back while the information is fresh in your mind.  You will be thankful later you took the time to do this.
• Take your camera!  You will be amazed at the beautiful floral arrangements, exquisite cakes, thoughtful favors and gowns you will see.  Besides, I know you want to capture the moment with you and your mom/sis/maid of honor.  Your wedding is a process to be enjoyed throughout your engagement.  So snap away at all the pictures. 
• My favorite tip is this – As a Perfect Wedding Guide Advertiser in Indianapolis, I can send a FREE admission ticket to the bride and groom for the Jan. 9th and 10th Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.  Just email me at Deborah.sheeran@yahoo.com

Remember, this is your time to savor being a bride to be.  Don’t feel pressured to plan your wedding in one day.  Take it all in and get inspired. 

Love and Hugs,

Deborah

“Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live” – anonymous

ornament source:  weddingish.com