Whether you are recently engaged or
almost down the aisle, let me start by saying congratulations! I also would
like to remind you to breathe. All too often, future brides and grooms get overwhelmed in
the abundance of details involved in planning their dream like day and can very
easily forget the aspects of true importance. The following guide is a resource
created by Heavenly Affairs, Costa Mesa California and is geared towards
reminding eager bride to be’s to remain healthy mentally and emotionally.
He put a ring on it… so now what?
First, ensure that you spend quality time with your future mister. Embrace the
moment, cherish your love for one another and make certain that he feels
appreciated.
Share
your happiness with your loved ones. Invite your near and dear to a celebration
of your engagement. Traditionally, your parents may volunteer to host this
dinner but often lately this particular festivity is arranged by the the future
bride & groom. It is okay to know have all of the answers regarding your
special day by this time. People may ask about the venue, the date, the wedding
party and the answers will come in time. This moment is not a informative
meeting, it is a moment to share your excitement for your commitment to one
another. Take a deep breathe and remember to be thankful for being able to share your future with your loved ones.
Now is the time to finalize all of those daydreams about your future together and make them reality. Plan a date night at home with your handsome fiance and discuss both of your desires, expectations for each other, must-have's, can do without's and most importantly the budget. This may be the biggest test for your relationship as uncontrolled dream weddings can often lead to stressed bank accounts. Do not fret as your dream wedding is in your reach no matter what your budget. The important factors that make up a grand event include intimate details, subtle personal touches and love... lots of love. No matter where the venue, how many are on the guest list or even the amount of flowers, your wedding can be heavenly and a dream come true. Take a deep breathe and sort out your priority list.
Once you have your tentative wish list (this list will change through out the process, I promise) begin finalizing as many of the big details as possible. Create easy yet thoughtful ways to ask your wedding party to be a part of your big day. For instance, invite all of your prospective bridesmaids over for cocktail hour and present each with a small token of your appreciation of their friendship. Requesting that they soon contribute many hours assisting you in preparation, money (for multiple gifts, dresses, shoes, accessories and often even travel expenses), not to mention the countless hours of assuring you during your times of indecision, can really place a strain on relationships. Ensure your dear friends that you are grateful for their friendship now. Each friend will play a vital role in assisting you to maintain your sanity and you should be honored to have such wonderful friends.
In order to set the date, a venue for the ceremony and reception must be locked down. Remember to stay within your budget. A healthy and sturdy budget will elevate stress. The following is a breakdown from Carol Marino, of A Perfect Wedding in Fairfax, Virginia on how to distribute your funds:
Reception (Food, Beverages, Rentals, and Site)
40 percent to 50 percent
Flowers
10 percent
Photography/Videography
10 percent
Bride's and groom's attire
5 percent to 10 percent
Music
5 percent to 10 percent
Planner or Coordinator
10 percent to 15 percent
Miscellaneous (Invitations, Officiant Fees, Favors, Transportation, Etc.)
10 percent
Cushion
5 percent to 15 percent
Theknot.com or Marthastewartweddings.com provide easy do-it-yourself budgeting tools but if the numbers begin to overwhelm you, do not hesitate to speak to a professional wedding planner who can advise where some upgrades are recommended and where some cuts are necessary. Once you have divided the budget, now the fun begins!
Once you have your tentative wish list (this list will change through out the process, I promise) begin finalizing as many of the big details as possible. Create easy yet thoughtful ways to ask your wedding party to be a part of your big day. For instance, invite all of your prospective bridesmaids over for cocktail hour and present each with a small token of your appreciation of their friendship. Requesting that they soon contribute many hours assisting you in preparation, money (for multiple gifts, dresses, shoes, accessories and often even travel expenses), not to mention the countless hours of assuring you during your times of indecision, can really place a strain on relationships. Ensure your dear friends that you are grateful for their friendship now. Each friend will play a vital role in assisting you to maintain your sanity and you should be honored to have such wonderful friends.
Reception (Food, Beverages, Rentals, and Site)
40 percent to 50 percent
Flowers
10 percent
Photography/Videography
10 percent
Bride's and groom's attire
5 percent to 10 percent
Music
5 percent to 10 percent
Planner or Coordinator
10 percent to 15 percent
Miscellaneous (Invitations, Officiant Fees, Favors, Transportation, Etc.)
10 percent
Cushion
5 percent to 15 percent
Theknot.com or Marthastewartweddings.com provide easy do-it-yourself budgeting tools but if the numbers begin to overwhelm you, do not hesitate to speak to a professional wedding planner who can advise where some upgrades are recommended and where some cuts are necessary. Once you have divided the budget, now the fun begins!
Create a display of the your relationship. What colors, objects, sayings represent your love of each other? Utilize your individual & collaborative personalities within the details of your wedding. Surprisingly, you may see the items that symbolize you the most are easier than you thought to obtain as they are already incorporated into your daily life. These items are what make your special day memorable to your family and friends. A wedding should be the moment when love unites, shared by the dearest of family and friends. Remember it is more important to express yourself than your budget within your decor. A magnitude of fresh ideas can be found on Pinterest or TheKnot.
The planning process should be fun. Remember to breathe. This event is a celebration of your love. Ensure that you find time to show your appreciation to your family, friends and fiance. Not because they complete your "essential to-do list" but because you love them and are able to share one of the most important days of your life with them. The key to a smooth wedding process is flexibility, personality and love. Instead of relying on the shoulders of family and friends to ensure your day is flawless, rely on their shoulders to be your dance partners. Allow a wedding coordinator/ planner to assist with your special day and elevate the unnecessary burden of a day that is supposed to be about happiness and love.
Follow us for additional guidelines, tips and creative brainstorming on ways to have a heavenly affair. For further wedding ideas, follow us on Pinterest too : pinterest.com/heavenlyaffair/
The planning process should be fun. Remember to breathe. This event is a celebration of your love. Ensure that you find time to show your appreciation to your family, friends and fiance. Not because they complete your "essential to-do list" but because you love them and are able to share one of the most important days of your life with them. The key to a smooth wedding process is flexibility, personality and love. Instead of relying on the shoulders of family and friends to ensure your day is flawless, rely on their shoulders to be your dance partners. Allow a wedding coordinator/ planner to assist with your special day and elevate the unnecessary burden of a day that is supposed to be about happiness and love.
Follow us for additional guidelines, tips and creative brainstorming on ways to have a heavenly affair. For further wedding ideas, follow us on Pinterest too : pinterest.com/heavenlyaffair/
