Weddings, no matter how big or small are a major event in a person's life. Most people choose to have a grand affair complete with exhaustive guest list, lavish reception and sumptuous spread. They often stretch their budget too far just to make this once in a life event memorable. However, a grand wedding requires months of planning, tremendous amount of preparation and great deal of efforts on a couple's part. Naturally, by the end of preparation a couple is drained out and often not in a state to enjoy their own wedding. Slowly, this trend is changing as people now choose to have small family affairs with only a few close guests invited. Such weddings need less planning and a small budget. However, the preparation part should not be undermined, as it is still a wedding and comes with a fair amount of things to do. This small wedding checklist should help you in planning your event ahead of time.
Planning a Small Wedding: Checklist
Even for a small wedding, you need to identify your budget first. A budget enables you to decide what kind of venue you can afford, how many guests to invite and how to arrange for food. Once these three constraints are taken care of, rest of the wedding planning sails pretty smoothly. You may have to discuss your wedding plans with your fiance regarding venue, menu, theme of wedding, number of guests etc. Since small weddings are a low key affairs, you do not need extensive planning. Yet, small wedding preparations should begin at least 6 months before. Here is a wedding planning checklist for planning a small wedding.
6 Months Before
Decide the type of wedding you want.
Appoint a minister to supervise the ceremony.
Decide a venue.
Make a rough guest list.
Select your bridesmaids.
Book your honeymoon destination.
Choose a wedding photographer, videographer.
Make a final guest list.
Send save the date cards.
Shop for your wedding dress, accessories etc.
Choose a day for bridesmaids' dresses trials.
Book a florist
Ask for quotes from catering services (optional).
3 Months Before
Shop for wedding invitation cards.
Send wedding invitation cards.
Place an order for wedding cake.
Book makeup artists, stylist.
Start beauty treatments (if any).
Final dress trials for bridesmaids.
Complete the procedure for obtaining a marriage license.
Choose wedding bands.
Book professional decorators (optional).
Book wedding music band (optional).
Start sprucing up the venue if getting married at home.
Place an order for tables, chairs at hire shops.
Make reservations at a local restaurant for your wedding guests (for very small gatherings).
Finalize the caterers and decide the menu.
1 Week Before
Make the final headcount of wedding guests.
Begin decoration if getting married at home.
Go through wedding checklist to make sure everything is in order.
Wrap presents for groom and groom's party.
Pack your bags.
Shop for food ingredients, if preparing at home.
Install lighting, sound system.
Get the seating arrangement in place for the big day (optional).
Make dressing rooms for bride and groom's party (optional).
Supervise decoration and other wedding preparation.
Go for facials, manicures, pedicures.
Have a backup plan ready, should the weather play a spoilsport.
With such detailed planning you will encounter far less problems than if you were to proceed unplanned. If possible, get an aide to help you with the preparations. A close friend or a sibling can take responsibility of some of the preparation work.
A small wedding allows you to experience your wedding in real sense. You can feel more comfortable and stress free in the company of only closed associates. Besides, even if anything goes wrong, these people are least likely to make a big deal out of it. Thus, you can be totally relieved and happy on the most important day of your life.
Planning a Small Wedding: Checklist
Even for a small wedding, you need to identify your budget first. A budget enables you to decide what kind of venue you can afford, how many guests to invite and how to arrange for food. Once these three constraints are taken care of, rest of the wedding planning sails pretty smoothly. You may have to discuss your wedding plans with your fiance regarding venue, menu, theme of wedding, number of guests etc. Since small weddings are a low key affairs, you do not need extensive planning. Yet, small wedding preparations should begin at least 6 months before. Here is a wedding planning checklist for planning a small wedding.
6 Months Before
Decide the type of wedding you want.
Appoint a minister to supervise the ceremony.
Decide a venue.
Make a rough guest list.
Select your bridesmaids.
Book your honeymoon destination.
Choose a wedding photographer, videographer.
Make a final guest list.
Send save the date cards.
Shop for your wedding dress, accessories etc.
Choose a day for bridesmaids' dresses trials.
Book a florist
Ask for quotes from catering services (optional).
3 Months Before
Shop for wedding invitation cards.
Send wedding invitation cards.
Place an order for wedding cake.
Book makeup artists, stylist.
Start beauty treatments (if any).
Final dress trials for bridesmaids.
Complete the procedure for obtaining a marriage license.
Choose wedding bands.
Book professional decorators (optional).
Book wedding music band (optional).
Start sprucing up the venue if getting married at home.
Place an order for tables, chairs at hire shops.
Make reservations at a local restaurant for your wedding guests (for very small gatherings).
Finalize the caterers and decide the menu.
1 Week Before
Make the final headcount of wedding guests.
Begin decoration if getting married at home.
Go through wedding checklist to make sure everything is in order.
Wrap presents for groom and groom's party.
Pack your bags.
Shop for food ingredients, if preparing at home.
Install lighting, sound system.
Get the seating arrangement in place for the big day (optional).
Make dressing rooms for bride and groom's party (optional).
Supervise decoration and other wedding preparation.
Go for facials, manicures, pedicures.
Have a backup plan ready, should the weather play a spoilsport.
With such detailed planning you will encounter far less problems than if you were to proceed unplanned. If possible, get an aide to help you with the preparations. A close friend or a sibling can take responsibility of some of the preparation work.
A small wedding allows you to experience your wedding in real sense. You can feel more comfortable and stress free in the company of only closed associates. Besides, even if anything goes wrong, these people are least likely to make a big deal out of it. Thus, you can be totally relieved and happy on the most important day of your life.
No comments:
Post a Comment