Planning a wedding can be both exhilarating and overwhelming at the same time. One of the most exciting parts of the planning process is putting together a detailed list of all the things you need for the big day. Once your plans are set, the nervous energy can be released and you can focus on the things you need to do to make the day exactly as you want it to be.
But what happens once the planning is over? Does your energy magically disappear and you can hop right into the day and everything will go perfectly according to plan? In reality, things often don’t go as smoothly as you’d hope, and this is why it’s important to take a step back after the planning is over and make sure you’ve considered all the implications of the day. This article is going to help you plan and host the perfect event whether you’re planning a corporate event, bachelor party, or just want to throw a little something different for your friends and family.
Wedding Rings
One of the most important things to consider is the wedding ring. A wedding ring is a promise to each other to be completely open and honest with each other no matter what happens. It is a symbol of your commitment to each other and your commitment to being the best possible partners and parents that you can be. If you’ve decided to avoid expensive and flashy rings, there are many alternatives that still symbolize your commitment to each other. Some couples choose to put a handprint in the dust on the windowsill in the kitchen as a symbol of their commitment. You can also go for a more personal touch and put a lock of hair in a jar on the windowsill to represent the couple’s unique bond. Whatever you decide, be sure that it is something that the other person feels comfortable with and is confident will not cause any arguments or misunderstandings in the future. If you’re not sure what to put on your wedding ring, consider asking the jeweller for help.
Venue
Venues are an extremely important consideration when planning any event. The venue will dictate the layout of the day, the food served, and most importantly, the atmosphere of the day. If you want a more formal affair, you’ll need to opt for a ballroom or restaurant venue, if you’re looking for something more relaxed, consider an outdoor venue such as a wedding fair or even a beach wedding. Of course, if you live in a very sunny climate, then an outdoor wedding will be your best option. If however, the weather in your area is dreadful and nothing looks worse than a cold, damp wedding, then an indoor ceremony is the way to go. When it comes to picking a venue, it’s important not to rush into selecting the first one that comes along. Instead, look for a venue that you feel confident will meet your needs and those of your guests. If possible, visit the venue beforehand to get a feel for the space and the atmosphere.
Catering
One of the most important details to plan for is the catering. This is going to dictate what type of food is served at the event and how much of it there is. If you have a limited budget, opting for a buffet-style catering is usually the way to go. If you’d like something more formal, a three-course meal or an extravagant wedding cake are usually the go-to choices for weddings. A wedding cake is the ultimate symbol of the big day, and with so much leftover, you can use the rest of the cakes as gifts for your guests. If you want something more informal, opt for a BBQ or hog roast and invite families and friends to come along and share in the fun. Catering choices should reflect the vibe you’re going for, and what is more, they should complement each other. A fun, informal wedding will have a variety of food trucks and stalls set up outside the venue, while a more traditional affair might opt for an all-American BBQ. Think about what your attendees will want and need on the day of the event and plan your catering accordingly.
Drinks
Drinks are another important aspect to plan for. If you want to keep things simple, select a soft drink for the officiant and guests to drink during the ceremony. If you’re looking for something a little stronger, red and white wines are always a great choice, as is champagne or other sparkling wines. If you’re feeling really extravagant, you can opt for a cocktail hour or even a full-blown bar for the duration of the wedding meal. If you want to keep things simple again, a few beers, ciders, or soft drinks will do just fine. When it comes to drinks, go for what your attendees will want and need on the day of the event and plan your drinks accordingly.
Who Loves To Talk?
One of the most important things to consider when planning an event is the conversation flow. If you want to keep things light and entertaining, an open bar policy is perfect. If however, you’d like a more formal affair, consider having a more traditional hour-long toasts from each speaker. Toasts can be both funny and sweet and are a great way to break the ice and get the conversation flowing. If you opt for toasts, ensure that there is adequate time for them and that they don’t overstay their welcome. The last thing you want is to feel rushed because the toasts kept going on and on.
Cards & Gifts
Another important detail to plan for is the invitations and the gifts for the guests. If you’re on a tight budget, opting for recycled paper or even DIY invites is perfect. When it comes to the gifts, DIYing ideas such as cupcake wrappers or hair bows are simple yet effective ways to add a personal touch to your invitation. Don’t be afraid to get creative, and be sure to have something for everyone.
Who Loves To Party?
Planning a party doesn’t have to be difficult. Once you’ve decided on the venue and catering, all you need to do is work out the details for the entertainment and fun component of the day. If you don’t want to opt for an open bar, consider having a retro dance party or a movie screening. If you’d like something more formal, hold a sit-down dinner with a band or DJ and opt for an evening walk to follow the ceremony. If you want something more unconventional, consider a midnight pizza delivery or fish fry followed by a trip to the park for some frisky behavior. Planning a party doesn’t have to be difficult – it just takes a little forethought and creativity.
Type Of Dress
The type of dress is another important factor to plan for. If you’re having a more traditional wedding, opting for a less extravagant dress is perfect. When choosing your dress, make sure that it is something that you feel comfortable wearing and that makes you feel beautiful. If you want to add a little something more to the occasion, consider making a stunning entrance by walking down the aisle in a beautiful, vibrant red dress. If however, you’re feeling less traditional, consider a fun, flirty dress or even a white dress for a truly unique look.
Type Of Cake
When it comes to the cake, choose something simple yet beautiful. If you’re on a tight budget, opt for a small cake for the first course or a dessert tray for the wedding cake. If you want something more extravagant, a three-tiered chocolate cake made in the shape of a mountain is a great way to go. The shape of the cake doesn’t have to be precise; it just needs to look great. Make sure you have enough for everyone.
Guest List
One of the most important aspects to plan for is the guest list. Opting for a small, intimate wedding party is perfect if you’re on a tight budget or just want a more personal event. If however, you’re looking to invite a lot of people, consider creating a formal guest list and getting everyone’s consent in advance. Another important point to make is that once you’ve created the formal list, it’s important to keep it a secret and not share it with anyone else. Even your closest friends and family don’t need to know about it until the day of the event. This will help keep things intimate and ensure that everyone has a good time. If you do decide to invite people outside of your immediate circle, make sure that you ask them in advance if they’re comfortable with the invitation and if they have any suggestions for things to bring or wear.