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What Should I Consider When Planning a Wedding?

Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting and most stressful things a woman will ever do. There are a lot of factors to consider. Today’s brides have more choices than ever before when it comes to planning the happiest day of their lives. It can very quickly become overwhelming.

One of the most stressful parts of planning a wedding is figuring out a guest list. A small and simple wedding is perfect for some, but others want a huge celebration. Each one has its own potential problems. Narrowing down the guest list for a small wedding is difficult. A lot of people who would like to be there will be left out. A big wedding can be difficult to control, and the price tag that comes with it will be substantial. It is not unusual for each wedding guest to cost $60 or $79 US Dollars(USD), or more, by the time you figure in the meal, appetizers, cake, and drinks.

Travel and hotel costs should be considered when planning an overseas wedding.
Travel and hotel costs should be considered when planning an overseas wedding.

Most brides want to serve a meal worthy of the celebration. There are a lot of things to keep in mind here, too. First, think about your guests, and offer choices accordingly. For most weddings, offering two meat choices and one vegetarian choice should cover everyone. There are also appetizers to consider, as well as dessert choices. Some receptions offer other desserts besides the wedding cake. Also, consider how you want the food served. The main options are buffet-style, family dinner style (food is set out on tables, and guests pass it around,) and full service style. Appetizers can be served on trays carried by attendants, or set out on tables.

Cosmetic services, like manicures, should be factored into wedding day costs.
Cosmetic services, like manicures, should be factored into wedding day costs.

Planning a wedding also requires thinking about the multitude of services you will want, and the choices available for them. These services include floral arrangements, photography and video recording, and music. A couple must also consider where they want to be married, and by whom. They must also decide on a location. The best way to get the very best locations and services for a wedding is to book ahead, sometimes by a year or more.

The cost of a reception is a significant part of a wedding's budget.
The cost of a reception is a significant part of a wedding's budget.

Another aspect to consider when planning a wedding is the wedding theme. This idea has grown in popularity over the past ten years or so. Planning a theme can help set color options, decorations, and even food choices. This can make planning a wedding much easier. For example, a New York style wedding might offer cheesecake, and pretzel and hot dog carts for food. A theme can also dictate choices for favors. A garden themed wedding could be wrapped up by handing the guests small potted plants, or packets of seeds, as they made their way out the door.

The costs of bouquets and floral arrangements vary.
The costs of bouquets and floral arrangements vary.

It doesn’t take much for even a small wedding to go over budget. There are several things to consider when trying to cut wedding costs. One of the biggest ways is to consider when the wedding will be held. A spring or summer wedding will cost a lot more than one held in the fall or winter. A reception that takes place in the morning, or between meals, can save a ton of money on food costs. Offering brunch, or just appetizers instead of a full formal meal, can usually reduce the cost of food by half.

Most states charge for a marriage license.
Most states charge for a marriage license.

There are a lot of choices when planning a wedding. A book on wedding planning can be a big help during this stressful time. Review all of the possible choices carefully before deciding on anything, and remember that this day is celebrating the beginning of a new life together with your partner. Don’t become so caught up in details that you forget to enjoy your engagement.

Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal WiseGEEK writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal WiseGEEK writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Pippinwhite

Take it from me: The *first* thing to consider is budget, budget, budget. Once that's in place, then you'll know how many guests you can afford, what kind of venue you can have, etc.

In my opinion, taking out a loan or going into debt over a wedding is ridiculous. If I had $10,000 to spend on a wedding, I'd much rather have a small ceremony and a fabulous honeymoon!

I think a couple needs to consider, first and foremost, whether they want to start their married lives with a ton of debt they could have avoided if they had pared down their wedding bells and whistles.

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    • Travel and hotel costs should be considered when planning an overseas wedding.
      By: detailblick
      Travel and hotel costs should be considered when planning an overseas wedding.
    • Cosmetic services, like manicures, should be factored into wedding day costs.
      By: Zoja
      Cosmetic services, like manicures, should be factored into wedding day costs.
    • The cost of a reception is a significant part of a wedding's budget.
      By: shotsstudio
      The cost of a reception is a significant part of a wedding's budget.
    • The costs of bouquets and floral arrangements vary.
      By: bridge
      The costs of bouquets and floral arrangements vary.
    • Most states charge for a marriage license.
      By: Terence Keller
      Most states charge for a marriage license.
    • Appetizers can be set out on display for guests.
      By: uwimages
      Appetizers can be set out on display for guests.
    • A wedding theme helps determine what decorations properly fit the occasion.
      By: Svetlana Atasheva
      A wedding theme helps determine what decorations properly fit the occasion.
    • Keeping a calendar handy can help in making wedding preparations.
      By: gena96
      Keeping a calendar handy can help in making wedding preparations.
    • The wedding cake, which can be quite expensive, must be factored into the wedding budget.
      By: gzorgz
      The wedding cake, which can be quite expensive, must be factored into the wedding budget.
    • Buffet-style dining is popular at wedding receptions.
      By: .shock
      Buffet-style dining is popular at wedding receptions.
    • The cost of a wedding photographer should be considered when planning a wedding.
      By: Deklofenak
      The cost of a wedding photographer should be considered when planning a wedding.
    • Cost, size and theme are among factors that influence the ease or complexity of organizing a wedding.
      By: TaniaLerro
      Cost, size and theme are among factors that influence the ease or complexity of organizing a wedding.
    • For many couples, the food and drinks served at the reception account for a large portion of their wedding budget.
      By: rodho
      For many couples, the food and drinks served at the reception account for a large portion of their wedding budget.
    • Having a guest book available for guests to sign at the reception can help the bride and groom keep track of who to send thank-you notes too when the event is over.
      By: chicagophoto
      Having a guest book available for guests to sign at the reception can help the bride and groom keep track of who to send thank-you notes too when the event is over.
    • Many wedding guest books offer space to write a short message or blessing.
      By: tr3gi
      Many wedding guest books offer space to write a short message or blessing.
    • Location is important when planning a wedding.
      By: inarik
      Location is important when planning a wedding.