The pre-checklist
Now that you are engaged, what happens next? ….The wedding planning. Many couples begin researching and preparing for their special day without recognizing they have already completed a crucial step in the planning; the pre-checklist.
Couples do this with out realizing…there is a pre-checklist before the traditional wedding planning officially begins. This pre-checklist process includes three crucial aspects: vision, like/dislikes, and enjoying the journey.
First, is the vision for the wedding day. How do you and your significant other envision your wedding day? Will the wedding day include friends and family? Will you elope? Will you have a small or big wedding? Understanding the vision for your day also includes how your day will look with décor. Will the wedding be an outdoor or indoor experience? Will you have a specific look or theme within your décor selection? It is important to know the vision for the wedding day, as that will be your guiding light that directs you in all of the planning. Be sure to not only plan for your overall vision, but to communicate this to your family and friends. Oftentimes, when couples do not clearly communicate the vision for their special day, friends and family members do not understand and may cause undo stress.
Second, is understanding your likes and dislikes. You and your fiancé’s likes and dislikes can include a traditional or nontraditional wedding ceremony. Will you have an adult only celebration or not? What food and beverages will you offer and how? Will you do anything traditional or nontraditional at your reception? Just as with understanding your vision for the wedding day, understanding and communicating your likes and dislikes are just as important. If you have a strong opinion about something, do not let anyone change your mind. Keep in mind, this is your celebration and you have every right to experience the day the way that you wish. This advice includes family, friends, wedding planners and vendors. Everyone has a family member or friend that wants you to do what he or she wants. Be prepared as you may have to have what I call a “come to Jesus” meeting with this person or group. The purpose of this meeting is to communicate the boundaries you wish for your family and friends to respect. Similarly, when working with professionals, they may recommend budget and, or logistical enhancements, but if you have a specific vision that matches your budget, stay true to what you want. Oftentimes, when you compromise what you want, you jeopardize the ability to enjoy your special day the way you envisioned.
Third, is enjoying the journey. As you and your fiancé begin this wedding planning journey, remember this is one day out of the rest of your lives together. Remember to keep the day in perspective and focus on the big picture of spending the rest of your lives together. If your budget allows and you have a desire, hiring an event professional such as a wedding coordinator can allow a very stress free journey. Most of the time, when you hear of a bride or groom-zilla, it is created when someone takes his or her focus off of the big picture. He or she focuses on one or two aspects of the wedding day and makes this an unbalanced priority. During the planning process, maintain a healthy balance by taking time for yourself and each other. Establish clear planning boundaries and remember this is one day. Keeping these things in mind will lessen the bride or groom-zilla moments.
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If you are looking to keep yourself organized, one of the industry leaders, WeddingWire, has their own checklist! And it’s free! Click on this link: https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-checklists.html
