Proposing to the love of your life is an exciting time for any couple, but the wedding planning that follows can be met with stress and anxiety. Preparing well in advance is the best way to ensure everything runs smoothly, but time can seem to fly by leading up to your big day. Staying organized and working together can make all the difference. Below there are a few planning tips to get you started, and ready to say “I do!”
Budgeting for the Big Day
Setting a budget for your wedding is an essential step to take early in the planning process. Sit down with your partner to discuss the ideas you have for your wedding, and make a list of needs and wants. List out all of the costs associated with each item, and eliminate any unnecessary elements to meet your desired budgeted amount. Financial stress can hinder any kind of excitement for your big day, and overspending can result in unwanted arguments. Be open and honest with your partner, and work with one another to create the wedding of your dreams, without breaking the bank. This is also a good time to research venues for both your ceremony and reception, since they are the catalyst for other wedding costs. Hire a professional wedding coordinator to help find the perfect location, and pick a date! Then you have a deadline to meet all of your other costs, and to help spread the expenses out so you don’t end up in a tight spot.
Bride & Groom Personal Prep
Your wedding is one occasion you’ll want to look your best for. There are a few things that both the bride and groom can do the week before walking down the aisle to make sure they are looking and feeling great. Grooms should take a trip to their local barber for a clean cut and shave, while brides can go for a hair mask to ensure their hair is style ready. They could have a couples day out and spend a day at the spa or getting a manicure/pedicure. This may not seem like the manliest thing for the groom to take part in, but it will leave them both feeling pampered, and take a little stress off from the wedding planning. Make alone time to spend together before the big day. Get facials to make sure your skin is clear and ready, so you’re glowing for all of your beautiful wedding photos too! Relax and enjoy the last few days as fiances.
There is some long term preparation the bride and groom will need as well, which may need to be started months before the big day. For example, if the bride has fitness goals to feel confident and fit in her dream dress, hiring a trainer may be the way to go! Both partners can tackle their fitness goals together, and get put on a fitness regimen and nutritional diet, to look, and most importantly, feel good. Growing longer hair for a particular style may be on the brides to-do list as well, and can be helped by hair masks, vitamins, and a healthy diet. Grooms may want long locks too for their big day, especially if they experience symptoms of male pattern baldness. If this is something of concern, talk to a doctor, or do online research into a hair loss medication to help stimulate hair growth. This may take a few months, but will leave the groom feeling confident and ready for the wedding photos.
Finding the Perfect Rings
One of the most important aspects of the wedding is the rings! You can go with traditional white or yellow gold, or choose from a variety of materials and metals. The wedding band can be an unrefined metal for a more natural and trendy style, with an engagement ring to match for a cohesive look. Wooden bands are another trendy material that creates the same natural inspired look, and pairs well with metals when used as an inlay for a masculine and natural looking groom’s wedding band.
When it comes to choosing diamonds and stones, consider the four C’s: cut, color, clarity, and carat. These four elements play a huge role in both the style and price. The larger the carat and cut the more expensive, but also the perfect way to make a bold statement. Color has also become more popular with vintage inspired gemstones making a comeback with a pop of color. Add an engraving to both wedding bands to make them even more special and unique to you and your partner. Get more tips about the four C’s here to help during your ring search, or if you feel overwhelmed by the endless choices, don’t be afraid to ask your local jeweler for help as well.
Help from the Wedding Party
If planning becomes overwhelming, lean on the wedding party for some help! They are the right hand men and women to help throughout the planning process. Being your closest friends, they are meant to relieve a little tension and make this day special and run smoothly. Other than the bachelor and bachelorette parties, they can plan a few low-stress outings to enjoy some time away from wedding prep. Plan ahead of time, and maybe even make them a surprise. Groomsmen and bridesmaids are also a huge help during fittings and wedding dress shopping. When dress shopping, bridesmaids can come prepared with some ideas and styles ahead of time that can be pulled for the bride to try on. This ensures the appointment runs smoothly, and give the bride’s friends a say in the dress, making it a little more special. On the day of the wedding, groomsmen should come prepared with groom essentials like toiletries, and maybe a few drinks to celebrate. The bridal party can do the same, and be sure to pack a few extra tissues in case either party gets swept up in the emotions of the day!
