Where to Start Planning a Wedding

Q: We are getting married in the fall of next year and I want to start planning my wedding during this summer/fall. I just don't know where to start. Please help.

A: This is a wonderful question and I'm thrilled that you're beginning to plan your wedding well in advance. I can appreciate how overwhelming this process can be so I've provided you with a list that you can follow. This should give you a good idea of where to start, and which things take priority over others:

1. Get an idea of how many guests you're expecting, you'll need to know this to book the hall, organize a budget, and set a menu.

2. Select a theme/approach for your wedding: classical, romantic, renaissance, simple elegance, traditional, etc.

3. Select your colours and/or colour themes.

4. Structure a rough idea of how you would like your menu to appear: food selections and preferences, buffet or plated, open bar or cash bar, or maybe even wine only during dinner, etc.

5. Locate a banquet facility that you like and one that can accommodate your guest list, wedding date, and menu.

6. Begin to set a budget for the wedding based on the information obtained on the quote for the menu and the bar as this will likely be one of your highest expenses.

7. Set a schedule (even if it's a rough one) of the things that will take place at your wedding, and the order they will occur in.

8. Begin to hire vendors based on your tastes, preferences, budget and the timeline. (photographer, videographer, florist, invitations, consultant, etc.)