Help simplify the planning process
by He Loves Me

When planning a wedding, couples can be overwhelmed by the many decisions they have to make. Because most couples have never planned an event of this size, the process can be quite intimidating. The key to streamlining the decision-making process is to develop a theme.

Often times, the word "theme" can cause one to cringe, as it evokes thoughts of an elaborate expenditure or that the wedding will feel too staged, even impersonal. This certainly does not have to be the case. All a wedding theme needs to be, is a basic idea.

The theme should be representative of the couple. Whether it be the couple's heritage(s), common hobbies or even their favorite colours. As the idea is something the couple is familiar with, it will make the brainstorming process all the easier.

Whatever it is, this chosen theme is the most fundamental element in saving a couple's time. It is the element of the wedding planning process that all key decisions will need to be based on.

For example, a couple who loves to travel met while backpacking across Europe,. They ended up meeting in Scotland. One theme, or idea is to utilize the spot that they first met; Edinburgh Castle.

One of the biggest decisions that needs to be made is that of the ceremony and/or reception location. Our traveling couple can easily simplify the decision-making process in this instance. By keeping their theme in mind, they may agree on somewhere like Casa Loma, The Enoch Turner Schoolhouse, or The Duke of York; but could easily eliminate The International Centre, The Rosewater, the AGO, Atlantis or the Holiday Inn.

Another major decision to be made, is the food. The couple can discount any major ethnic-based food menu, leading edge food trend, vegetarian/vegan menu or fusion cuisine with ease. They may, decide instead, upon a banquet style feast reflective of a royalty affair, or could plan a more rustic, comfort food-based spread.

As you can see, by keeping Scotland, or even the Castle in mind, when going through the various areas of decision-making, our couple can eliminate a majority of choices right off the bat.

Depending on the size/budget of any given wedding, there are a number of different key categories that decisions will need to be made within. The secret to making these decisions is to ask yourselves if your initial thoughts on planning lead back to the theme idea. If they don't, then brainstorm for some that do.

The theme method will end up eliminating a majority of the choices that are out there, and end up saving you time. Time that you can better spend enjoying your engagement!