Tips for Planning a Wedding in the New Year

The past year has been challenging to say the least, and for some couples, their wedding was one of many plans that were swept up and lost in the chaos. With a new year already in full swing and hope on the horizon, we thought of a few tips to help those engaged couples in Brisbane and surrounding areas who have been waiting patiently for their big day.

A wedding is a time for celebration, not worry, and we want to make sure you have all of the details taken care of so you can enjoy the wedding of your dreams!

Planning a wedding can be a huge expense, but having a budget in mind can alleviate some financial stress and can also make decision making easier. Sit down with your partner and determine how much money you are comfortable spending. Use your monthly budget as a reference and take any contributions from family or friends into account. Once you have an estimated value, you can break down the expenses by cost.

Your wedding venue and catering service will take up a majority of your budget, often requiring 50% of it in fact! This may seem like a lot, but it covers a multitude of details like tables and chairs, bar options, and even the focal point of the reception—the cake. Other costs like entertainment, hair and makeup services, photography, decorations, and transportation are then divided amongst the other half of your budget. This may seem overwhelming, but don’t panic just yet. Consider areas where you can cut spending and get crafty! DIY projects or second hand decorations are a small but impactful way to save, and it’s a fun activity you can do with your wedding party.

However big or small your wedding budget is, be sure to keep tabs on where the money is going. It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement and want the best of everything, but if you want to start your marriage off financially healthy, keep a spreadsheet that tracks spending and documents each expense. This is also a great way to determine who is paying for what, and creates a clear visual to assist in that sometimes-awkward conversation.

Now that you have the finances in order, you can find the right venue for your wedding ceremony and reception. You might already have one in mind that has special meaning to you and your partner or a dream place you have always pictured getting married. Or, maybe you have no idea where to begin! Regardless of your situation, research is important.

Researching your Brisbane venue prior to booking will not only give you an idea of the associated costs, but also the proximity of the ceremony to the reception space, the size of the room in relation to your guest list, acoustics for music (nobody likes poor sound quality at a wedding!) and if it all fits your overall theme. If the venue checks all of the boxes, it’s time to book it!

This year more than most, it’s important to book sooner rather than later, with many postponed weddings in 2020 being pushed to 2021. Keep an open mind because your plans could get derailed. But don’t panic and instead talk with your wedding planner! They will help to iron out the details and make it possible to set a date that works best for you.

There are so many things to consider when planning your wedding that it can be easy to glaze over some of the smaller details. From invitations to dress alterations to picking out the wedding rings, every detail counts. So, in case you forgot about them, here’s a little reminder:

Save the dates are coming in many forms these days. Some couples opt for digital invitations, while others keep it traditional with a mailed invitation. Digital invitations are an easy way to keep guests updated, and can be accompanied by a website that has regular timely updates regarding the wedding. This may be the best option in these uncertain times, but if you prefer a more traditional route, mail your save the date cards promptly so that guests can mark their calendars and make travel arrangements well in advance.

Finding your dream dress is an exciting moment, but often comes with added costs for alterations. Be sure to budget for any changes to your dress and book an appointment with a tailor as soon as possible. You may need more than one appointment to ensure the dress fits perfectly on your big day, so account for additional appointments when booking your first alterations. The same rules apply for suits and wedding party garments. To make sure your wedding party is present for alterations, seek their input when booking out future appointments.

Wedding bands are a symbol of the love you and your partner share, so finding the right ones can seem daunting. With so many cuts, colors, and materials to choose from, it’s challenging to narrow it down to just two. When it comes time to shop, ask for help! Jewelers can help to find the rings that not only speak to your love for one another, but your individual styles and personalities. To make them even more special and unique, inquire about engravings. Once you have the perfect rings picked out, give the jeweller plenty of time for sizing alterations before the wedding as well.

Couples often get so overwhelmed by wedding planning that they forget to plan for life beyond “I do!” From the honeymoon phase to life as newlyweds, we have you covered:

This past year has made it difficult to plan too far ahead, forcing honeymoon plans to be pushed to the unforeseeable future. For most couples, they have opted for a staycation or a mini road trip to somewhere secluded to remain socially distant. But, if you are still missing your big international trip or escape to the beach, check out these steps to safely make the journey.

Planning for post-wedding life can also entail starting a family or buying your first home together. These major milestones can be stressful, especially on finances. Planning ahead and having an open discussion prior to meeting at the altar is important.

For example, if your next step together is to buy a home, you’ll want to discuss how this will fit into your budget, if it will grow with you and your future family, and what your individual must-have checklists look like. This gives you the framework to start your lives together, and takes some of the guesswork out of life as newlyweds.

There’s no better way to end a tumultuous time than to celebrate with loved ones at your wedding. After months of waiting, anxiousness, and planning, we hope you are able to have the Brisbane wedding of your dreams, and that these tips make it that much more possible!