10 Steps To A Perfect Vermont Wedding
Photo by Polis Photography
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10 Steps
{to your Perfect Vermont Wedding}
3. BUDGETS AND MONEY Don’t pick a number out of the air. Nothing will make you crazier faster than trying to shoe-horn your plans into a fixed number. Of course you need to know your limits; but you also need to know what is essential for your happy day. Arriving at that number is easier once you know the main essentials of your day, and what those costs are. From there you can establish the minimum expenses. You’ll also see what the big ticket items are – and if that’s where you want your money to be directed.
PARENTS: Are they going to participate in the costs? Will each family have certain items which they will each pay for, thus distributing the costs fairly according to means?
It can be uncomfortable for two separate families to discuss such intimate financial details, but you need to remember that the dollar–amounts are not the lead item on your list. Instead, know how much lead time you have until the special day, and consequently time to save and prepare for the financial costs. Weddings can be very expensive, but everyday a successful wedding at a reasonable cost is accomplished because careful planning was done. Building a list of your necessary expenses is the way to make sure you’re going to spend money on the right items that you need, and not something that will prove unnecessary.
BUDGET TIP: If you were to sock away $50 a week toward your wedding costs, you will have saved up $5,200 in 12 months.
Photo by Polis Photography
4. THE RING For many, this is a question that is already handled well before the planning is begun, but the method for handling the question of “which ring” can also be applied to other items. Drop hints, point out what rings you have seen that you admire, do some window shopping. Inform other people with whom he may be talking about it with. If you are able, come right out and raise the subject. If by some chance he presents a ring that you simply do not like, suggest having the setting for the stone changed to something you will enjoy.
5. DESTINATIONS Vermont is one of the most important wedding capitols in the United States, and you will have many choices available to you. A big plus is that by having your event locally, you are in a better position to estimate costs carefully. If you have guests coming in from further away, consider asking travel agents for help in recommending the best methods for getting them to you. Your information might help a distant guest who is unable to work out the details themselves, and so make it easier for them to be with you on your special day.
6. THE DRESS The number of possibilities can be overwhelming, but you can get a head start just by looking in your own closet. By reviewing what you have chosen in the past which makes you look your best, you can keep yourself focused while shopping. Will you be using a family heirloom? Be sure to find a good tailor to make the appropriate alterations, and be sure to schedule it well in advance.
WEB SITES AND MAGAZINES: The amount of visual information is awesome, and you can enjoy hours upon hours of looking. You can also get a good start at your local boutiques and vendors, and what they can do for you.
7. THE GUEST LIST Unless your budget is essentially unlimited, it is unlikely you will be able to invite the horde of guests you and your fiancé might compile. Instead, with a budget established, it is time to match your reception space to the guest list. You will likely have to pare your list, with the help of your family. If necessary, assign each family a third of the possible guests, and reserve one-third for the bride and groom’s guests.
8. MONEY, PART II, AND PARTNERING Financial reality begins to rear up as the plans come together, and this is the opportunity to work together to achieve the mutual goal. It can be dull, or it can be frightening, but with real communication and partnership in decision making, it can be an effective learning tool toward the successful life you both envision together, for not just the wedding day, but beyond. Assign tasks: if you’re working out details which for him are boring, get him to pursue responsibilities that are more familiar for him, for example hiring musicians, or a DJ. Can he pursue getting the cards printed and into the mail? Can he do the initial research on the honeymoon location?
9. SAYING NO Don’t let your event be taken over by well-meaning family members, vendors or friends. The number of suggestions you can hear will require not just your tact, but your strength to stay “on task” and keep you and your fiancé’s vision on track. If your family has ideas which only add to your joy and anticipation of the event, make sure to listen to their ideas. But if they are bringing you diversions away from what you know you want, be kind, but firm. You hold the keys to the success of your day.
10. ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE You can use an elaborate computer-based planner, or you can simply tear pages out of magazines that have ideas and pictures you want to keep in mind, jot down quick notes, and toss it altogether in an easy to access file. If you have a good idea, make sure to write it down before you can forget it. Bookmark web sites that you find that have images or info that you need. Collect the information so that it will be there when you need it. Use the method that suits you and how you do things, don’t pick a system you have to fight to accomplish your goal.
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Related Pages:
Getting Married in Vermont
