10 Essential Tips for Planning Your Wedding

When you’re planning a wedding, there are things it’s nice to know—and things you absolutely must know. Whether you’re wondering if you’ve overlooked something (or just want to be extra sure you’ve covered every base), take a look at our indispensable planning secrets below.

Before you book your venue, get a rough head count of who you plan to invite. That way you’ll know you’ll have plenty of room for everyone.

Find out early whether your chosen wedding date clashes with a big trade show, charity event or other local happening that could affect traffic or hotel availability.

Look up typical weather conditions for your date—and have a backup plan if rain or high winds hit. In certain seasons, flies, gnats and mosquitoes can swarm, too. Consider hiring a pest-control service or including insect repellent in your welcome bags. And if you’re aiming for a sunset ceremony, double-check the exact time you’ll need to say your vows.

Weddings are expensive. Sign up for a rewards card—whether it’s airline miles or cash back—and put all your wedding purchases on it. You’ll rack up points you can use for your honeymoon.

Your florist, photographer and reception manager are experts in their fields. Ask them for guidance: which seasonal flowers look best, what shot list you need, or which band will keep guests on the dance floor.

Food costs eat up nearly half of a wedding budget. If you’re spending €100 per person, cutting 10 guests saves €1,000. The easiest way to shave your budget? Invite fewer people.

Your wedding vendors want you to feel confident. Tell them exactly what you envision and ask for honest feedback about what’s possible within your budget.

Many couples overlook costs for feeding their own vendors. Before you sign any contracts, make sure you’re not obliged to serve your caterers the same meal as your guests—otherwise you could be paying for 20 extra lobster dinners. Instead, choose a simpler (yet satisfying) meal for your team. A few days before the wedding, give your caterer a final head count of staff—don’t forget photographers’ assistants—and confirm what you’d like them to serve.

Keep all vendor correspondence, meeting notes and tear-sheets from magazines in a three-ring binder. Set up a dedicated wedding email address, and store important vendor phone numbers in your mobile.

Follow this rough allocation of your total wedding budget:
• 48–50% for the reception
• 8–10% for flowers
• 8–10% for attire
• 8–10% for entertainment/music
• 10–12% for photography/video
• 2–3% for invitations
• 2–3% for gifts
• 8% for miscellaneous items (like transportation)
Then set aside an extra 5–10% for surprises—additional invites, last-minute alterations, umbrellas for a rainy day or ribbons for the programs. With these buffers in place, you’ll be ready for anything.