How to Plan a Simple Wedding

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting activities that a woman can be involved in. It can also be one of the most stressful. One way to combat the stress and intricate planning process is to opt for a simple wedding. This does not mean that the wedding will not be beautiful, exciting, or romantic-it merely means that you keep things to a moderate size without going overboard with price or intricate details. A simple wedding can be planned by considering 10 items.

Wedding Checklist. Most brides-to-be do not know where to start when it comes to planning a wedding. It can seem like a huge and daunting task without direction. Find a wedding checklist in a bridal magazine or online at a website such as Wedding Details or The Knot.

Budget. Setting a budget should be one of the first things you do because it will help you to make all the important decisions for your simple wedding. It will let you know if you can get married at a destination site or if you should opt for a home wedding. Websites such as The Knot (see Resources for link) offer budget calculators so that you have guidance in making an accurate budget.

Date and Location. Decide if you want a long or short engagement and select a season in which you want to get married and narrow down the month and exact date from there. Once you have selected a wedding date, call churches and reception sites to see what is available. Think about having both the wedding and reception at the same location. Visit the choices you have in mind and be sure to get your reservation in writing.

Wedding Party. For a simple wedding, plan for a small to moderate number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. Opting for family members as your wedding party can keep things simple and special. Be willing to hand off certain wedding responsibilities to these attendants so that you will have less work on your plate.

Guests and Invitations. You may choose to limit your guest list to a small number in order to keep your wedding sweet and simple. Regardless of the number of guests you will be inviting, make a guest list. Many people in this modern age send out save-t he-date notes via email, or even use postcards for invitations. Use any type of invitation method that will reflect your personalities.

Vendors. The main vendors you need to secure are the photographer, caterer, baker, florist and musician. Take recommendations from friends on whom you should use in order to narrow down your search. Decide whether your caterer will be putting on a full dinner or simply appetizers.

Dress. To keep things simple but special, think about borrowing the wedding dress that your mother, sister or mother-in-law wore at her wedding. If that is not an option, browse styles of wedding dresses at Wedding Dress Online to get an idea of what you would like for your own dress.

Rings. You can browse rings online at bluenile.com or visit a local store with your fiancé. If you already have your engagement ring, you can concentrate on the wedding rings for both the bride and groom. Simple, plain wedding bands never go out of style and are always a good option.

References
Life Organizers
Wedding Details
Tips to Plan a Simple Wedding
Blue Nile
Wedding Dress Online
Wedding Planning Budget at theknot.com