Wedding Tips: The Priority List

photo by elizabeth scott photography

 Last week I wrote about the first thing you should do - your planning timeline.  Next week, I'm writing about the next most important thing - your budget.  But there is a VERY key piece of the puzzle that falls right in the middle - your priority list.

I whole-heartedly believe in having a vision for everything you do in life.  I advise anyone getting married to make a list of what matters most to you at your wedding, keeping in mind, of course, that everything matters!  But not everything can be #1.

Start with the mood - everyone says "I want it to be fun."  - That's a given.  So let's be more specific.

Do you want it to be romantic?  To you want it to be casual?  Do you want it to be formal?  Do you imagine a band playing or a DJ?  Do you imagine everyone bumping and grinding?  Shag dancing?  Slow dancing?  Get a vision of the vibe.

Once you have the vibe vision, prioritize components of your wedding that will contribute to that vibe.  Allocate more money to go the things that accomplish your vision, and less money to the rest.

Here are some examples from weddings I've planned in my past life:

1. For this wedding, the bride and groom wanted a party.  They knew their crew loved to dance and drink, so that was their main focus.  The largest part of the budget was spent on an incredible band and a great open bar with all the extras you could want.  They didn't care so much for formalities like a cake cutting, or bouquet toss, so we allocated less money to the cake and flowers.  Setting the mood often means different kinds of party lighting.  It also means not having a seat for everyone, so it ensures butts are up and dancing, and not sitting and watching.

2. Another wedding, the bride and room wanted a casual, relaxed wedding.  They envisioned everyone talking, eating great food, and enjoying the fall weather.  For this wedding, we allocated more money to making a family home venue comftorable for their crew.  Their budget was spent on rentals, seating and anything we could think of to give it a "cozy" vibe.  Everyone stayed the entire night, talked and laughed!

3. For this last example, the bride and groom were most concerned with decor/ambiance.  They wanted to transform an inexpensive venue, into a beautiful, unrecognizable space.  The majority of the money for this venue was spent on lighting, decor, linens and florals. It really was breathtaking!

What matters to you?

Is it a room full of flowers or a cake 10 feet tall? Is it your wedding date itself that ranks first?  Or, is it riding up to your ceremony in an old classic car?  Is great pictures your number one thing?  Having a steak meal?  Having a great video to watch over and over?  Whatever that one special thing is to you - keep it at the top.  It will help you stay focused and not overspend elsewhere.  

Make a list - and be OK with something being at the bottom of that list.  We know - it's ALL important, it IS your wedding day - but just because something ranks 10th, doesn't mean it isn't valued.  We just aren't paying as much for it =).

After you do some meditating and figure out the vibe you are going for, put these items in order and keep this list for next week when I learn you about budgets!

cake / flowers / booze / music / decor / photography / video / food / venue  / 

other - that special thing

xo-Ava