How to Plan a Wedding from Start to Finish - Guide to Planning the Wedding of Your Dreams

As the most important day in a romantic relationship, the pressure to plan the perfect event is sky-high. With so many expectations and all the details to consider, organising a wedding from scratch can be a daunting prospect for the affianced. Whether you're planning a destination wedding on an exotic beach or a traditional ceremony at a local venue, here's everything you need to know about planning a wedding to remember. 

Pick a Date

Once you're engaged or decide to get married in the coming months, the first step is deciding on a date or time frame. It is crucial for those who intend to tie the knot in a destination wedding to get a head start as booking venues, flights and deciding on the best season will differ based on the chosen country or city. One aspect that will have a big impact on the date is the weather and those who are hoping to host an outdoor event must be especially prudent to pick a summer or dry season date for the nuptials. The date and timing of the event will also decide who can attend the wedding as a weekday is likely to be difficult to accommodate for most friends and family so it may be necessary to pick a public/school holiday or a weekend.

Set a Budget  

This is perhaps the most important step in planning any event, but specifically a big-ticket occasion such as a wedding. Unless you are going for hotel wedding packages that factor in the cost of all major expenses and offer discounts, it is necessary to calculate the cost of every element of the ceremony. This will keep you from overspending on certain aspects such as venue and entertainment or catering as it will give one a concrete idea of just how much is expendable. 

Create a Guest List

Before choosing a location for your big day, couples must come to an agreement about how big the event will be. This means deciding how many guests will be invited to the wedding and will be asked to stick around for the reception. If you are holding a church ceremony, it may be possible to have a portion of your guests attend the religious portion of the celebration while inviting another group of relatives and friends to the reception. 

Choose a Venue

Selecting a venue is a very personal choice for any couple as the setting for their nuptials is an important aspect of the celebration. Beach weddings are increasingly popular among couples who wish to host a minimalistic event while grand ballroom affairs are still in vogue for those with the means to pull it off. Whether you select Avani Hotels & Resorts or any five-star resort hub or an underwater chapel in the Maldives, it is crucial to keep the number of guests and the overall cost in mind. Hiring a venue that also provides catering facilities can be an advantage as you won't need to find outside vendors for this key service. 

Image via Avani Hotels & Resorts

Secure Vendors

Diligent research and recommendations are required to find the best vendors for your wedding day as some caterers, florists and beauticians may not be the right fit for your needs. Apart from catering services and entertainment, it is important to look for vendors who specialise in photography and decor. Wedding attire must also be explored, and if you intend to have bridesmaids and groomsmen, it is also imperative to find a vendor to rent or sew or design suits and dresses. 

Send out Invites

Once all the little details are ironed out, the final step in the planning process is sending out the invites. Make sure to let your guests know of the time and date of the wedding at least 2 weeks in advance.