Top 5 Wedding Planning Tips: Cher Goggins

1. DEFINE AND SET YOUR PRIORITIES AND BOUNDARIES

Much time can be saved at the very start of your planning process if you simply discuss where you and your finance wish to focus your attention and resources. There are countless possibilities available via Internet, magazine ideas, vendors' suggestions and many more. All are great from which you can pull ideas, however, one may quickly become overwhelmed with details. I like to offer my clients a Bridal Profile and Couple Style Questionnaire, which give the opportunity to rate different aspects and paint the overall picture of their dream wedding. What is most and least important to you? By placing value on specific areas, you can soon organize and define your preferences. By staying focused on these priorities, your dream wedding can be achieved in a more relaxed manner.
 

2. ESTABLISH A BUDGET

Gather estimates and get a sense of what event services cost. By putting a price tag on photography, flowers, venue rentals etc you will soon gain better understanding of your realistic budget. Hold a family meeting with both sets of parents to determine who and how much each is willing and able to contribute then allocate the necessary funds for each area.
 

3. CHOOSE TO WORK WITH DEPENDABLE AND RELIABLE VENDORS AND CREATE YOUR "WINNING TEAM"

The people you work with are the people who will put your ideas in place. Hire vendors with whom you feel comfortable and you can afford. Allow them to do what they do best. When you gain the trust and confidence in all those involved, you will be enabled to relax and enjoy your dream wedding.
 

4. GET AS MUCH DONE AHEAD OF TIME AS POSSIBLE

Delegate as much as you can week of and day of your wedding. Preplanning is key to an enjoyable wedding week. If you haven?t hired a planner to do this for you, friends and family may be willing to step up and take some of the weight off your shoulders. Why try to do it all yourself? This is a time when all your favorite people have gathered to celebrate the marriage of you and your beloved.
 

5. CREATE A WEDDING TIMELINE AND USE IT AS YOUR GUIDE

In the Michiana Area, I have found these to be the order of importance during the planning process:

FIRST PRIORITY 

Hire a planner, book the ceremony location and officiant, hire your photographer, research and book your reception venue and hire your band or DJ

SECOND PRIORITY

Hire a videographer, florist, decorator, cake baker, hairstylist and your transportation

THIRD PRIORITY

Hire an invitation designer, ceremony musicians, lighting company, makeup artist and rental company