From Yes to I Do: 5 tips to help you start planning!

They’ve popped the question. You’ve squealed and said yes - and started looking for the gown you’ve been dreaming of since you were six years old, twirling around in your mum’s wedding dress and white satin pumps. Now what?

It’s time to plan your special day! Be it an intimate reception for 50 at a winery or a huge affair in a convention centre, you want your day to be enjoyable AND memorable. Here’s our five top tips for creating a reception that celebrates your love and gives your guests an experience that they will remember for years to come.

1. Budget, budget, budget!

Nobody loves the “B” word, but unless you’re Kim Kardashian it’s likely you don’t have a money tree in the back yard. It’s important that you work out what you’ve got to spend and how you are going to spend it. Who is contributing and how much? What have you got saved in your kitty? Do you need to look at bumping up your income to pay for the big day?

As important as your wedding day is right now, you don’t want a wedding “hangover”. Think carefully about getting into debt to pay for your flowers today when you have a mortgage that needs to be paid tomorrow.

2. Make sure your fiancée and you are on the same page

Sounds great doesn’t it – my fiancée. You’re obviously got a lot in common – you’re getting married after all! And, of course, you love each other. But it’s important that you make sure you want the same things for your wedding.

Is it more important that you have everyone you have ever met at your wedding, or that you have a destination wedding? Is the only acceptable form of transport to the wedding a pink stretch hummer or are you happy for Uncle Frank to get you to the reception in his classic VW?

It’s crucial that you both know what is important to the other and that you work out where you need to compromise.

3. Choose your wedding party carefully

You will need at least one person by your side during the planning process who has the time, energy and patience to help you make decisions – or just to talk you down from the ledge when it all gets to much! Bonus points if they’ve been through the process themselves as they’ll know just when to jump in and give their two cents worth, and when it’s time to zip it!

4. Planning is everything

It’s tempting to jump straight in and say yes to the dress – but does it fit with the theme of the wedding? If you decide on a beach wedding you’re going to look a bit ridiculous in a princess gown with a six metre train.

So, take a breath, sit down with your fiancée and work back from the big day to create a plan. Consider how much you have to spend, where the wedding will be held, who will be attending, what your priorities are and how much time you have to plan the wedding.

Pay attention to the little things. These are the things that can make or break a wedding. Has the best man or maid of honour got the rings? Have you arranged transport for the whole bridal party and family? Have you got cash to pay the entertainment or the priest?

One of the biggest tips? A wedding day is a long day. Hair, makeup, getting dressed, photographs. Make sure you have an adequate supply of food – and don’t get over-excited about the champagne before the ceremony!

5. Finally – enjoy the process!

You know the saying. It’s about the journey, not the destination. You know where you are headed – to a lifetime of happiness with your loved one. So make sure to take the time to enjoy planning your once in a lifetime celebration. You want to be able to look back on this time as one that was fun and enjoyable – the perfect start to your married life together!