Your Wedding :: The First Steps part 2

Destination Wedding

Now that you have guest list and budget estimates, it is time to think about where you would like to have your wedding.

Have you always dreamed of a beach wedding? If your budget doesnt allow for an exotic destination, why not find a local beach to celebrate on? Explore all your options before ruling anything out!

Washington County Historic Courthouse

If you want something more traditional, check out the historic buildings in your area. Many of them have large ballrooms, and the grounds are often very well maintained. If the prices here are out of your budget, inquire about low season rates, or Friday or Sunday weddings. If you time things right, there is nothing inconvenient about a Friday or Sunday wedding! You will often get discounts from your other vendors (DJ’s, caterers, bakers, etc.) for using days that are not as high in demand. All you have to do is ask.

Church Ceremony

Many people choose to exchange vows at the church they grew up in, or the one they asa couple have decided to attend. If this is the route you are going to go, check out the venues near that church. If you have a lot of people coming in from out of town, they will appreciate not having to drive too far to get from the ceremony to the reception. If you choose a location a bit further away, be sure to include directions from ceremony to reception with your invitations or program.

Your Wedding :: The First Steps part 1

I learned a lot of things planning my wedding and helping others plan their weddings. One of the most important is that the first thing you need to do is nail down the guest list. Do you want to invite just immediate family and your closest friends? Would you rather have a huge party and include everyone that is important to you? Do you have a large extended family that must be in attendance?

Whichever route you go, it is important to have a rough estimate of how many people you will expect when searching for your venue.

The second most important thing to consider is your budget. If you don’t have one yet, it’s time to figure it out. Keep in mind there will be unexpected expenses throughout the planning process such as service charges, alcohol taxes, tips, etc.

When you know how many people you need to accommodate, and how much you have to spend, you are all set to begin your search for the perfect Venue.

I always knew I wanted to have my wedding outside, and I wanted the ceremony and reception to be at the same place. I originally wanted to have a country farm wedding but because of where most of my friends and family are located, as well as the costs of renting a tent, tables, chairs, etc., I decided to research my other options.

Harriet Island Regional Park

In the end, I chose a downtown river-side setting, which was perfect for me. We celebrated at Harriet Island Regional Park and it was amazing. The bottom line: whichever venue you choose will be amazing. It’s the personal touches you add, and the people you are with who make the celebration special.