Is There a Wedding in Your Future?

New year, new beginnings and a new date on your calendar – your wedding!  Whether it’s six months away or two years from now, there are a few steps to take right away that will ensure a stress-free planning process down the road.

Photo courtesy of Megan Travis Photography.

First, enjoy the moment!  I know, that may sound obvious. Of course you’re enjoying the excitement of being engaged, having a shiny new bauble to show off and everyone’s well wishes. Yet it can be tempting to jump right in to venue visits and Pinterest boards galore! And while you may be surprised to hear this, coming from a venue, take a deep breath first and *don’t* visit any venues or caterers just yet.

Give yourself and your partner time to just enjoy the romance of this time together… the newness of a future being created by two people who are joyful about being together forever. Sharing this time, just for the two of you, will serve to strengthen your bond for the days ahead when the wedding planning is in full swing!  How long this period lasts is up to you and will obviously vary based on how far off the big day is.  But even the most condensed timeline has room in it for a week or so of engaged bliss!

Photo courtesy of Olivia Suriano.

Ok, now it’s time to get down to business!  Plan a “wedding dreams date night” and bring a pad of paper and a pen!  Having an honest conversation about some of the larger wedding topics in the early stages is always a good idea.  Be sure to take notes so that you can refer to them later to stay on track.  Here are some of the topics to delve into:

·       Choose your new best friend.  Set up meetings with potential wedding planners early so you have the best chance of hiring the one you love for your date.

·       Budget.   Nobody’s favorite topic but an essential item to have a grip on to avoid major disappointment later.

·       Date. If you’re thinking April, May, June, September or October – your search for a venue might need to start a little sooner.  Planning to take advantage of off-season perks? Talk about the pros and cons.

·       Style. If you’re thinking boho and your partner wants traditional, now’s the time to talk about compromises and how to blend styles.

·       Size.  This subject should happen organically while you discuss budget but be sure to include a conversation about bridal party size, flower girls and ring bearers, etc.

·       Location. Will you be asking guests to travel? In this day and age, there’s no such thing as too much advance notice.

·       Guest list. Every one of your sorority sisters, his 12 fishing buddies, cousins twice removed or only your immediate family and closest friends? Decide and commit early so you are a united front on this subject later.

·       Engagement party? This can be as casual as BBQ and board games or an elegant evening of champagne toasts. Has someone offered to host? Now’s the time to accept their offer or graciously decline and move forward with planning the bigger day.

Photo courtesy of Megan Travis Photography.

Whether you and your true love are planning for a spring garden wedding for 200 or a cozy candlelight ceremony for 20, take a deep breath and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that neither of you will ever forget!

Start your venue research by completing a short inquiry form at The Barn at Reynolda Village. Or give us a call at 336.758.BARN. Of course you can also find us on Pinterest and Facebook.