You just got engaged–Congratulations!
Now what?
First, take a deep breath. Try to relax and enjoy this wonderful moment with your future spouse. Marriage is an exciting life journey but most people dread the wedding part. Yes, it can be overwhelming, but it makes a huge difference having an experienced event planner by your side during this process. Our friends at Temple Square offer these 9 things you need to know before meeting with your event planner to help you make the best out of that first encounter.
Date of the Event
Weather, weekday versus weekend, and time of year are just a few details that can impact your wedding date. You will want to pick a date that will work best for maximum attendance of your guests. An outdoor wedding and reception can be tricky as Mother Nature has a mind of her own! Checking the weather almanac is a great start to see the history of weather on a particular date.
Budget
Your event coordinator should be helping you with your budget. You need to make sure you state your maximum per person and in return; they should respect your wishes. But ultimately, it is your job to keep an eye on what you’re spending overall. You should budget out all aspects of your wedding from flowers, food and venue to entertainment, wedding party gifts, etc. This can add up quickly. Keep track of what you’ve committed to spending.
Guest Count
Have a basic idea of your guest count and realize it can and will fluctuate. Most venues have a minimum amount of food and beverage or guest counts required for their banquet space. Start compiling a list as soon as you become engaged.
Menu Ideas
Perusing websites, bride magazines, and other weddings you attend can give you an insight into what type of food and beverage you would like to see served at your special event. Although most wedding venues have set menus, many chefs respond well to custom menus. Normally these have a slight surcharge attached to them.
Wedding Colors
Do you know the Pantone color of the year or do you have a vision in your mind of your wedding and the colors you would like highlighted for your special day? Colors out of the norm will most likely have to be special ordered while popular and on-trend colors are almost always on hand at reputable venues either through the venue itself or through their outside contractors.
Audio Visual and Entertainment
Will you have a live band or a DJ? Will you be showing a wedding video? Do you want specialty lighting to ‘spot’ your table centerpieces? These are all questions you will be asked (and many more) by an experienced event planner. Try to think about your special day from start to finish and take notes to ask your event coordinator.
Involve the Groom
Grooms should not be a guest at their own wedding. Today more and more grooms are actively participating in the wedding planning process. Let him express his opinions and listen to what he is saying when it comes to making the final decisions.
Know This Will Be a Busy Time
An experienced event coordinator has been through this many more times than they can count; glean from their wealth of knowledge and insight. They can see potential hiccups long before you can even imagine them and they’ll help you avoid all the pitfalls.
Love Your Event Coordinator
If you don’t feel a ‘connection’ to your event coordinator, don’t be afraid to request a different one. This is one of the most important days of your lives and you need to feel confidence and at ease with this person. A professional will understand if you just don’t click and won’t take it personal as they only want the best of feelings between you both.
Most importantly, be open to feedback and suggestions. Sometimes what you envisioned won’t fit your budget or your venue style, and your event planner will be ready to help you navigate that. Get wedding planning started by scheduling a free consultation with one of the event planners at Temple Square today.
