Wedding Planning 101, How to Plan an Amazing Wedding!

Brian Haysbert • Apr 16, 2024

Kickstarting Your Wedding Planning Adventure: 10 Essential Steps for Newly Engaged Couples



"From 'Yes' to 'I Do': A Guide to Wedding Planning Perfection"

Congratulations! You've taken the plunge and said "yes" to forever. Now, it's time to embark on the wild and wonderful journey of wedding planning. But fear not! We've compiled a list of essential first steps that will not only guide you through the process but also keep you laughing along the way.

Step 1: Celebrate Like There's No Tomorrow

Your engagement marks the beginning of a beautiful chapter in your life, so why not kick it off with a bang? Gather your nearest and dearest, pop some bubbly, and revel in the joy of your newfound commitment. After all, love is worth celebrating!

Step 2: Discuss Your Vision and Dreams

Sit down with your partner and have an open and honest conversation about your vision for the big day. From the venue to the color scheme, make sure you're on the same page when it comes to your wedding dreams. Compromise is key, but so is staying true to yourselves.

Step 3: Set a Budget and Stick to It (Mostly)

Ah, the dreaded budget talk. While it may not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning, it's essential to set a realistic budget early on. Determine how much you're willing to spend and allocate funds to different aspects of the wedding, keeping in mind that some splurges are inevitable (hello, chocolate fountain).

Step 4: Master the Art of Guest List Curation

Creating your guest list can be a delicate balancing act. Start by listing your nearest and dearest, then work your way down the line, considering factors like venue capacity and budget constraints. And remember, it's okay to say no to that distant cousin you haven't seen in a decade.

Step 5: Choose a Potential Date or Season

While you don't need to set your wedding date in stone just yet, having a general idea of when you'd like to tie the knot will help you narrow down venue options and secure vendors. Consider factors like weather, availability, and any significant dates or holidays.

Step 6: Seek Inspiration from All Corners

The world is your oyster when it comes to wedding inspiration! Dive into the depths of Pinterest, flip through bridal magazines, and attend wedding fairs to gather ideas for everything from décor and floral arrangements to bridal attire and cake designs. Just be prepared to fall down a rabbit hole of endless possibilities.

Step 7: Research Venues and Vendors Like a Pro

With your vision in mind, it's time to start scouting potential wedding venues and vendors. From rustic barns to elegant ballrooms, the options are endless. Take your time to research each option thoroughly, read reviews, and schedule visits to ensure they align with your vision and budget.

Step 8: Consider Hiring Professional Help

If the thought of coordinating every detail of your wedding sends shivers down your spine, consider hiring a wedding planner or coordinator. These professionals can help alleviate stress, offer valuable advice, and ensure that everything runs smoothly on the big day, allowing you to relax and enjoy every moment.

Step 9: Get Organized and Stay on Track

As you dive deeper into wedding planning, staying organized is essential. Whether you prefer a trusty wedding planning binder or a digital planning tool, find a system that works for you and stick to it. Keep track of important dates, deadlines, and vendor contracts to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Step 10: Embrace the Journey and Have Fun

Above all, remember to enjoy the journey! Wedding planning can be stressful at times, but it's also an incredibly special time in your life. Embrace the ups and downs, laugh at the inevitable hiccups along the way, and cherish the memories you're creating with your partner. After all, your wedding day is just the beginning of your happily ever after.

In conclusion, the first steps to planning a wedding set the tone for the entire planning process. By celebrating your engagement, defining your vision, setting a budget, and diving into research, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the exciting adventure that lies ahead. So, grab your partner's hand, take a deep breath, and get ready for the ride of a lifetime!


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06 Jan, 2020
Here are a few things to help brides and grooms-to-be with the initial stages of wedding planning. 1. Set your budget. Finances will give parameters for many of your wedding planning decisions. Create a firm budget. A wedding planner can also help with creating a customized so you can decide what is most important to you and what you’re willing to spend for what. At The Forum, we can help with giving ideas for much of your wedding costs. 2. Determine your wedding size. Based on your budget and how many guests feels good to you, decide the number of guests you’d like to have. A small intimate wedding with only the closest family and friends or a large casual wedding that includes all of your family and friends. 50? 100? 200+? Next, make a guest list in an Excel document to see where you are. You can always cut back or add on to the list. Make sure that you have the list from your parents included. 3. Venue. Your guest count will also help you decide which locations will work for you and identify additional costs based on the location. Have you thought about where you want to have your wedding ceremony? What is your wedding vision? Here’s where we come in. Your venue will help shape the style and design of the wedding too. Our beautifully appointed ballrooms are conveniently located and can graciously accommodate from 50-500 guests for your wedding celebrations. You can also take The Forum’s fabulous food and services off premise anywhere throughout the MD/DC/VA area. 4. What Time of Year. Consider these as you decide when to get married: What is the average weather and temperature, especially if you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding? When does the sun set? Will you have a full day of light or will it get dark early? Does that matter? Is it a holiday weekend? There are often discounts available for our services during holidays for weddings. Contact our event consultants for more information. 5. Your Wedding Style. Did you want more of a casual wedding? Do you want your guest to wear semi-formal or black-tie apparel? Your wedding style will also affect your budget and guest count. For instance, a formal wedding will usually increase your wedding costs.
03 Sep, 2019
There are so many people that you know you want there, but then, you might find yourself really unsure about other guests. We can become worried about guests’ feelings and start evaluating the relationships. Here are a few tips to help alleviate the stress of creating and narrowing down your wedding list. 1. Ask yourself, “Do we really ‘know’ each other??” How long have you actually known them? How well do you know them? We all have made “fast friends” but that doesn’t mean that they are to be invited to your wedding. If you cannot remember the last time you even saw them, perhaps they shouldn’t receive an invite. Evaluate your relationships. If you haven’t seen them in the last year or two, think twice. Of course, some family or longtime friends may bend this rule, but go with your gut. 2. Be gentle but crystal clear with your parents. When you’re paying for the wedding yourself and trying to stay on budget, you will have to provide your parents with guidelines. Giving them a certain number of invitations can help because their guest list isn’t always yours. Be firm but respectful. You can always add other guests later if things change. 3. Ditch obligation. Refuse to feel obligated to invite everybody for your wedding celebrations. Just because someone invited you to their wedding doesn’t mean you have to do the same. Your wedding invitations come down to the connection you have with the person and whether or not you want them to share in these moments with you. Let go of any guilt or obligation. Make joy and celebration with family and friends your focus. Have people there that you can’t imagine starting your new life without. With that in mind, your list will almost write itself. Happy planning! Our experienced Event Consultants can help you every step of the way in creating the wedding celebrations of your dreams. Give us a call today at 410-358-1101. Newly engaged? Get our special checklist to help you get started here The Forum Caterers ~ Where Great Celebrations Begin!
03 Sep, 2019
We don't want to think about it, but each of our lives will transition. In the loss of your loved one, we can help. When planning a repast to celebrate your loved one, here are a few tips. Ask for help. You shouldn’t have to do it alone and people want to help you. Choose a location that works for you or is special to your loved one. We can help with that. Feel free to keep it as simple or as extravagant as YOU want it to be. Personalize the repast by using pictures and special memorabilia. Remember that it is your celebration of your loved one. Set it up in a way that honors them and make YOU feel good. We would love to assist you in any way possible. The Forum has affordable, delicious options to cater the repast for your loved one’s funeral services here at our beautiful ballrooms or at a location of your choice. We also offer “Forum Foods to Go” if you only need comforting meals. Allow us to ease your burdens during this very difficult time. Call us today at 410-358-1101 to set up your order. Praying for you and your loved ones. Thank you for sharing with anyone who could benefit.
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