How To Identify Your Wedding Planning Priorities

Oct 6

Get The Lay Of The Land

Start by listing out all the major elements of a wedding. Here’s an alphabetical list to get you started. Spend quality time adding nd removing relevant elements from your list. Then rank them collaboratively.

BACHELOR/ETTE PARTIES
BAR & BEVERAGE
BEAUTY
BRUNCH
CAKE
CATERING
CEREMONY
CHILDCARE
CINEMA
COUPLE’S FASHION
DANCE
ENGAGEMENT PARTY
ENTERTAINMENT
FAVORS & GIFTS
FLORALS
HONEYMOON
OFFICIANT
PARTY FASHION
PHOTOGRAPHY
RECEPTION
REHEARSAL DINNER
RENTALS & DECOR
RINGS
STATIONERY
TRANSPORTATION
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATIONS
VENUE
WEDDING PLANNER

*photo by Peter Wynn Thompson Photography*

Check Your Calendar

Next, consider your current and anticipated capacity for planning your wedding. Just compiling a list of wedding elements may be enough of a reality check to help you see the value of delegating. Mark any spans of time you will or won’t have to dedicate to planning. Note the break between semesters or your vacation abroad.

Also consider your calendar and that of your loved ones when choosing your wedding date. If that is a bigger priority than a specific date or venue, let that drive you to your perfect wedding date.

Establish Your Financial Comfort Zone

Your financial comfort zone may include contributions from the two of you, family or other sources. Lay out a plan for how much you plan to save and spend and consider applying that to a calendar so you can proactively pace your financial goals and investments. Don’t forget to decide if you will include pre and post wedding elements like parties and the honeymoon in your wedding budget.

Curious about what is standard to spend on wedding elements? Here’s a list of realistic investments for a lovely Chicago wedding for 100 guests.