Things You'll Need:
- 3-Ring Binder
- Tab Dividers
- Paper and pen
- Phone (you will make many phone calls)
- A friend to help you. This might be the future groom,maid of honor or mother of the bride.
-
Step 1
Place tab dividers in your 3 ring binder and label them with the following categories: Church/Venue, Reception location, Dress (including shoes and accessories), Tuxedos (including groomsmen/ushers), Cake, Food, Photography and Videography,Flowers, Bridesmaids apparel,Music (live band/disc jockey). Make sure you always have your binder with you which should include phone numbers to all vendors and/or business cards.
-
Step 2
Start making phone calls. Starting with the church or venue and reception location to make sure your date is available. Also make sure the times coordinate. Find out about any applicable deposits and when they are due. Some churches offer videography for a small fee to capture the ceremony. Ask about this and any other services offered.
-
Step 3
Depending on how long until the big day, shop for your dress. Before you shop, look through bridal magazines and various internet images to decide what type of style you think you want to shop for. This includes the veil and your bridesmaids dresses. Do you want long sleeves,strapless,an empire waist or a long sleek look for your special day? Consignment stores are great places to look, department stores, bridal boutiques and of course don't forget to attend a bridal fair.
-
Step 4
Cake and food can be provided by the reception venue if it is a hotel or restaurant. This can cut down on outside catering costs including delivery. Look through those bridal magazines again for pictures of cakes to get an idea of what your desired look is. Also, keep in mind the guest list. If it is small gathering, a 4 tier cake may not be necessary. Choosing a buffet instead of a sit down meal may be less expensive and create a comfortable atmosphere for yourself and your guests. Also, ask if lunch is less expensive than dinner. Getting married earlier in the day, could save money.
-
Step 5
Photography is important, but it does not have to be expensive. Shop around for a photographer to capture your most important day. Do you know someone who is an amateur but willing to photograph your wedding? Ask to see their work and make sure it matches your style before saying "I do" to the photographer. Find out if they charge for a specific time frame and try to take some of the group pictures prior to the ceremony. i.e. bride and bridal party, groom and groomsmen, bride by herself. Get the most out of your money.
-
Step 6
Did you know that grocery stores have a floral department and they can provide wedding flowers? This is a huge money saving idea. Next time you are at the grocery store, ask to see a price sheet for a bridal package- you will be pleasantly surprised. Someone will need to pick up your flowers, but you will not risk the flowers ending up at someone else's wedding- trust me it happens.
-
Step 7
If you are planning to use a disc jockey, call your local radio station and they will provide you with a list of dj's who also work weddings. You have heard them on the radio so their personality and voice will not be a surprise. Talk to them ahead of time by phone or email to go over a list of songs you absolutely want played including genres of music and which song you want to dance to the first time as husband and wife.
