As you approach your wedding there are 2 approaches you can take. You can hire a professional or you can plan the wedding on your own. Neither decision is a bad decision. Your wedding can be picture perfect either way.

Before making a decision there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Time, money and your desired experience will probably be the main factors as you make a decision. Ask yourself these questions before you make a decision: Do I have time to plan a wedding? What is my budget? What do I want my wedding planning experience to be like?

With these questions in mind compare the pros and cons of both approaches. Here are some of the pros and cons of hiring a professional as well as planning on your own.

Pros of Hiring a Professional

One of the best things about professional wedding planners is the fact that they will make your life so much easier. Weddings are stressful no matter who you are. Having a professional by your side will lighten your load more than anything else. If you don’t deal well with stress and have the money, we recommend hiring a wedding coordinator.

If you and your family are inexperienced when it comes to wedding planning, hiring a pro can make sure your wedding turns out the way you want. Tell the wedding planner what you want and leave it in their hands to make it happen. Wedding planners are very talented at what they do so it’s ok to trust them with your special day.

Hiring a professional to help you plan your wedding can be costly but can it save you money in the long run? Sometimes wedding planners have special deals with other wedding vendors such as photographers, wedding cake specialists and even wedding venues. If this is the case, you can actually end up saving money in the long run.

Cons of hiring a professional

There are only a few cons that come to mind when thinking about professional wedding planners. First is cost and second is experience. Wedding planners can save you money with other wedding vendors but not every bride works with wedding vendors. Some brides like to do everything on their own with the help of friends and family. If you are on a tight budget, hiring a pro might not be best for you.

Some brides want to experience every emotion of wedding planning. They want to do everything on their own, find their own vendors and use their own creativity. If this is you, and you deal with stress well, you probably don’t need to hire a pro.

We recently heard a horror story about a wedding planner who didn’t pull things together in time for the wedding. With any vendor you work with, you run the risk of someone not doing their job. Most wedding planners are fantastic; it is simply important to get to know the professional before you hire them. Look at their portfolio of past weddings and talk to brides that have worked with them in the past.

We hope this information helps you make a decision. Remember, no matter how much money you have it is important to establish a budget for your wedding. Decide how much you have to spend, and then make decisions on where the money will go.

Today’s post is particularly important for men who want the element of surprise as they propose to their sweetheart. A surprise proposal is always more romantic. There are however, a few things you need to be aware of before you buy the ring. Buying the ring without her knowing brings a risk that no man wants…What if she doesn’t like the ring?!!

Here are a few suggestions that will help you to make sure that she loves the ring that you choose for her:

The Basics

%100 of women know exactly what they want on their finger for the rest of their life. Before you go shopping for a ring, make sure you know what she likes. Now, if you ask her what she likes, the element of surprise is gone. Use her best friends and family as your resources. Have her mom, sister or best friend ask the questions for you.

Know What She Likes

Here is what you need to know: Metal type, stone type, stone cut, ring style and size. Some girls want a solitaire style ring and others want lots of small stones instead of one large stone. Whoever is helping you find these answers should be able to get you some pictures of what she likes. A picture is worth a thousand words. If you can get your hands on a picture of what she wants, you are all set!

In addition to the type of ring she wants it is important to know how much money she would like you to spend. Some girls are upset when a man overspends on the ring. Some girls are upset if a man underspends on the ring. Find out exactly what she is expecting.

On a Tight Budget?

If she wants and extravagant ring and your budget is low, there are a few things you can do. Option number one is to buy man-made diamonds. These are far less expensive and they are very similar in beauty. Option number two is to find a ring with dozens of small stones instead of one large stone. Dozens of small stones are far less expensive than one large stone.

Shop Around

Shopping around is one of my most important suggestions. The more time you spend looking, the better the treasure. Spend as much time as possible and you will find a great ring for a great price.

How many gifts should we register for?

There is no set number but the number of guests should help you decide. Registering for one gift for each guest is always safe. Not every guest will bring a gift and not everyone will be able to make it to the wedding. Register for your needs first, and then include some of your wants.

How many stores should we register at?

Registering at 2 stores is usually perfect but 3 stores is acceptable. You shouldn’t register at more than 3 stores. 1 store is too little; having at least 2 stores gives your guests an option.

Is there a price limit on what we can register for?

There is no price limit but asking for expensive gifts can make you look snobby. Make sure you register for gifts that everyone can afford. $20 dollars and up is generally safe. It’s ok to have a few expensive items. There is nothing wrong with dreaming big! A new bed or flat screen TV would be nice!

Will the guests bring the gifts to the reception?

Gifts are typically sent to the bride or grooms mailing address but there will always be guests who bring gifts to the reception. Make sure you have a table for guests to place gifts.

Where should you list your registry information for guests to see?

Usually the registry information is included in the wedding invitations. In cases where you are cutting the invitations due to a tight budget; make a Facebook or an email invitation that includes the registry information.

When should you register?

It is important to register before you send out invitations. Register 6 months before the wedding to be safe. If your engagement is shorter than 6 months then register as soon as possible.

Is it ok to ask for cash?

This is a very common question for brides to have. This is also a very difficult question to ask. Asking for cash can sound a little tacky so you need to be careful. The problem is, sometimes getting cash would be so much more helpful! If you prefer cash, register for a good number of items but tell family and friends to tell guests by word of mouth that you prefer cash. This will get your point across but it doesn’t sound bad since it isn’t coming from you. Wherever you register you will you will also have the convenience of adding gift cards to your registry.

Here are a few suggestions that will help you save money:

Spend more time searching for wedding vendors

As you search for wedding venues, florists, photographers, caterers, etc. It is important that you spend more time searching out the vendors that are best for you. Don’t hire the first vendor that can offer what you want. Pay attention to price. The more time you spend searching, the more bang for your buck you’ll get. Many wedding vendors are competitive in pricing. Keep this in mind as you look for vendors.

Don’t be afraid to do things on your own

You will save money on just about everything if you do the work yourself. Try decorating your wedding and making the decorations on your own. If you have the time for this, you will save a fortune. You will also be able to add your own creativity to your wedding.

Work with friends & being creative

Aside of doing things yourself there are other creative ways to save money. You can ask all of your loved ones to bring their cameras to take pictures. You can even hand out disposable cameras to wedding guests. Ask your loved ones if they know anyone who knows how to make a wedding cake. You can serve your wedding guests dessert only instead of having a 3 course meal.

You don’t have to rent a wedding venue

For those who are on a tight budget, you don’t have to have your reception in a formal venue. There are plenty of free places that are great for receptions. You can have your reception at a park or in a church gym. I have been to beautiful receptions in people’s backyards. Have an open mind and you will have a memorable reception.

You don’t have to use all of these suggestions but they will give you ideas on how to save money. Do not procrastinate your wedding because of money. It is ok to have a tight budget wedding. If you have time, creativity and the help of loved ones, you can have a beautiful wedding on any budget.

Your wedding venue will make or break your wedding above all else. Since the reception center is so important, we thought we would make a list of things that you should ask them before you book your reception. Knowing everything about the reception venue is key if you want to avoid problems down the road.

How many guests can the venue accommodate?

Venue size is one of the most important things to ask. If the venue is built for over 500 people and you are only inviting 150, it might look a little empty. If you are inviting 200 and the venue has a 150 guest capacity you are going to have a problem. Make a head count of how many people you will invite before booking a reception center.

How many hours will we have the venue for?

Many event venues host more than one event per day. If there is a lunch event before your reception it is important to know when you can decorate for the reception.

What time can we access the venue and when do we need to leave?

Knowing the hours that you’ll have access to the venue is obviously essential but there is more. Sometimes venues will have a set time when you can start allowing guests but an earlier time that they will allow you to start decorating. If there are no events scheduled the day before your event, sometimes they will let you decorate the previous night.

Can the bridesmaids and groomsmen get ready at the reception center?

Make sure there is somewhere for all of your loved ones to get ready before you invite them to get ready at the facility. Some venues don’t have a place for large groups to get ready.

Does the venue provide the caterer or do we?

Many venues offer their own catering service. Others require you to use their preferred caterer or offer a discounted price for using a preferred caterer. These are important facts to sort out before you book your venue.

Do we have to use the preferred vendors of the wedding venue?

Some wedding reception centers include florists, caterers, photographers, cake and more with their wedding package. Other venues have a list of preferred vendors that you are required to choose from. Make sure you know all of the details as soon as possible.

If it’s an outdoor venue, what happens if it rains?

Since the weather is so unpredictable, always make sure you have a backup plan. This is especially important if your wedding is in the spring or fall.

Do they have a table or stand for the wedding cake?

If you are comparing costs between wedding venues make sure you take into account everything they offer. One venue might be cheaper but not offer important things. There are many wedding supply rental businesses that can offer just about anything.

Is your pricing different on weekdays?

Most wedding locations will offer a discount price if you have your reception on a weeknight. If you are on a tight budget, there is nothing wrong with a reception on a Wednesday or Thursday.

Does the venue have a sound system we can use?

Some venues have sound systems and others don’t. Some venues have a place for a band and others don’t. Make sure you know exactly what you expect from your venue before actually booking.

This post is for any future groom who is getting ready to pop the “will you marry me” question to a beautiful young lady. If you are ready this, you likely fall into this category. You might be nervous or maybe terrified so these guidelines should help.

Some Ground Rules

First, let me set something straight; as time goes on, important things are becoming more casual. I am not saying it’s a good thing, but it’s happening; especially with relationships. Believe me when I say, being old school is a good thing when it comes to relationships.

Couples are beginning to get engaged without a ring and sometimes couples are engaged for several years. Talk about a lack of commitment! If you fall into this category, don’t take offense, just commit.

Ring or No Ring?

If you are wondering if you can propose without a ring, it is not the best option. Having a ring is one of the main ingredients for popping the big question.

There is no rule book that says there is a price minimum for an engagement ring. If you are tight on money, don’t stress, it just means you are in the same situation as most other people. Don’t go into debt for a ring. Just find something simple. It can be inexpensive, or even a ring that has been passed down through the family. Just make sure you don’t show up for the big game without a ball.

Don’t be Cliché

Next, you need to be creative. I am not going to tell you how to propose but make sure you show your personality as you ask. When your fiancé’s friends ask her how you proposed she doesn’t want to say that you took her to dinner and just asked. Be more romantic than this.

Loved Ones are Almost Always a Plus

Getting family and friends involved is usually a great idea. Getting engaged is a very significant event. Having both families and her closest friends around is a great way to celebrate the occasion. This doesn’t mean they have to be there when you pop the question but you can always have a throw a surprise party to celebrate.

Show Confidence

If you think there is a significant chance she will say no, it probably isn’t the right time to propose. It is important to expect a “YES!!!” because it will help you to show confidence and excitement.

Timing is Everything

Another key ingredient to a fantastic proposal is the element of surprise. Your fiancé-to-be should not have a clue when you are going to ask her to be your wife. A surprise is always better.

We hope you are happy and that this time of life will be memorable. Don’t be nervous, you’ll do great!

First: Set a Budget

Unless you have bottomless pockets of money, making a wedding budget is probably the most important step of your planning. Realize that a budget is useless if you do not have discipline and stick to it. Set aside about half of your budget for the wedding reception and don’t forget to factor in taxes and tips.

Second: Pick a Date

The reason I am telling you to pick a date next is because sometimes brides reserve restaurants and reception centers up to a year in advance. If you try to reserve a venue a few months in advance you might be out of luck.

Third: Make a Guest Count and Reserve a Wedding Venue

Make sure you look at several wedding reception venues. Consider price, location and size as you choose a venue. Make sure to stay in the budget. Make a list of guests you will be inviting to the wedding reception. Statistically, about half of the guests that are invited come to the reception; but prepare for more than half. Once you have an idea of how many will come, book a venue that will accommodate you and your loved ones.

Fourth: Make a List

Make a list of everything that needs to be done before the big day. This list should contain every detail. From flowers and decorations to food and drinks, make sure you have everything written down. Make sure you separate the most important things so they can get done first.

Fifth: Choose Other Wedding Vendors

There are many wedding details you will need to work out. Before anything else you need to make arrangements with your wedding vendors. These can be florists, DJ’s, photographers, cake specialists, caterers, etc. Make sure you reserve there services for your wedding day so that you don’t run into problems later.

Sixth: Start Planning

Finally, start planning. Here is my advice; do not procrastinate! Make sure you work on your wedding every day until everything is finished.

The first thing you need to do is be aware that things might not go perfectly. Try not to over-react if something goes wrong. Your wedding day is one of the best days of your life. Enjoy yourself no matter what happens.
I am going to address a few common problems that brides come across on their wedding days. I hope this helps you with your wedding preparations.
Predictable Mishaps
The most common wedding day mishap I have run into is wedding vendors running late. I have seen caterers, florists, and photographers run late. I call this a “predictable mishap” because there are a few things you can do to prepare for these problems.
The first thing you can do is promise them more money if they arrive on time. For example, you can offer them a one hundred dollar bonus (you can choose the amount that works for you) if they have everything ready by the promised time.
My second word of advice would be to prepare for them to be late, just in case they really are. It is safe to always have a backup plan. You can do things like tell your florist that the flowers need to be ready a few hours before you actually need them. You can prepare a wedding video to be played for all of your guests in case the caterer is late. This can be a great distraction from hungry stomachs.
Unpredictable Mishaps
Running late is not the only thing that can go wrong on your wedding day so let me discuss another very common type of hassle; I like to call this type of problem the “unpredictable mishap”. These misfortunes can be anything from flowers being the wrong colors, the best man getting sick, getting a flat tire on the way to the chapel or anything else like this.
I have found that the best way to overcome an unpredictable mishap is by asking your loved ones to help. Delegation is the best way to stay happy on your wedding day. When things go wrong, ask family and friends to make things right. Your only responsibilities on your wedding day should be to get ready and show up.
Sit down with your family and friends and ask them to be prepared to fix problems. Your family, bridesmaids and groomsmen should be at your beckon call throughout your wedding. When things go wrong, give them a call. I am so excited you are getting married. I promise if you prepare for small mishaps you will have a better wedding experience. Enjoy this exciting time!