So, it’s engagement season (yes, it’s totally a thing) and suddenly you’re finding yourself bombarded with a whole slew of posts from wedding pros trying to establish themselves as the leading authority in their wedding field.
The planners out there are going to tell you that you “must do these three things” to start the planning process (guest list, budget, top must-haves). And although this is my pitch to you, I’m not going to say you need to start there. Instead, I’m going to tell you to channel you inner Elsa and let that ish go. For real.
The foundation of wedding planning is triangular; if you’ve ever taken a course in project management, you know where this is going. Your wedding planning triangle has three points: the budget, the guest count, and the overall aesthetic. Chances are, you have a pretty firm grasp on these three items – but realistically, you likely will have to let one go, because most couples can only easily control two of the points. The third one is defined by the result of the two that you control.
So let’s say you have a defined budget (which for the sake of this post, let’s say is tight because you want to travel the word for 90 days on your honeymoon). You also have been dreaming about having the picture perfect, pinterest wedding, complete with custom stationery, upgraded linens and china, and lush florals all over the place. Can we create a beautiful table scape matching that vision on a tight budget? Absolutely, if it’s a small number of tables. Can we replicate that for 15, 20, 25 tables for a wedding up to 200 guests? Well, probably not.
So, before you create a firm guest list and budget. Before you start creating that list of must-have items, you need to sit down with your partner and talk about your wedding planning triangle. What are the two points that you’re going to have firm control over? Then, talk with your planner and let them give you an idea of what that third point will look like.
If you build this foundation now, (and if you hire us as your planner ?), the rest of your planning process will be oh so dreamy – just like your wedding.
Photo by Sabin Gratz Photography from Marie + Nic’s wedding at Riverside Farm.
