Congratulations! You're engaged and ready to embark on one of the most exciting journeys of your life – planning your wedding. Whether you've been dreaming about this day since you were young or you're just starting to wrap your head around the details, wedding planning can feel overwhelming. But don't worry; with The I Do Academy by your side, you can create the wedding of your dreams.
Step 1: Set the Foundation
Before diving into the fun details, start by laying a solid foundation for your wedding:
Create a Budget: Sit down with your partner and decide how much you're willing to spend. Prioritize the key elements/vendors that matter most to you, and note where you're willing to compromise or tighten the budget to make that happen.
Draft a Guest List: The size of your wedding will influence your venue, catering, and overall costs. Start with the 'everyone' list, and then categorize into 'VIPs' (family & close friends), 'Must Haves' (extended family, friends, close coworkers), and 'Nice to Haves' (people you'd love to have there, but can be cut from the list if needed). This will help narrow down your absolute minimum and maximum guest count.
Pick a Date: Consider the season, availability of key guests, and your personal schedule. A lot of venues have discounts during off-season, weekdays, and sometimes even on Sundays.
Step 2: Find Your Vision
Your wedding should reflect your personality and relationship. Gather inspiration from:
Pinterest boards
Social media (Instagram and TikTok)
Wedding expos, venue open houses and vendor showcases
In St. Louis, check out local wedding shows like The One Wedding Show, Saint Louis Bride Wedding Connection, and the Gateway Wedding Show.
Step 3: Secure the Big Three
These are the elements that often book out the fastest and should be secured before anything else:
Venue: Choose a location that fits your style and guest count. St. Louis offers stunning venues, from the historic Missouri Botanical Garden to chic downtown lofts.
Caterer: Food plays a significant role, so find a caterer who can deliver your dream menu. Consider local favorites like Butlers Pantry, Pasta House, or even your favorite BBQ spot like Sugarfire Smokehouse.
Photographer/Videographer: Secure someone whose style aligns with your vision. Check out their portfolio as well as a full wedding gallery to see exactly what they deliver. Meet them in person or through a video call to ensure their personality vibes with yours, they are the one vendor that is with you alllllll day!
Step 4: Build Your Dream Team
Hire the essential vendors:
Florist
DJ or Band
Wedding Planner or Coordinator
Officiant
Hair and Makeup Artist
Be sure to ask your already booked vendors for recommendations! They know from first hand experience who will take good care of you!
Step 5: Dress to Impress
Start shopping for your wedding attire at least 8-12 months in advance. This gives you time for fittings and alterations. Don't forget about your wedding party's outfits! Visit local boutiques like Clarice's Bridal, Tailored Bridal, or Bridal Parlour for personalized service.
Step 6: Personal Touches
Add those unique elements that make your wedding truly yours:
Personalized vows
Custom décor
Fun entertainment options (photo booths, live painters, etc.)
Consider incorporating personal elements, such as a signature cocktail named after your pet!
Step 7: Stay Organized
Use wedding planning apps, spreadsheets, a shared folder in the cloud, or hire a wedding planner to keep track of:
Payment deadlines
Vendor contracts
Guest RSVPs
Timeline and schedule
Step 8: Enjoy the Process
Remember, this is a celebration of your love and the start of your life together. Embrace the journey, have fun with your partner, and don't sweat the small stuff. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you get to marry your best friend!
Still feeling overwhelmed? Come to our next Wedding Planning 101 event and get face to face with our experts who will walk you through everything! Check out the upcoming events page for more information!
Happy planning, and cheers to your happily ever after!
Michelle
Your wedding wing woman
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