February is nearly over and so are the myriad of winter wedding shows. One thing I have observed over the course of the last two months is how many brides and grooms are waiting a long time before starting their planning. I don't know if it's a result of the recession (you know, the recession goes away if you don't watch the news - I have proof), or just that the couple doesn't want to stress out over a long time. What happens, though, is that many of these couples get quite stressed out by realizing that they don't have many options.
Finding out the photographer you love is not available on your day... it sucks! Realizing that you spent the lion's share of your budget without spending time thinking about the entertainment... that sucks, too!
Far better to think about the whole process over a much longer time period and really be able to think about what you want on your wedding day. Think about what's important to you - and what's even necessary.
Floweres are beautiful, but if you're getting married at a beautiful outdoor Oregon location, you probably don't need to spend much at the florist. Same goes for decor. I mean chair covers are nice, but would you rather spend $9 per person on something different?
I would never be so audacious as to tell you want is important to you, but I will suggest that you spend a lot of time thinking about what will make your wedding everything you dreamed it would be - what will put the biggest smile on your face?
Whatever that is, make it your top priority - in your mind and in your budget.
Cheers,
Matt
