10 Tips for Planning an Easy Wedding
Planning a wedding can be an incredibly stressful time, especially if you're trying to keep things organized and on-budget. But it doesn't have to be that way! With the right tips and tricks, you can make wedding planning easier and more enjoyable. At Forage Kitchen in Oakland we offer all-in packages to take the headache out of planning, and our day of coordinator can book everything you need as well as help translate your vision for your special day. In this blog post, we will provide you with 10 tips to make your wedding planning easy and stress-free. From finding the right venue to selecting the perfect vendors, these tips will help you create the wedding of your dreams without the hassle. Read on to learn more about how to make wedding planning easy.
1) Set a budget
Setting a budget for your wedding is an important step in making sure the big day goes off without a hitch. Before you start planning, sit down with your partner and decide how much you want to spend on the big day. It’s important to keep in mind that although having a lavish Oakland wedding may sound appealing, it can also be very expensive. Married couples have to think about the long-term implications of their wedding expenses.
When deciding on a budget, consider what you both can realistically afford. Take into account any savings you might have as well as any contributions from family or friends. Once you’ve settled on a budget, you can use it as a reference point throughout the wedding planning process. That way, you’ll always know how much money you have to work with.
To help you get started, here are a few tips on how to set a wedding budget:
• Calculate your estimated costs: Make a list of all the items you need to purchase or pay for and tally up an estimated total.
• Prioritize your spending: Decide which items are essential and which ones can be cut back or removed altogether if needed.
• Use online tools: There are plenty of tools available online that can help you manage your wedding budget and track your expenses.
• Get creative: Think outside the box when it comes to saving money. There are many creative ways to save while still making your wedding special.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating an easy wedding plan that fits within your budget!
2) Make a guest list
One of the first steps when planning a wedding is creating a guest list. When making your guest list it’s important to remember the purpose of the day - celebrating the union between you and your partner. Think about who is most important to you both, as well as any family members and close friends. Once you have established who will be invited, it’s time to consider how many people can be accommodated at your wedding venue.
When writing out the guest list, it’s important to include the names of married couples so that they are addressed correctly in the invitation. Consider whether there are any ex-partners or family members who should not be invited for the sake of keeping a peaceful atmosphere. Ultimately, your guest list should reflect those people whom you and your partner want to share this special day. With these tips, you’re sure to create a list of guests that will help make your wedding day memorable.
3) Choose a date
When it comes to choosing a date for your wedding, Oakland is a great place to get married. With its sunny and warm climate most of the year, you have plenty of options for when you can say “I do.” Before settling on a date, there are a few things to consider. First, think about how to choose the best time for both you and your future spouse. Do you have any family commitments or holidays that need to be taken into consideration? Consider your guests as well; if many of them will be travelling, it’s important to make sure there’s enough time to book flights or accommodation. It’s also a good idea to start looking at venues and suppliers early to make sure they are available for your chosen date. Once you’ve decided on a date that works for everyone involved, you’re ready to start planning the rest of your big day!
4) Pick a venue
When it comes to wedding planning, one of the most important decisions is how to pick a venue. Finding the right place for your ceremony and reception can be difficult, but there are a few things you can consider that will help make the process easier. First, decide how big your wedding will be and what type of space you need. Do you want a large ballroom or a smaller outdoor venue? Will you need enough room to seat all your guests comfortably? Once you have a sense of the size and type of space you need, you can begin researching venues in your area. Make sure to compare prices, availability, and amenities when comparing options. Forage Kitchen is a great choice with the ability to host both your ceremony and reception, and could save you a lot of time and money in planning. Consider any extra touches or decorations you might want to include in your venue. This could include lighting, furniture, or draping – all of which can add a special touch to your big day. With careful consideration and the right venue, you'll be able to ensure your wedding is just what you've dreamed of.
5) Choose your wedding party
When planning a wedding, it's important to select the right people to make up your wedding party. When choosing your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and any other attendants, you should think about who you want to stand with you on your big day. Here are a few tips on how to choose your wedding party:
1. Think about who will be supportive. Your wedding party should be people you can rely on to be supportive of your decisions throughout the wedding planning process.
2. Choose those closest to you. Consider selecting friends and family members that have been close to you for many years, as they will be able to provide emotional support and understanding.
3. Respect other people’s feelings. Keep in mind that not everyone may be able to attend your wedding due to budget constraints or other commitments. Try not to hurt anyone’s feelings when making your selections.
4. Keep it small. A larger wedding party may seem fun but can quickly become overwhelming. Consider keeping the number of attendants smaller, so that everyone has an enjoyable experience.
5. Ask for help. If you need help deciding who to include in your wedding party, ask for advice from family and friends. They may be able to provide useful insight that could help you make the best decision for your special day.
By taking the time to carefully select your wedding party, you can make sure that your big day is filled with lots of love and laughter from the people closest to you.
6) Select a theme
When it comes to wedding planning, choosing a theme is an important step that will help guide the entire event. It can be as simple as having your color scheme, or as elaborate as having a specific aesthetic, such as rustic or bohemian. A wedding theme can also tell a story about the couple, making their big day unique and personal.
Fortunately, wedding planning doesn't have to be a daunting task. It helps a lot if you're hiring a day-of coordinator like the ones from Forage Kitchen to assist in planning the theme with ease. Here are some tips on how to select the perfect theme for your special day:
1. Start with a color palette. Pick two or three colors that make you happy and build around them. This will give you a great starting point.
2. Look for inspiration. Take a look at wedding magazines, Pinterest boards, and blogs for ideas. You don't have to copy anyone else's style, but it's a good place to start.
3. Consider the season. Choose decorations and flowers that work well with the season you're getting married in.
4. Incorporate your interests. Try to incorporate elements from your life or hobbies into your wedding theme. This could be anything from your favorite sports teams to your favorite movies or books.
5. Put together a mood board. Once you have an idea of what you want, create a mood board with all the elements that you love. Seeing everything together will help you refine your vision.
Choosing a theme for your wedding should be a fun experience! With a little guidance and the help of Forage Kitchen's day-of coordinator, you can find the perfect theme to make your big day unique and special.
7) Hire a photographer
It's important to remember that the day of your wedding will be filled with memories and moments you'll want to treasure forever. To capture these moments perfectly, you need to know how to hire a photographer. First and foremost, do your research. Look for photographers with portfolios that reflect the style and quality you're looking for. Ask your friends and family for recommendations if you don't know where to start.
The day of coordinator at Forage Kitchen knows all the best photographers in the area, so it may be worth asking them for help. Once you've found a photographer who meets your needs, make sure to discuss all your expectations. Ask to see their portfolio, packages they offer, and how they'll approach your wedding day. Be sure to review contracts and understand what you're agreeing to before signing anything. With the right photographer, you can ensure you'll have beautiful photos that capture the most special day of your life.
8) Decide on decorations
Decorations can really set the tone for your wedding day, so it’s important to decide what decorations you want to use. Before you start buying decorations, think about how much you are willing to spend and how you want the venue to look. You should also consider the theme of your wedding. Once you have a good idea of what you want to do, you can start purchasing and setting up your decorations. Here are a few tips on how to decide on decorations:
• Research – Look online and in magazines for inspiration and ideas. Collect images that represent what you would like to create.
• Make a plan – Create a detailed plan of all the decorations you will need. List items such as centerpieces, lighting, chairs, and table settings.
• Stick to the theme – Choose decorations that match the theme of your wedding. This will help to create a cohesive look.
• DIY – If you’re crafty and have extra time, there are many decorations that you can make yourself. This is a great way to save money and personalize your decorations.
• Stay organized – Keep track of all the decorations you purchase and make sure everything is in one place. This will make it easier when it comes time to set them up.
• Consider your venue – Make sure that all the decorations fit in with the venue. For example, if you’re having an outdoor wedding, avoid any decorations that could be ruined by rain or wind.
Decorations can be one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning, so don’t be afraid to have fun with it! With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can create a beautiful atmosphere for your special day.
9) Book a band or DJ
Finding the right music for your wedding is essential in setting the right mood and atmosphere. If you are looking to book a band or DJ for your big day, there are a few steps you should take. The Oakland area has a very diverse music scene, so you’re sure to find a band or DJ that fits your needs. Here’s how to go about it:
1. Set a budget – Depending on the band or DJ you choose, you may have to set aside a certain amount of money for your entertainment. Setting a budget beforehand can help narrow down your options.
2. Research – Research local bands and DJs to get an idea of what kind of music they offer. You can usually find samples of their work online or listen to them play live before making a decision.
3. Interview – Once you’ve narrowed down your list, it’s time to meet with potential candidates and interview them. Ask questions about their experience and what kind of services they offer.
4. Listen – Take the time to listen to each band or DJ’s music and ask them to provide examples of the type of music they typically play at weddings. This will help you decide which one fits best with your wedding style.
5. Hire – Make sure you get everything in writing before you make your final decision. This includes the cost, services offered, and any other details that need to be discussed.
10) Send out invitations
When it comes to your invitations, you want them to be both personal and professional. It's important to let your guests know how excited you are for your big day, so take some time to create an invitation that will make them smile. Here’s a quick guide on how to send out invitations:
1) Choose the type of invitation – do you want to send out physical paper invitations or digital e-invitations?
2) Design the invitation – pick colors, fonts, and images that reflect the style of your wedding.
3) Write the invitation text – include all of the essential information like the date, time, and location of your wedding.
4) Print or email – once you have finished designing the invitation, send them out to your guests.
5) RSVP – make sure to add in a request for guests to RSVP so you know who is attending.
Your invitations set the tone for your wedding, so take the time to make sure they look great!