Wedding planning 101

Welcome to the start of wedding week! Don't worry, not every post will be about wedding planning, as you saw from my earlier posts. I'm going to share with you my DIY's, venue and everything I learned-good and bad. 


I learned a lot while I was wedding planning. I put together a list of some things we experienced. But more this is a list of what to look out for, especially if you don't have an unlimited budget.


Some people in the business really are out to get you. As soon as you talk to someone in the event business and they find out you're getting married, prices at least double. Usually triple. They will nickel-and-dime you until your face turns blue, but they'll assure you that they won't.

Source: 100layercake.com via Emily on Pinterest

1) Everything is too good to be true. If you think you're getting a great deal, but it makes you a little nervous, listen to your gut. You are right. You are nervous for a reason. There are always hidden costs and things do go wrong. Which leads me to point #2:


2) There are ALWAYS hidden costs. You can ask your venue and your catering all the questions you can think of. Something will always come up. Make sure your budget has wiggle room. By the time you find out it will probably be too late.


"Oh you didn't know you have to hire security guards."
"Oh you want us to do that for you?"
"Oh you thought that was included? Hahaha. You're so silly."


3) Get everything in writing. People quit their jobs even in the wedding business. What Susan told you won't be the same thing Jane will tell you. You'll end up always paying more, never less. And Jane will want in writing the promises Susan made you or according to her it never happened.


4) Plan early. Don't dawdle. You'll end up losing your favorite vendors this way. Your photographer may be available now, but maybe not next week. It's best not to make a rash decision, but have a few backups you love just as much. It will be hard work and take a lot of research, but will save you a lot of panic later.


This holds true for your dress too. It may actually take the full four months for your dress to arrive. Mine took five.


Watch for Part 2 tomorrow!