You must answer the five questions to ask when planning a wedding to ensure that the event will go by smoothly. Follow the sequence of these questions as you plan your wedding to avoid stress and prevent feeling overwhelmed for this important occasion.
We also recommend reading how to plan a wedding without a wedding planner if you’re not hiring one. Nonetheless, these questions should still be answered whether you’re talking with your partner or meeting with a wedding planner.
The 5 Most Questions To Ask When Planning A Wedding
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What is our wedding budget?
The first question to ask when planning a wedding is the budget. Specifically, how much can you spend or how much are you willing to pay for the wedding?
You might have a dream wedding in mind, but your budget restricts you, and you’ll need to compromise and modify it into something more practical. You don’t want to spend too much that you’ll be stressed after the wedding.
Settle with your partner a specific amount you can comfortably spend for the wedding. Be realistic with your savings or consider reading about how to ask parents for money for the wedding.
However, nobody is obligated to provide you money for your wedding expenses, especially when you’re incapable but still want something grand. Check your budget and dedicate it to the critical parts of the wedding:
- 40% for the wedding venue and catering
- 15% for the wedding photography
- 20% for the wedding decors and flowers
- 10% for the wedding music
- 5% for the wedding makeup and attire
- 5% for the wedding stationery and favors
- 5% for the transportation and accommodation
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When is the wedding?
Knowing when you want or when you can hold your wedding is crucial when planning it. For one, having your wedding during peak season can mean that your expenses will be higher because of the high demand.
Your wedding day schedule will also influence the number of guests attending. Some couples even modify their schedule to ensure that all the necessary friends and family can join the celebration.
Furthermore, keep in mind that the time of the year when you’ll have your wedding can influence the wedding itself. For example, outdoor weddings will be more challenging in the heat of the summer or the cold of the winter.
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Where will the wedding be held?
Your chosen reception and wedding venue are crucial as they dictate how big they will take from the wedding budget. Some are pricey or require a formal setting where your guests must also follow the proper etiquette.
If the wedding venue is far, the vendors may also add transportation to their fee. And while it’s not mandatory, you might need to cover the transportation and accommodation of the guests.
After securing the wedding schedule and venue, you can start sending out your wedding invitations. You can also read how early is too early for wedding invitations, so your guests won’t accidentally forget about them after receiving them.
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How many guests will be invited?
You and your partner should discuss the guest list thoroughly. Will your budget limit you in the number of guests?
Do you see eye to eye with each other regarding who to invite? You don’t want your partner to feel like you have more guests than them.
And if you want an intimate wedding, learn how to say no plus ones on a wedding invitation. We also have a guide on how to have a small wedding with a big family.
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What will be the wedding style?
Finally, ask yourselves what will be the wedding style? It can mean the level of formality of the event to the general theme of the venue, such as boho, rustic, modern, romantic, or vintage, to name a few popular ones.
Formal weddings are usually held indoors, and the dress code is black-tie. More laid-back weddings are cheaper, and you can do it on the beach or park with a semi-formal dress code.
You also want to consider the wedding type, which means will you prefer a religious or spiritual wedding? Some must follow traditions while others are adjustable.
What Do I Need To Know Before Planning A Wedding?
- The wedding budget you can shell out for the wedding
- The wedding type, style, and theme that you and your partner desire
- The potential wedding date
- The people on the guest list
- Reputable wedding planner
- Experienced wedding vendors
- Requirements for getting married in your state
- A potential wedding officiant
- Whether you’re having showers and other pre-wedding events
- Whether you want a reception after the wedding ceremony
How Long Does It Realistically Take To Plan A Wedding?
It will take you 12 to 18 months to plan a wedding. If you’re not hiring a wedding planner, you’ll be the one searching for venues and vendors, which can take a lot of time.
What Is The Hardest Part Of A Wedding Planning?
The budget is the hardest part of wedding planning because it dictates your limitations. Finalizing the guest list can also be stressful as you don’t want to overlook some people accidentally.
Conclusion
And that’s it! To recap questions to ask when planning a wedding: they talk about the budget, time, place, guests, and wedding style.
They are the essential elements to have a smooth event, and you can do the planning for 12 to 18 months.