5 Things You Need to Know as a Bride-to-Be

This blog post is all about things you need to know as a new bride-to-be.

If you are planning a wedding and don’t know where to start, then this article is for you. I have been a wedding blogger for over 5 years and have learned over the years what every new bride-to-be should know when beginning her journey.

In this blog post, I will share some wedding tips that are often overlooked but are crucial to the wedding planning process.

This list will help you get started and give you the confidence to continue planning your wedding, no matter what challenges you may face. Whether you’re having a small wedding, a destination wedding, or eloping, we have something for you.

5 Amazing Tips for the Bride-to-Be

Start planning early

This may sound stressful but you’d want to start early to avoid any future headaches. Or course enjoy being newly engaged and a fiance because it only lasts a short season of your life.

Slowly begin to outline what you want for your wedding day. Here are some tips for crafting your wedding planning timeline.

Break down what you want to get done month by month. For example, 12 months out from the wedding, start researching, think of your priorities, decide if you want a wedding planner, get inspiration on the style and decorations you want.

Another example is 2 months out from the wedding, enjoy your bachelorette party, start writing your vows, make your seating chart etc.

Having an organized timeline of what you need to do is very important to make this as seamless as possible. There are also apps and checklists you could use to help get you started.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

Determine with your partner how much you want to spend on your wedding. Some couples spend about 5-25% of their combined annual income on their wedding. I’ve seen other budgets consist of 2% of the couple’s combined annual income.

Here is how you prioritize your spending. You should get a general idea by determining vendors, guest list, wedding planners, officiant, attire, entertainment, food and videography. Research the cost of each and see what fits your budget. Remeber hidden costs like alterations and gratuity.

3. Wedding Email

This is a game changer for keeping everything inorder for wedding planning. Create a wedding email for your wedding related activities.

Since you’ll be going back and forth vetting and communicating with vendors, planners or coordinators, make a wedding specific email so that they all go in the same place.

It’s way better than using your flooded personal email. You could make the email as simple as your name and your partner’s name at gmail.com (allieandchriswedding2027@gmail.com).

That way if you have a lot of vendors, messages from your florist, DJ, make-up artist, and caterer are all in the same place.

4. Choose Dream Team

If you decide to have a bridal party, you’d want to make sure they’re your dream team. Here’s my criteria for choosing your brides.

Before you start, make sure you have a conversation with your fiance to figure out if you wan the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. Or if you fine with an asymmetrical wedding party. Decide how big of a wedding party you want and discuss your budget.

Decide what you want and don’t want out of your bridesmaids. I’d go with friends that are low maintenance, low drama, willing and enthusiastic to help you.

If you know if any of your friends are drama and may steal your joy, then it is time to consider if making them apart of the wedding party will be helpful or hinder your wedding planning.

You also have to consider if they have the time to be a part of the wedding and all the related events. Please know that there are time and financial commitments in being a bridesmaid.

There are no rules when choosing your bridesmaids. Be sure to choose people who are relevant to you know or people who you KNOW you’ll have a life long relationships with.

For example, you and your best friend from high school may not be as close anymore. You do not have to make them a bridesmaid, but you could invite them to the wedding.

Another example is say if were a bridesmaid in your friend from college wedding. That does not mean you have to make them a bridesmaid in your wedding.

A big tip is also remember that blood is thicker than water. So If you do not make a friend a bridesmaid, you may no get the same response as not having your sister be a bridesmaid. Just think about how your sister is more permanent than a friend and it may cause drama in the family as well.

After you choose your bridesmaid, be sure to delegate tasks like attending the bridal shower, wedding dress shopping, and rehearsal dinner, if applicable.

5. Research Vendors Carefully

You could lead with which vendors best fit your budget. Be sure to read reviews from brides and other couples. Use popular review platforms like Google Reviews and look for patterns their feedback.

Do people rave about the vendors? Are they professional and reliable? Are there recurring complaints about poor deliveries or late deliveries?

Once you narrowed down your list schedule consultations. This is your chance to get to know your vendors. Ask questions and discuss your wedding day vision. Ask questions like: What do you include in your packages? Do you offer customization? What’s your back up plan in case of an emergency?

Remember to be upfront about your budget and pay attention to how they communicate. Are they enthusiastic, organized and professional?

As for contracts, use them as your safety net. A contract outlines exactly what you’re getting. Whether it’s services, products, and timelines. It protects you from last minute surprises and unexpected cancelations. It ensures both parties have a clear understanding if responses.