Congratulations on your Engagement!!  The thought of getting married can be very exciting, but the planning of your big day can also be overwhelming and very stressful. If you are on a tight budget and can’t afford a wedding planner to assist with your wedding plans, then why not have a look at this write up – 5 steps to planning wedding?

Below, you will find our top 5 steps to planning your own wedding. Details on each of these steps will be published weekly, so don’t miss out on the easiest 5 steps to planning your own wedding!

Step One: Budget
Now Published at: www.weddingflair.co.za/2010/08/step-1-of-5-in-planning-your-wedding

Step Two: Guest List
Now Published at: www.weddingflair.co.za/2010/08/step-2-of-5-compiling-your-guest-list

Step Three: Wedding Venue (Ceremony & Reception Venue)
Now Published at: www.weddingflair.co.za/2010/08/step-3-of-5-choosing-your-wedding-venue

Step Four: Wedding Suppliers – photographer, videographer, DJ, cake, flowers, invitations, favours
Now Published at: www.weddingflair.co.za/2010/08/step-4-of-5-choosing-your-wedding-suppliers

Step Five: Wedding Attire
Related article: http://www.weddingflair.co.za/2010/09/wedding-dresses

1. Budget
The first thing that comes to mind when planning your own wedding is how can we afford the wedding of our dreams? Simple. First things first, is to work out how much money you have saved for your wedding (if you have been planning your engagement for a while), and then ask family if they would be willing to contribute. Once you have a budget to work by, stick to it!

2. Guest List
Draw up a Guest list including all the friends and family that you would like to invite. If you are on a budget, try only list your closest friends and family. The final numbers on your Guest List will help with your budget and finding a suitable wedding venue.

3. Wedding Venue
Decide on a wedding venue that best suits the two of you, not what any of your family and friends decide on, on your behalf! Remember, this is your special day, and it’s your opportunity to have the day that you have always dreamed of.

4. Wedding Suppliers
Shopping around for the best value for money is key here!
Photographers, Videographers, Marriage Officers and DJ’s book up very quickly (normally a year in  advance), so don’t hesitate on paying your deposits and securing your bookings – you don’t want to lose out on anything! Once you have booked all of your suppliers, you will then have a better idea of what you have available on your budget.

5. Wedding Attire
You may have already bought your dream wedding dress, when you walked into a bridal shop and thought that if you didn’t buy it now, you would never find your desired dress again! If you are not that organised, then now is the time to shop around and find that dress and suit that you always imagined  yourselves wearing on your big day.