The holidays are the perfect time to get engaged. Affairs of Grandeur offers tips to the newly betrothed couples ready to starting planning their wedding.

Did the Christmas holiday greet you with a proposal? Did your sweetie surprise you with a token of his never ending love on New Years Eve or Valentines Day? If so, the excitement of planning a wedding can be overwhelming once the euphoria of being engaged dissipates. If you don’t start out on the right foot, the road to planning can be confusing and frustrating. The following recommendations can help the newly engaged couple seeking direction on how to get started with the wedding plans.

1. Talk about your expectations.

Understand how your partner envisions the wedding day. Close your eyes and imagine your fantasy wedding. What do you see? Do you want a formal wedding or something more casual? Do you want a large wedding or one with only family and close friends? Do you see an indoor or outdoor ceremony? Will it be at a mansion with sprawling gardens or in a hotel ballroom? Chances are your dream of a perfect day is different than your betrothed’s. You should list the aspects of the wedding that are important to the both of you and come to a compromise on where the wedding budget should be spent.

2. Wedding day and time.

Determining when to get married can truly affect your wedding budget. According to TheKnot.com, June, August and September are the months when everyone wants to get married. Following close behind are May, July and October. The more popular your wedding month, the less choice you’ll have about the site, vendors, and exact timing. Competition for services may drive up your wedding expenses, too. Try opting for an off season month (November, January through April), and you’re bound to get a more personalized service from your wedding vendors. The most popular day of the week for weddings is Saturday night. You can save yourself a considerable amount of money by choosing a Friday or Sunday to have your nuptials. The time of day you have your wedding will determine what kind of reception you should have. If you’re on a limited budget, a cocktail or dessert only fare is far less expensive than a dinner reception.

3. Where to get married.

Did you meet on the beach? Did he propose in Starbucks? Your wedding location can hold sentimental value or can be a location that you two just fell in love with. No matter where you would like to get married, remember that location availability depends on when you plan to get married. Many brides book a reception location up to a year in advance.

4. Your guest Count.

Nothing can wreak havoc on your wedding budget as your guest count. Keep the lists to a minimum if you are on a limited budget. Family and close friends should be among the intended guests. You should not feel obligated to invite everyone you’ve known since high school. There is the per-head cost for food and drinks—more guests means more cash.

“Couples really need to sit down with each other and map out what type of wedding they envision, with how many guests and what type of reception they would like to have. Many fail to realize that you don’t have to serve a seated meal. A luncheon is more than acceptable and far less expensive, especially if you have a large guest list,” says Lynette Gamble, owner of Affairs of Grandeur. “All of these elements affect your wedding budget. Knowing what you can and can’t afford before you start planning can really help you out in the long run.”

Lynette Gamble approaches every event with a youthful enthusiasm, energy and excitement. The company can manage every detail of wedding planning from the engagement party to making hotel arrangements.

For more information contact:
Lynette Gamble
(240) 281-5608
info@affairsofgrandeur.com