wedding planning 101

The guide to wedding planning is the actual "planning". Having an idea of how you want your day to look and feel is an important part of getting started. Luckily I had been thinking a lot about my wedding before Ross popped the question, so I had a list of venues to consider and a pinterest board to consult!

I adore this centerpiece and would love to have something like this in the foyer of my venue.

Having support is also a big help, this is where my Mom stepped in. Before Ross and I left for Cabo, my Mom and I sat down to talk through the places for consideration. While we were on vacation she called our list and got the important details:

1. Available dates
2. Cost per head (including open bar, service charges, and tip!)
3. What options does the menu include? (For example, if the cocktail hour only includes tables and no passed around hors d'ouevres, I would expect to see a significantly cheaper cost.)
4. Are linens included? Are the gold chiavari chairs extra? (The ones that look like bamboo.)
5. Do you have extra fees for valet service?

These are all really important pieces of information to collect in the beginning so that you are aware of all the costs and none come out of the woodwork to surprise you down the road. It helps to write these questions down and track the answers for each venue you talk to. It will make the selection process much easier! So, thanks to my Mom we were able to narrow our list down pretty quickly!

A classic and simple twist that got QUITE the reaction on pinterest!!

By the end of that week we had picked our venue and started choosing menu items!! We also reserved the band (including a harp for the ceremony!). And later booked our photographer from our engagement session - more to come on our engagement session soon!

I hope to recreate a photo similar to this on our wedding day!

At this point my one "walking down the aisle" pinterest board expanded into quite a collection. This is helping me keep things organized, especially as I start approaching all of the details. For example, I know for sure that I want to get peach and gray striped paper straws, have childhood pictures of us on the doors to girls and boys room, and put together welcome bags that represent us and New Jersey!

I am totally swooning over this bridesmaid dress!

For your browsing pleasure, here are links to my pinterest boards:

• Walking Down the Aisle
• Wedding Flowers
• Wedding Hairstyles
• Wedding Shower Inspiration
• Bridal Fashion