Let’s be honest, planning a wedding can be overwhelming. From the start of your engagement,
you’re in wedding planning mode. You want the big day to be special and as a result, will require
a lot of preparation. Whether you’re at the start of the planning process or somewhere in the
middle, these tips can keep you on the right track toward the wedding of your dreams.
Plan the Wedding YOU Want
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a wedding boom in 2022, and it might continue into 2023.
Since so many couples had to postpone their 2020 or 2021 nuptials, weddings in 2022 were
bigger and more extravagant. But, don’t let these trends determine what your wedding will look
like. Avoid the pressure to have the larger-than-life wedding that you see on social media and
instead plan the wedding that you want. Many people focus on making up for the lost time or
events that the pandemic caused, resulting in over-the-top weddings. Don’t break the bank for a
lavish wedding that you didn’t really want. It’s your special day and it should reflect you and your
partner’s relationship, so do what makes sense for you. Your guests are there to celebrate you,
not just the event.
Set a Realistic Budget
It’s no secret that weddings can be expensive. The average New York wedding costs around
$48,000. Of course, your wedding costs can vary based on the number of guests, the venue,
the food, and more. It’s easy to go overboard while planning a wedding, so it’s important that
you set a reasonable budget and stick to it. Talk with your fiance about a realistic budget for the
wedding that won’t be detrimental to your future plans. If you’re not sure where to start, break
down your total budget into categories that represent the expenses you’ll have, leaving wiggle
room for the must-haves at your wedding. Be sure to track your spending by using a
spreadsheet to avoid going over budget.
Start Planning Early
Planning a wedding can take longer than you think. Allocate enough time to plan your wedding
and start booking important vendors, including the wedding venue, as early as possible. New
York City has a lot of high-in-demand vendors such as photographers, DJs, and caterers that
book months in advance, so make sure these are a top priority as you start planning. It’s also
important to have a backup plan if the vendor you wanted is booked on your wedding day. If you
have more options, you’ll be less likely to be disappointed when your favorite NYC wedding
photographer isn’t available. Typical weddings take at least a year to plan, but if you’re
organized and prepared, you can plan the big day much sooner.
Prioritize Photography
Getting married is a huge milestone in a relationship and you’ll want to have photos to
remember for the rest of your life. These photos tell the story of your wedding day. After
spending months, or years, of planning, you’re going to want to remember every little detail.
With the right NYC wedding photographer, they can capture the beauty of your wedding,
highlighting every pivotal moment and emotion. But how do you know if you’re hiring the right
photographer? Here are some things to consider before you book your photographer:
-They have a killer portfolio
-Their photography style matches your aesthetic
-Their value matches the cost
-They have great reviews
You’re also going to want to book a photographer that is familiar with the venue or city. Don’t
book someone from Florida if you need an NYC wedding photographer. Local photographers
may also have more experience shooting in your location, resulting in more polished photos.
Many people don’t set aside the proper budget for a wedding photographer, which can lead to
some major regret. Years from now, you’ll want to be able to flip through your wedding book and
reminisce on the wonderful memories of your special day. Stash extra cash for a good
photographer. The best NYC photographers are an investment and should be a priority as you
plan your wedding.
Have a Vision for Your Dream Wedding
The wedding planning process can be exciting and you’ll want to jump right in after getting
engaged. Before you start buying your wedding invitations and centerpieces, have a vision of
what you want your wedding to look like. Your vision should be personal and reflect your love
story with your partner. One way to get an idea of your wedding aesthetic is by browsing
through bridal magazines, blogs, or Pinterest. While you don’t need to have a specific theme or
motif, it can help ease the planning process and give your wedding a cohesive feeling. There
are so many decisions to make when planning your wedding that having a color scheme can
help narrow down your choices. Having a vision can also guide others to understand what you
want so they can help make your dream wedding come true.
Create an Email Address for Wedding Planning
As you get into the wedding planning process, you’ll be communicating with many different
professionals. But, if you’re using your personal email address, not only will you overload your
inbox, but important messages could get lost in the mix. Streamline the communication process
by setting up an email address dedicated to your wedding. Use this email address to keep in
touch with your vendors, subscribe to wedding-specific newsletters, and keep junk mail out of
your personal inbox. When the wedding is long over, simply delete the account and you won’t
have to worry about wedding spam emails in the long run.
Prepare for Life After the Wedding
Although you may be focused on planning your wedding, don’t forget to plan for life after the
wedding. Your wedding day starts a new chapter in your relationship, but what comes next?
Some couples may be thinking about the honeymoon, but others may be looking to buy a house
together after getting married. If you’re looking to purchase a home shortly after the wedding,
consider setting a smaller budget, so you can take the next step in your marriage. You’ll need to
find out how much house you can afford and adjust your budget accordingly.
Marriage planning isn’t just about the wedding day, it’s also about your future together. There
are many factors and decisions that go into wedding planning and it can create stress for you
and your partner. Communication is the best way to create your dream wedding and lay the
foundation for your future together.
NYC wedding photographer for all couples in love- Matthew Sowa Photography
