The first thing most newly engaged couples ask is "Where do I start?" My advice is to first decide on two key elements: the number of guests you want to invite ( actually make a list ), and what you would like to spend on the wedding. Both are vital to have decided on before you start any of the planning.
From here you might want to consider hiring a wedding consultant to design, plan. Even if you cannot afford to engage a planner for the entire experience, I actually offer hourly consultations to guide the couple while they do all the legwork with creative ideas, etiquette information as well as vendor referrals. Either will save you time, and help you from making some expensive mistakes.
The first and most important is selecting the reception and ceremony sites, if they are not the same. You would need to check availability on the date you selected, make sure they can comfortably accommodate your guest count, and find out the minimum in food and beverage ( which is usually exclusive of tax and tip, so don't forget to add that in ) that they require to hold the wedding there.
Other larger venues will charge a rental fee, and then you need to hire a caterer to prepare, cook and serve the food. In addition with this type of venue you will need to rent every fork, glass, table and chair as well a myriad of other items that will be needed. This will probably be the biggest part of your budget. If the ceremony is not in the space, you will need to search for the perfect place to exchange your vows. This can be a garden, church, chapel or synagogue, or any other place you feel is the perfect place to make this commitment. When searching, find out the rental cost, the number of hours you can use the site for, as well as restrictions.
From here you would then move into the other "fixed costs," which would include officiant, entertainment/music, photographer and videographer/filmmaker. My advice for this is to make sure the things you are viewing are the work of who is going to actually be there that day. Bands switch out singers, and make sure the photos and video are taken by the person who will actually be at your wedding.
The remaining things to think about add to the variable costs, and a multitude of choices and designs come in. Save the dates, invitations, your menu of what is being served, flowers, linen, lighting, upgraded chairs and dinnerware are just a few of the many things that are truly design elements and set your wedding apart from others. But this also is where costs can go out of control, so if you do not have an unlimited budget, this is where a consultant can guide you in choosing the things that are the most meaningful to you, and will make the biggest impact.
Frank J. Andonoplas has designed social and corporate events all over the country since 1992. Frank is an active member of the Association of Bridal Consultants, and in 1995 was appointed state coordinator. He has also earned the designation of professional bridal consultant in 1993.
In 1996, he received the designation of accredited bridal consultant, and master bridal consultant in 1999, then making Andonoplas the 19th in the world to earn that distinction. He is also a member of the International Special
4 Chicago Flower & Garden Show, presented by Mariano's, is March 15-23 at Navy Pier. See www.chicagoflower.com .
WEDDING GUIDE
-See the Windy City Times special stand-alone Wedding Guide to LGBTQ supportive businesses and services, new on Feb. 5, 2014, at the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/pdf/WCTG_20140205_web.pdf or pick up the book at some of the locations where Windy City Times is distributed.
-See the Feb. 5 Windy City Times special weddings section at the link www.windycitymediagroup.com/pdf/WCT_20140205_weddings.pdf .
-See complete wedding guide listings at the link www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/WINDY-CITY-TIMES-WEDDING-GUIDE-Business-Listings/46134.html .