The perfect wedding prep list
Planning a wedding is exciting but it can also feel a little overwhelming when you realise just how many things need to be organised. The good news is with a bit of planning and a few budget-friendly swaps you can make the process feel a lot less stressful!
Here are some of the main things you want to tick off your wedding prep list…
The guest list - it sounds simple but the guest list really does shape your whole day - the venue, catering and even your budget. My top tip for this would be to split your list into must-haves and nice-to-haves. That way you have a much clearer picture if numbers creep up.
The venue - venues can get pricey really quickly so it’s worth thinking about what matters most to you. My top tip for this would be to choose a beautiful but simple space that you can add your own DIY touches to such as fairy lights, candles, or homemade centrepieces.
Outfits and accessories - dress shopping is one of the most exciting parts, but it can also eat up a huge chunk of the budget. Think about setting a limit before trying things on (easier said than done, I know!). Don’t forget there are tonnes of pre-loved dresses, hire options, or even high-street finds that are just as pretty but for a fraction of the price!
Food and drink - catering is usually one of the biggest costs. To keep it under control you could: skip canapés if you’re having a full meal later, choose a smaller display cake and serve cupcakes or a sheet cake to guests, and ask your venue about corkage if you want to bring your own drinks - sometimes this works out cheaper.
The wedding gift list - let’s be honest, talking about gifts can feel awkward. Do you ask for money? Do you let people buy what they want? A really easy way around this is to create a free Amazon Wedding List. You can add anything you want or need that is sold on Amazon and your guests can see whats already been purchased which avoids duplicates and ensures you’re getting a present which you will use. I think it’s a win-win as your guests know they are buying something you’ll actually use and you get to enjoy gifts that really help as you start married life. You can set it up here.
Flowers and decor - fresh flowers are beautiful but can be so pricey. Dried flowers are a great budget friendly alternative and they last longer! Or think about reusing your arrangements for example your bridesmaids bouquets could double up as table decorations later on!
Photos - Photography is something couples rarely regret spending on, but you don’t necessarily need one for the whole day. You could book someone just for a few hours to capture the main moments and then rely on your guests!
The legal bit - Don’t forget to book your registrar or church well in advance. It’s one of those details that can slip through the cracks in all the excitement.
Timeline and to-do lists - keeping a simple timeline really helps; when to send invites, when to book suppliers, when to pay deposits. Even a basic spreadsheet will keep you sane in the final few months!
Overall, there’s no denying weddings take planning, but once you break it down into manageable steps, it feels so much easier. The priorities are guest list, venue, outfits, food, gifts, flowers, photos and legal - once thats sorted the rest will fall into place.
And remember, a beautiful wedding doesn’t have to break the bank. A few smart swaps (DIY touches, second hand finds, or a free wedding list using Amazon) can save you money without taking away from the magic of the day.
