Planning Time

Again, we come to that time of year when plans are made for weddings that will take place during the warmer months.  Of course, in warmer climates and large cities, these things go year around, but here in the cold of Michigan, plans are made during the winter for weddings that will make their splash during the summer months.

Now is the time to make appointments with vendors—the caterers, deejays, photographers, venues, and, of course, wedding officiants.  With the price of petrol soaring, it is wise to track down vendors who are local to the place you will be having your ceremony and reception, rather than paying for travel expenses.  If money is no object, and you have your heart set on a particular individual, of course this is not a concern.

The things you will need to nail down before you start setting up your professionals, is an exact date and time for your ceremony.  Even if you don’t have your venue yet, busy professionals need to know, for their own scheduling, the date and time.  It may be open to change, if you need to make adjustment for one vendor or another, but give a ballpark figure at least.  And if you do need to change the time, be certain to inform all of your vendors, as they are scheduling for other clients as well.

Some of the considerations you will need to take into account when you select a date and time is whether all the members of your wedding party are available.  You probably aren’t going to be able to please everyone, someone may have to take time off work, and if someone special is coming from a distance, making things as convenient for that person is a higher priority than someone who lives a block away. 

Once you’ve settled on a date and time, then you go forward and contact vendors and get everyone lined up.  Start with the venue, as their schedules tend to fill in the fastest.  Then get an officiant, a caterer, photographer, and if needed, get the assistance of a wedding planner.  If you are having a large and extravagant wedding, their expertise is most helpful.

Starting with a date and time that is cast in stone will help you organize your wedding much easier and take away headaches later on.