Just Engaged

SunnySonya

I've just gotten engaged and although I've been in a few weddings I dont know where to begin with mine.  Ive been looking through magazines for ideas but i think im getting overwhelmed.  Any suggests where i should begin?

tyboyd

Congrats! Start with a budget and guest list.

SunnySonya

We have a pretty good idea on the guest list.  The budget is puzzeling.  I am realizing the wedding ideas i like are rather expensive and I am not a really DIY type.

SunnySonya

I started looking at venues.  I want something intimate and elegant.  I really don't want a hotel or any pllace that has more than one wedding at a time. Any suggestions?  We think we will have between 150 - 200 gusest.

tyboyd

I would say not to look at venues until you know your budget. I'm sending you a PM.

somethingblueevents

Howdy there! My name is Emily Lloyd and I am a wedding coordinator here in Houston with Something Blue Events. Congrats on your engagement!!!

If you would like, we can set up a free consultation to discuss where to start for your wedding planning. I can help you get started in planning process and point you in the right direction.

Please e-mail me at emily@somethingblueevents.net to set that consultation up.

Emily Lloyd
Something Blue Events
www.weddingsbyemily.weebly.com

loop0406

You should start on budget, you will see that 150-200 guests might be a little pricey. We decreased our guest list to adults only and 100 guests max to accomodate our budget and get the venue we wanted. After you set your budget and have idea of total max guests you are inviting, set a wedding date. When you search venues, I suggest emailing them for quotes, they will send you prices, menu options, pictures, etc. That is easier than going to venues in person and realizing they're out of your budget reach. After you receive the quotes and you settle on a few venues, make an appointment to see them in person. Ask all the questions you feel necessary (what is included in packages, what time do doors open for vendors to arrive, what is liquor/bar price and if outside alcohol is allowed, what happens if extra guests arrive, when is final payment due, is there wedding coordinator on site, who assists with set up and break down, is there fee for extra hours).

MdniteMustang00

Definitely a budget. And a date. And if the date is during the peak of wedding season - you're gonna want to book your venue fast.

erollis

Budget first! You can't do anything without knowing your budget.

Then a good place to start is to see what are the most important elements of your wedding to you and your fiance. Ex: you may feel food, dress and venue are most important. Fiance may feel photography, food and venue are most important. Then you spend the most on those. Also what are the least important elements in your wedding? Can you do without monogram cocktail napkins and a candy bar?

Picking a date is important. You will need a date when you talk to vendors. It can be a month and a year. Some ladies change the exact day depending on how much they want a venue.

[Deleted User]

If you know how many will be on your guestlist. then calculate how much you guys are willing to spend to have each one attend. $7? $20/per person.

Decide on what type of ceremony/venue you want. Outdoors? Church? etc. look at the big things first. BUDGET is a big thing!

auggiewed

I would receommend setting a budget first and also budgeting less then you can reasonalby afford.  Trust me you will still end up going over budget somehow!

Also, I would recommend emailing all of the venues that interest you the most to get an idea of how much the reception will cost.  I think for most people this is largest part of the budget.  Good luck!

SunnySonya

Thank you everyone.  I appreciate all your recommendations. We have our ideal budget in mind.  I am so excited to find my location.  I've send for some quotes and am still waiting to hear from a few places.  We want a place that we can do both the ceremony & reception and we would like to stay somewhere inside the beltway.  Does anyone have any suggestions.  We are planning 150 and do not want a hotel.  We want something unique.