Marriage is one of the next stops for dating couples who wish to take their relationship to the next level. However, planning an entire wedding isn’t as simple as popping the question and saying yes.
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There are plenty of questions to consider, including what to wear, where to host the event, how many people to invite, and more importantly, how much money to spend. Finding answers to these questions can be challenging for every couple around the globe.
According to popular sources, including My Kiwi Wedding, New Zealanders spend roughly NZD 35,000 on their weddings, which comes to about 23,000 US dollars. This may seem like a lot to host their beautiful dream wedding to some couples. But hey, don’t give up one you dream yet. You can easily plan a wedding and create memories of a lifetime without feeling left out. So, if you’re looking for some expert wedding planning tips, continue reading below.
- Set a budget and plan accordingly
Start planning your budget by prioritizing what you wish to spend your money. Pen down the things you or your fiancé cannot compromise on at the top, and then gradually write less-important stuff. This way, you’ll know what to spend on and what can be ignored. As we’ve mentioned above, New Zealanders tend to spend an upward of 30k NZD on weddings. However, if you feel there’s plenty you don’t want to leave out, you can always take out a loan from local lenders. Look up the best wedding loan company NZ on the internet and make your dreams come true! Be sure to check all the T&Cs.
- Start early
Start planning and booking as soon as possible. The earlier you start this process, the more time you will have until your wedding day. You can plan your wedding for the exact season and date you desire and fix any mistakes or mishaps during planning. You also have the advantage of changing your options, vendors, and location if you start early.
- Choose your wedding look
You will want to decide on a theme as soon as possible since everything else rests on this decision. Do you want an outdoor wedding on a cliff-top wedding at Castaways Resort, or are you settling for an intimate backyard wedding? Decide your venue so you can move on to decorations and color schemes. Similarly, decide what you want to wear according to your wedding theme and what’s currently trending in New Zealand fashion. You can begin your research by looking up various designers like Jessica Couture, Hera Couture, and Rue de Seine. You can follow makeup artists like Belles and Brides for your wedding makeup and hair inspiration. Do your fittings and trials, and take pictures so you have your entire look sorted.
- Meet your vendors
Never pick the first wedding service vendor you come across. Always consider a few options before signing a contract. Start by searching up vendors according to a category; for example, search vendors for event photography, videography, florists, or jewelers. Then choose the best five and meet them in person. State all your demands and budget and get multiple quotes. Explaining will help vendors understand your vision for the wedding, and they can work accordingly. Your choice of professionals to work with can make or break your entire wedding experience, so be sure to choose someone you can trust and rely on.
- Pick your menu
Food is an important part of your wedding and something that guests notice quite often, so you cannot compromise on food. You can either opt for a wedding caterer or cook your own. If you go for a wedding caterer, it may cost you anywhere between NZD 50 and 150 per head, and you can have a delicious menu. New Zealand caterers offer a variety of dishes, including seafood, meat, desserts, wine, and are often easy to book. Whichever caterer you choose, your menu should include canapés, a main meal containing New Zealand’s favorite fresh meat and vegetables, and cocktails.
- Read before you sign
Whether you book a photographer, caterer, or makeup artist, everyone will ask you to sign a contract. Before you sign any agreement, be sure to read the fine print thoroughly. Moreover, keep an eye for hidden or additional fees within a contract and ask questions if anything feels fishy. For example, you may have to pay NZD 100 for dress alterations, and many dress vendors may not tell you that upfront. Therefore, to avoid spending extra money, be sure to read your contract and sign only when you feel satisfied.
- Prepare your guest list
It’s best to limit your guest list if you want to manage your total wedding cost. You can begin by making a guest list. Begin by dividing your guests into categories such as significant, less important, and insignificant. Then decide whether children should attend the wedding or not. Opt for a small, intimate guest list to keep things simple and less expensive. The more people you invite, the more food you’ll need to order, and you’ll also have to book a bigger venue. So, keep it limited instead.
- Relax
Planning your dream wedding can be quite overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be that way if you choose to. Take some time off with your family and friends to enjoy your days. Play a board game, throw a picnic, or have a musical night to de-stress yourself. Moreover, spend time with your fiancé talking about other things besides the wedding. Clearing your mind can help you think better and make smarter decisions. If you’re feeling something isn’t working, such as the flower décor or invitation design, leave it, relax, and come back to it later.
Conclusion
The day you tie the knot is the day your whole life changes! Everyone’s attention will be on you, and your emotions may be all over the place. But one thing is for sure- you will be happy. To make your dream wedding come true: all you need is patience, determination, some creativity, and a lot of good planning. The tips mentioned above can assist you in organizing a perfect wedding.
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