Tip #2: Prioritize.

After you have determined what kind of wedding you’d like to have (Tip #1), sit down with your fiancé and discuss your wedding priorities. Since most of us don’t have an unlimited budget, it’s essential to think about the areas of your wedding that mean the most to you and allocate your budget accordingly.

First, identify the top 3-5 components of your wedding that are very important to both of you. If you can’t agree on the entire list, compromise. (It’s good practice for the marriage to follow!) Some examples to get you thinking: the venue(s), top notch food and wine, an open bar, the ceremony, photography, the wedding dress, gorgeous flowers, stunning décor, the wedding transportation, a live band, a killer party, a jaw-dropping cake, etc.

At the same time, consider the wedding components that are not very important to you. If you could care less about a wedding cake – don’t have one! If a limo isn’t a “must-have” and your bridal party is on the smaller side, why not rent stylish SUVs for the day? For the average wedding, limos typically cost around $1,000, so renting vehicles will allow you to shift some budget to areas that carry more significance for you.

Remember, what’s important to some couples may be at the bottom of the list for others. Once you’ve determined your wedding priorities, be sure to refer back to the list throughout the planning process to ensure you stay on track.

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Have you heard about our lucky + in love contest? We are giving away FREE planning consultations to three couples! The contest entry form will be available on January 21st after all 9 planning tips have been posted. Click here for all the details.

Happy planning!

Jennifer

Last post we introduced our lucky + in love contest where we are giving away FREE consultation sessions to three couples! Click here for the contest details and be sure to check back soon to enter!

Now, on to the wedding planning tips!

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Tip #1: Determine what kind of wedding you want.

This sounds fairly broad, I know, so let’s break it down…

• First things first – what wedding format do you have in mind? Is a traditional dinner and dance important to you, or would you prefer a mid-morning ceremony followed by brunch? Perhaps you like the idea of a trendy cocktail reception with sunset vows?
• Once you have the wedding format nailed down, consider your wedding size. The decision to hold a small, intimate wedding or a huge event with all your family, friends and co-workers in attendance will largely impact how your budget is allocated. Budget and the guest list are separate topics of their own, so stay tuned for specific tips on those areas.
• Wedding atmosphere and formality should also be considered early on in your planning. A formal wedding in a grand hotel ballroom requires different consideration from a casual soirée on your parents’ farm.
• Do you have a particular wedding theme in mind? For instance, if you’re envisioning a lush, “enchanted forest” at your reception a LOT of décor will be required and an appropriate venue must be considered from the get-go.

It is imperative to determine what kind of wedding you desire before making any major decisions, so discuss with your fiancé and consider all options carefully.

Check back soon for Tip #2!

Jennifer

Congratulations to all you recently engaged couples out there! This is an exciting time in your lives that can also be overwhelming. To help alleviate some of the planning pressure, we are giving away FREE planning consultations to three lucky + in love couples!

The prizes:

The three winning couples will receive their choice of one of the following packages:

• A complimentary She Said Yes! consultation session with Jennifer. This two-hour session will help you get your planning underway with vendor recommendations to match your wedding style and budget, a personalized planning checklist and budget worksheet, as well as the opportunity to discuss your questions and concerns {$250 value}.

…OR

• A complimentary two-hour Décor Consultation with Jennifer to discuss the theme and design of your wedding vision! Included in this session are creative design suggestions suited to your wedding vision, venue(s) and budget, plus vendor recommendations for rental and décor items to save you time and frustration {$350 value}.

How it works:

• Complete and submit the lucky + in love contest entry form before January 28, 2011 and you will be entered to win one of the three free consultation sessions!

The fine print:

• Contest entries will be accepted from January 21st to January 28th, 2011.
• Winners will receive their free consultation session in person in the Edmonton area or via phone / Internet if they reside elsewhere.
• This contest is not applicable to couples who are already working with another wedding planning company.
• Winners will be randomly drawn from all correctly completed contest entries received by the contest deadline: Friday, January 28, 2011 at 11:59 PM MST. The winning couples will be announced on Monday, January 31st, 2011.

Enter the Jennifer Bergman Weddings lucky + in love contest now!

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Wishing you lots of love (and a little luck) in 2011!

Jennifer + Team