Here are a few things to help brides and grooms-to-be with the initial stages of wedding planning.
1. Set your budget.
Finances will give parameters for many of your wedding planning decisions. Create a firm budget. A wedding planner can also help with creating a customized so you can decide what is most important to you and what you’re willing to spend for what. At The Forum, we can help with giving ideas for much of your wedding costs.
2. Determine your wedding size.
Based on your budget and how many guests feels good to you, decide the number of guests you’d like to have. A small intimate wedding with only the closest family and friends or a large casual wedding that includes all of your family and friends. 50? 100? 200+?
Next, make a guest list in an Excel document to see where you are. You can always cut back or add on to the list. Make sure that you have the list from your parents included.
3. Venue.
Your guest count will also help you decide which locations will work for you and identify additional costs based on the location. Have you thought about where you want to have your wedding ceremony? What is your wedding vision?
Here’s where we come in. Your venue will help shape the style and design of the wedding too.
Our beautifully appointed ballrooms are conveniently located and can graciously accommodate from 50-500 guests for your wedding celebrations.
You can also take The Forum’s fabulous food and services off premise anywhere throughout the MD/DC/VA area.
4. What Time of Year.
Consider these as you decide when to get married:
- What is the average weather and temperature, especially if you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding?
- When does the sun set? Will you have a full day of light or will it get dark early? Does that matter?
- Is it a holiday weekend? There are often discounts available for our services during holidays for weddings. Contact our event consultants for more information.
5. Your Wedding Style.
Did you want more of a casual wedding? Do you want your guest to wear semi-formal or black-tie apparel? Your wedding style will also affect your budget and guest count. For instance, a formal wedding will usually increase your wedding costs.
And there you have it.
Just a few things to get you started! If you need assistance in getting your wedding planning going, our event consultants would love to help you plan the wedding you desire. Your wedding. Your way.
In over 40 years of serving this community, we have worked with thousands of couples to craft the perfect celebrations. Are you next? Contact us at 410-358-1101
so that we can meet with you to discuss making your wedding vision a reality.
