Wedding Planning for Noobies

Wedding planning is such a big task. I thought I'd share my experience of the process so far.. get some stuff on my chest as well..

Guest List. For one thing, I didn't expect the guest list to be such a big ordeal. Of course, I'm a noob. I didn't know it would be so difficult to cut people off the list. I also didn't know that it was mandatory to invite guests that you had no memory of but your parents did - even though they rarely talked to each other. It's about sharing with the rest of your extended family this wonderful upcoming event even if you have no real connection with them. How many undiscovered/hidden aunts and uncles do I have anyway? Will they really take an airplane all the way here just to see me cut cake and toss the bouquet?

Not is it only dealing with family that you have no recollection of, but even with friends. Not all your friends will fit on the guest list (especially since family takes up most of it). It's about keeping to the budget. There might be hard feelings but if your budget doesn't allow it then you just have to say no.

Photography. If you're not doing your photos in an Asian country you're probably going to feel ripped off. You can get more costumes/gowns in Asia and more photo albums/frames/perks etc. However, if you shop around Richmond for Asian studios, they do accommodate you with gown and tux rentals on the day of and pre-wedding photo day. Shoes are not included but everything else is inclusive. Book your favorite photographer ahead of time cause chances are they are booked for the year ahead. If you can take your studio photos in Asia (honeymoon?), I recommend waiting til then.

Negativity/Advice. Sometimes the last thing a bride-to-be needs is advice. Support would be very valuable at this time. While she's going through an emotional roller coaster please be understanding. The last thing she wants is to be discouraged. Offer support and don't be judgmental. If her plans fail on the wedding day, refrain from saying: "I told you so." The last thing she wants is to have it rubbed in her face.

Expectations. People will always have an expectation of what your wedding should be or will be like. At the end of the day don't follow everyone or you'll get lost. Don't over promise and don't talk too much. Some people will end up running your wedding and others will take your ideas seriously giving themselves or others false expectations. It's okay to brainstorm but sometimes it's much safer to have ideas stay in the brain.

Budgeting. Budget for more than what you really need. Over estimate.

Gifts. Monetary gifts are preferred. The last thing you want is three toasters and five tea sets : )
Have a note on your invite that suggests monetary gifts. If they prefer to give an actual gift, have a gift registry ready just in case.

Dress. Buy it off season - when grad season is over or during the winter. Winter weddings are not as popular so dresses would be on sale at this time. If possible, get a friend to custom make the dress. That way it'll fit perfect and your dress will be one of a kind.

Reception. Book it as soon as you know your wedding date. I was darn lucky cause we got our first pick. So blessed! If it's at a Chinese restaurant, knowing the owner/manager can give you leeway on the costs as well as having the advantage of being well looked after.

Guestbook. Don't buy it at full price if you don't have to. Michael's always has sales and coupons. Scrapbooks make good guestbooks as they can be customized and photos can be inserted.

Flowers. Avoid getting flowers that are not in season. This can save you some money. Ask around for relatives or friends who may know people who own a flower shop for a discount. Since fall is all about the oranges and browns, I think I'm going for a coral theme or possibly a teal. For the fall, flowers such as stephanotis and year round flowers like roses are in season. Baby's breath makes good fillers for bouquets.

As you can see, I'm experimenting and looking into ways of funding a small budget wedding. Honestly to say, even if my budget was much bigger, I would rather still be money savvy on areas that aren't of as much significance or don't make a huge difference. At the end of the day, a wedding is only a day.. a marriage is a lifetime. Save up for what really matters.

What would you consider something that can be lightly budgeted? Care to share how you got through your wedding planning? Tips are appreciated!