Re: help me make my wedding happen... please :)
this just helped me alot!
toffee, buy a notebook and jot down everything in it, esp regarding the vendors you speak to. this will save you so much stress when you're figuring out who to go with and what they quoted you when you first spoke to them. keep this notebook with you at all times.
first, figure out a budget- how much do you want to spend from start to finish on your wedding.
then break up your budget according to the following (i adapted it from martha stewart's recommended budget but of course play around with it according to your priorities. its helpful because it gives you a figure that you can afford to spend on any one thing so when you're negotiating with vendors, you know exactly how high you can go)-
50% (of your budget) on venue and food
of the remaining 50% of your budget, the breakdown is as follows:
20% on clothing/jewellery,
20% on decor (including flowers & stage ),
20% on photographer & videographer together,
20% on miscellaneous costs (cake, transportation (if you want a limo), DJ, invitations etc.),
20% on gifts for your groom and his family
decide on the number of guests you're having, then find a venue and book it.
decide on your invitations and order them ASAP. invites usually go out 2-3 months before the wedding, so you really have to get moving on these.
based off the venue (if you don't already have something in mind), settle on your decor & colors. ask the venue if they'll decorate for you. if not, ask them for recommendations for florists and decor vendors. book someone you're comfortable with.
schedule a menu tasting if they offer one. this doesn't need to be done right away, but its a good way of picking out exactly what you want to serve your guests.
figure out what clothes and jewellery you want and how to go about getting them made (trip to pakistan or getting them made in Sharjah, darzi or designer, mom's vintage jewellery or something new for you, etc)
figure out what you're family will be wearing, and any presents that you might have to give to him and his family. sort out where to get those made.
hire your photographer & videographer.
book a makeup artist.
sort out someone for your cake (if you want one).
find a DJ (if you want one).
if you'd like to register for gifts, do that too. remember to pick a variety of options in terms of prices so your guests have choice.
i'm not sure if this is an entirely arranged scenario, but if not, and if your fiance is close by, involve him by all means. this is a big day for both of you and there is no need for you to make all the big decisions yourself.
remember to negotiate with all of the people you speak to- don't just take the first price you are offered.
and of course, let us know if there is anything else we can lend a hand with! :)
p.s: anyone know how to reach Gina by email? i'm sure she'd be able to help out even more if we could give her email address to toffee?
