When it comes to planning a wedding, the checklist can feel never-ending. From hosting showers to finding the perfect dress and tux, and all the details of the wedding day itself, there is a lot to consider.
While some things can be skipped (you don’t always have to have something borrowed and something blue), there are some non-negotiables that should always be part of your must-dos, according to renowned wedding planner Marcy Blum.
Before choosing your cake flavor or finalizing the song for your first dance, ensure Blum’s seven essentials are checked off your list. A little flexibility, insurance, and budgeting can go a long way in having a wedding to remember.
What You Will Learn
A Realistic Guest List
Inviting everyone you’ve ever known to your big day can be tempting, but remember the guest list will directly affect nearly every part of your wedding, from the venue size and catering costs to transportation and accommodations.
So, before you fall in love with a dreamy location or splurge on extra parting gifts, work with your fiancé to create a guest list that accurately reflects your priorities and your budget. Be flexible when making cuts and don’t feel bad when doing so. Do you really need to invite that friend you haven’t talked to since the third grade? “Your guest list needs to be realistic; it needs to work for you, your fiancé, your venue, and your finances,” says Blum.
A Budget You Can Stick To
Budgeting for your wedding isn’t just about crunching numbers — it’s also about discipline throughout the entire planning process. “Every wedding has a budget. I recommend sticking to it and not being dissuaded by things that are more expensive than you can afford,” Blum recommends.
Overspending on one area, like your dream venue, can quickly force you to compromise on another, such as booking a wedding band. Blum suggests setting clear parameters early in the planning process and being honest about what you can — and can’t — afford. That means avoiding any social pressure or Instagram comparisons to derail your financial plan.
Blum also cautions to make room in your budget for unexpected costs, including last-minute tenting for bad weather or additional alterations to the wedding attire.
A List of What You Don’t Like
Knowing your preferences for your big day seems logical, but knowing your dislikes can be even more valuable for the perfect outcome. “It’s obvious that you should think about what you like, but people often don’t pay attention to things they don’t like,” says Blum, offering examples including certain types of music, food, or flowers. This is especially important if you are working with a planner who may not always be able to decipher the nuances if they’re not expressed clearly (for example, if you say meat is fine for the menu, but you don’t specify you hate pork).
Whether skipping a food you can’t stand, avoiding a type of entertainment that feels off-brand, or avoiding a color you hate in photos, being transparent about your unwanted items can help you avoid unnecessary costs and uncomfortable moments on your wedding day.
A Short- and Long-Term Schedule
Planning a wedding involves hundreds of moving parts, and keeping everything on track is crucial. This is why you need two schedules, according to Blum: “A long-term planning schedule and a day-of (or weekend) schedule.”
The long-term schedule will help you stay on top of vendor deadlines, fittings, and RSVPs, while the shorter day-of timeline ensures that the ceremony, reception, and everything in between runs smoothly. Having a clear schedule can also reduce stress and help everyone involved — from planners to vendors, the bridal party, and family — know exactly where they need to be and when.
Lots of Flexibility
Weddings rarely go 100% according to plan, and being flexible can make all the difference in how you adapt and still make the day memorable. “Everything you want is not always affordable or available, so don’t get your heart set on something because you might end up disappointed,” Blum cautions.
Maybe your dream band is booked, or the sunflowers you wanted are out of season. Even so, being open to alternatives can lead to creative and meaningful solutions that may turn out even better than you had planned. Plus, flexibility allows you to focus on the bigger picture: marrying the person you love, surrounded by those who matter most.
Cancel-for-Any-Reason Insurance (In Case Things Change)
No one wants to think about what could go wrong, but being prepared for the unexpected is simply smart planning. Cancel for any reason or change of heart insurance like BriteCo offers provides peace of mind in the face of uncertainty — from natural disasters and family emergencies to global events or personal decisions including not moving forward with the union.
According to Blum, this type of policy can protect major financial investments if circumstances change, no matter the reason. As she says, “Life is unpredictable, and you never know what is going to happen. This kind of insurance policy is a game changer in the industry. It will protect a couple for any reason,” says Blum.
Jewelry Insurance for Your Honeymoon
“I’ve had many couples lose their wedding rings on their honeymoons,” Blum shares, adding that “an insurance policy to cover jewelry loss is helpful.”
It’s easy to overlook, but protecting your rings and other valuable accessories is essential, especially when traveling. Your new wedding band could become lost in the ocean, forgotten at a hotel, or simply slip off your finger.
Having specialized jewelry insurance like BriteCo offers can save you the emotional and financial heartache of replacing something so symbolic and sentimental. BriteCo’s policies offer zero deductibles and worldwide coverage for loss, damage, theft, or mysterious disappearance, so you’re always protected.
Protect Your Wedding Day with Comprehensive Wedding Insurance
Whether it’s a chance of heart, protection for engagement rings and wedding bands, or vendor or venue issues, BriteCo has your back on your big day. BriteCo wedding insurance policies offer extensive liability and cancellation protection, meaning you won’t be held financially responsible if the unexpected happens. Want to find out more? Get your free, fast quote today!
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