Conversations To Have With Your Partner

Planning your dream wedding is an exciting adventure, but it’s important to start with a solid foundation. Before you dive into the world of wedding gowns and floral arrangements, there are crucial conversations to be had. From budget considerations to setting the perfect date, and from curating your guest list to assembling your dream team, these discussions lay the groundwork for a seamless and memorable celebration. In this article, we’ll guide you through these essential conversations, offering expert insights and practical advice from seasoned wedding professionals.

BUDGET

Who and how is this killer event being funded? Whether you are self-funding or allowing the family to contribute, your first conversation should be all about $$. “Budget” shouldn’t be a dirty word. All couples have a budget. Everyone’s idea of “affordable” is different. Together, decide on a budget (or range) that you are comfortable spending and stick with it.

“Set a budget! You can’t search for and negotiate with vendors or plan what you want over need without knowing what you have to spend, and not what you want to spend! The venue, who you hire for vendors, and what decor and other extras you are considering, are very different with a $5000 budget, a $10,000 or even a $50,000 budget!”

Lesley Wise

Lavender Owl Farm

DATE

When are we doing this thing? Take into consideration your favorite season and any other major events that might distract from your big day. If you are flexible, check out your favorite venues and vendors and book around their availability. Scheduling off-peak times can save you big money in the long run.
“When you are picking your date and venue, think about what’s most important to you, your guest experience on staying on a budget. Having a weekday wedding on a 3-day weekend may be a good compromise for both.”
Hayley Starkey

Beyond The Forest Events

“First, recognize that with the pandemic, many couples have been forced to move their wedding to 2023 & 2024. So, many vendors are booked for quite a few dates already. Start early, book as many vendors as you can, and be patient. You may have to ask several times until you find someone available.”
Ernie Claeson

EC Matrimony

GUEST LIST

Who’s coming to this thing? Start by making two lists: A-List – Who would you love to be there? B-List. This is an expanded list of who you would like to attend as long as your budget allows. Keep in mind the following because they can greatly affect your count : Be consistent with plus-one’s Make a child policy for your event Guest lists can get out of hand. Make sure you are both on board with the budget and approximate headcount as early as possible.

The Crew

Choosing your wedding crew can be stressful. Your crew includes the wedding party and everyone who will be involved in the wedding planning. This can also include family and friends that you want to include in the day’s events.
“When planning a wedding, it can get overwhelming trying to make all kinds of decisions and pleasing one-too-many people…. the best thing you can do for yourself and your peace of mind is to take others’ opinions with a grain of salt and a “Thank you for your input.” Your wedding is unique to you, and nobody should get in the way of that.”
Esther Rohr

Esther Rohr Photography

Prenup

Prenups are not just for the uber-wealthy. Nobody goes into a wedding planning for it to end. But having a plan can make a lot of sense for many couples, especially as the average age of couples getting married is rising. People are coming into marriages with more assets. For some, a prenup may be less about concern over the relationship and more about creating a sense of clarity and security that enables them to fully appreciate the present moment, with their mind at ease, that any future contingencies are accounted for. Having an open and honest conversation with your partner about the potential benefits of a prenuptial agreement before the wedding may be uncomfortable but wise in the long run.