It's time to plan

The 2018 wedding season is upon us. It's hard to believe but just a week away from Labor Day 2017, we are at the close of another Summer season. If there's nothing else we can count on, it's that the months will fly by when you're planning any event. The earlier you can lock down any detail, the better off you'll be in the long haul.

How soon do I need top plan this out? We get that question a lot. "How early should we book the venue? The caterer? The flowers?" The answer is that the sooner you book each of the necessities of your wedding, the less stress you will put on yourself (and those around you) as the date gets closer. The last thing you want to do to yourself is cause undue stress. This day is the one you've always thought about, so don't lean to "last minute" planning. Relieve that stress level and start looking.

Do I need a firm date in place first?  Not really, no. Once you know about when you're looking at, and even if it's not a firm date yet, start that event research right away.  You don't have to have a specific date locked in but you'll be surprised at how many people have booked dates for 2018 and even 2019. Get on top of the list of your preferred venues asap!

IS an outdoor venue right for me? I get this question a lot. People can have concerns due to rain. The good news in that tents can always go up and rain can't stop love. It's not worth the stress. Check your dates for "rainy season" and go for the ceremony you want. Clearly, we prefer the outdoor venue. At one with the natural beauty of nature and the surroundings here in the park are truly breathtaking. If you want an outdoor wedding/reception, then don't let anyone tell you otherwise or scare you into a hall. The halls have a job, to book weddings every weekend. I get it. Don't let sales tactics scare you into a decision that's away from what you really want.

Is it more expensive?  Quite the contrary. Most outdoor facilities offer a more inexpensive option to the big grandiose ballroom. Yes, some brides dream of the giant chandelier like "Beauty and the Beast" but nothing tops fresh air. Besides, fresh air is FAR less expensive.  Plan the event that doesn't drain your bank account for a party that lasts a few hours. Be sure you can be among your guests, your family, your loved ones. Don't waste money on the extravagances that may be out of your budget. Save the money for the honeymoon.

I hope this helps relieve the stress of planning ahead. It's really a fun adventure in checking places out and SO much nicer when you don't have to worry about the time as much. Enjoy the process! 

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