What a crazy, weird time we are all living in right now. These are unpredictable, unprecedented times and if you’re like us you’ve ran through every emotion in the past few weeks or hey, maybe even just today and we are here to tell you….. that’s okay! It’s completely normal and we understand. This is all effecting us in different ways. If you are a bride or groom looking for ways to continue planning at no cost while you’re at home, this blog post is for you! Below are a few ideas of things you can do to keep your planning moving that won’t cost you a dime. We all like the sound of that!
Music Planning
What better time to begin thinking about song selections for your wedding day. This could be a fun weekend activity to do with your partner or throw on a playlist while working from home. Songs that you will want to start thinking about are as follows:
Ceremony Music (we suggest two + bridal Processional)
Recessional
Introduction into Reception
First Dance
Mother/Son
Father/Daughter
Bouquet/Garter Toss
Cake Cutting
Last Song of the Evening
Photography Shot List
Many photographers will provide you with a sample if you reach out and ask! It’s important to have a list of photographs you’d like to capture on your wedding day so that nothing gets left out and to also ensure that ample time is set aside to accomplish your photography selections.
Aside from Couples Portraits generally photos are taken with:
Entire Bridal Party Together
Bride with Bridesmaids
Groom with Groomsmen
Bride with her immediate family (mom, dad, siblings)
Groom with his immediate family (mom, dad, siblings)
Bride and Groom with her immediate Family
Bride and Groom with his Immediate Family
if you want formal photos with family beyond this it’s important to let your coordinator and photographer know so that they can add in the necessary time. Along with this, start thinking about whether you’d like to participate in a first look with your betrothed as well - this decision is key in determining the best photography timeline specific to your wedding day. *also as a note, when making this list, include names not just mom and dad so that the photographer or your coordinator can call people by name ;)
Research and Design
No matter where you are in planning there is always research and design that can be done from home without spending a dime. Sure, it may cost you down the road but this part is costless in the planning stage and can be a fun way to spend your free time at home.
You may already have a Pinterest Board started which is a great starting point for your design. In addition to a Pinterest board, we like to pull inspiration from our surroundings, as well as art, patterns and places so don’t be afraid to look beyond Pinterest when coming up with your own wedding ideas.
Research: Vendors , Budget Planning
Design: Ceremony and Reception Decor, Centerpieces, Cake Design, Personal Elements, Table Numbers, Signage, Signature Cocktails
Ceremony Planning
If you have a religious affiliated officiant or someone that you’ve hired to perform your wedding ceremony, chances are they have you covered in this department already. For those that utilize a family member or friend that has not had the privilege of performing a wedding ceremony in the past, there is a bit more work involved and you can do this from home with your favorite beverage in hand. Google is a great place to research different ceremony types, wording, readings, unity ideas, etc. but to get you started below is a general order of events for a traditional ceremony ….
PRELUDE
SEATING OF GRANDPARENTS
SEATING OF MOTHERS
PROCESSIONAL OF WEDDING PARTY
minister, groom, best man
groomsmen
bridesmaids
maid of honor
ring bearer
flower girl
BRIDES PROCESSIONAL
CEREMONY
Greeting
Presentation of Bride
Opening Remarks by Minister
Prayer if desired
Reading if desired
Vows
Exchange of Rings
Words of Pronouncement
Unity if desired
Closing Remarks
Presentation of Couple/ Kiss
RECESSIONAL
