Monday, March 12, 2012

Colorado Springs Wedding Planner | Steps to Planning Your Wedding

Two of the biggest days for engagements have now passed and you are one lucky girl with a ring. So now you have the ring…what next? The excitement to start planning your dream wedding is upon you but you are a little overwhelmed as what to do next?  Well first, enjoy your engagement day to the fullest. Never forget this day and how he proposed to you. I personally love hearing the stories, and romantic and unique ways men propose to their women.

Next, follow the guidelines below to assist you in the first planning stages of your wedding. Enjoy the planning process, it can actually be FUN!

1.       Start planning and become organized: Being organized is the first step to successful planning. Go out get a binder or planning book to organize your thoughts, pictures, and details of your day. Notate all items pertaining to your wedding and clip pictures and insert them into your planning book to refer back to your inspiration.

To purchase a personalized “Wedding Planner” by Sarah Viera Event Planning & Design, enter your information here. In the subject field note: Wedding Planner.


2.       Plan engagement party: Let the first of many parties and celebrations begin! Your engagement party should happen as close to your engagement date as possible, but if you plan to have a long engagement you can extend the engagement party out. Just remember to plan the party closer to your engagement date rather than your wedding date.

3.       Take engagement pictures:  Like your engagement party your engagement pictures should be scheduled around the time of your engagement date. You need to decide the location and time you want your photos taken and find a photographer that fits your style. Photos are captured moments that you will treasure forever so finding the right place and person to make those moments last a lifetime is an important decision.

Audrey Hannah Photo


Audrey Hannah Photo

Audrey Hannah Photo


4.       Pick a date: This task is harder than most think unless you already have a special date representing the two of you. If not, consider Holiday weekends. They provide an extra day to celebrate and can even bring down your venue budget if you book on a Sunday! One thing to consider is if families have holiday traditions they celebrate and travel expenses may be higher.

5.       Choose a reception venue: Reserving a venue in the beginning stages of planning is ideal. Venue’s book faster than you can imagine especially if you have chosen a Saturday during prime wedding season. Double check with your venue’s availability if you are planning on getting married in the months from May-September.
Spruce Mountain Ranch Sarah Roshan Photography


6.       Set a budget: Determine a starting point and go from there. Make a list of all the things you want especially those most important for your special day and determine where your budget will be used most.

7.       Design your wedding website: Keeping friends and family informed on the upcoming wedding is made simple and fun using a wedding website. This is a wonderful place where you can share stories, have guests RSVP, post wedding registry information, give directions, post photos and many more wonderful bit on information all in one easy location. (Wedding websites: http://www.wedsite.com, http://www.ewedding.com, http://wedding-websites.weddingpaperdivas.com)

8.       Consider a consultant: Having a wedding planner/consultant can be a huge help during such an exciting but stressful time. A planner is there to help you make your dream day come true in any way possible. Nowadays there are so many DIY ways to do wedding but it is easy to get bogged down with the details of who needs to be where and when this has to happen, that is where a planner comes in. You and your sweetie should enjoy the celebration of the beginning of your new life together and let your planner worry about everything else.

9.       Start a guest list:  Figure out the size of your wedding and reception venues to help you determine the number of guests to invite. Outdoor venues typically have no limitations but indoor venues do which ought to be considered if you are planning for a lot of people. At the beginning of your planning feel free to put anyone and everyone on your list, you can always cut it down later. There are very helpful online tools to get you started on your list.

10.   Pick your wedding party: Decide how many people you both want standing up with you on your wedding day. From there the most important decision is to pick your maid of honor. Someone who is going to be there at your worst and best moments throughout this process. Having a group of ladies who are supportive and willing to help is such a benefit during this time.



Amanda Lamb Photography


As you begin this journey make sure you have support around you, whether that is your mom, your maid of honor, a sibling, a grandparent, or your planner. Having a support system to stand by you as you plan your magical day is very important and you will soon realize a huge benefit. If you are like most girls you have probably been looking forward to this day for a long time and already have many ideas. Now is the time to take a deep breath and start making those dreams come true!
Call Sarah Viera Event Planning & Design for assistance with the planning process, the day of, or beyond.


Thursday, March 8, 2012

Colorado Springs Wedding Planner | Meets Denver Photographer | Keri Doolittle


I think I have mentioned this before, but I LOVE photography! Its just a little passion of mine that I would have liked to pursue more. Not to be a professional photographer by any means, but to be able to take a nice picture and be proud them. When Keri from Keri Doolittle Photography emailed me to meet, I was beyond excited! Her work is amazing. So clean-cut and crisp, which is something I love. She brings laughter and passion when working and is a pleasure to be around. We met at the beautiful Spruce Mountain Ranch and braved the cold for a few fun shots. Courtney, my new intern, came along and got some glam time behind the camera as well. 





 
Thanks Keri for the fun times and great pictures!

For more information on Keri please visit http://www.keridoolittlephotography.com/