Wedding planning can be fun, of course. But there are certain aspects that are about as entertaining as doing the dishes. So we turned to our wedding planning experts to identify the most tedious tasks—as well as the reasons you simply can’t to put them off. Check one of these items off your list your list each week and you’ll be making small—but very important!—steps toward your big day.
1. Building a budget.
Few people build household budgets let alone financially plan for what very well may be the most expensive day of their lives. “Budgeting is difficult because it takes a lot of footwork and patience at the start of the planning process,” commiserates Viva Max Kaley, New York-based wedding planner and creator of Viva Max Weddings. But creating a budget now not later not only keeps you from financial fumbles you’ll surely regret but prepares you to see your big day big picture. “A budget gives you an understanding of the big picture—how do each of your decisions affect the bottom line?” Kaley explains. “If you don't get this out of the way, then as you make decisions it will be difficult to have the confidence that your purchases are aligning with the financial goals of the wedding.”
2. Gathering guests’ addresses.
You may think you’ve got this bothersome task in the bag. But, warns Kelly Heyn, owner of SociaLife Event Planning in New Jersey, “this can be surprisingly daunting.” Why? Because, as Heyn points out, “we live in a world of instant communication, and it seems that barely anyone sends letters anymore. And therefore, you likely don’t have your college roommate’s or co-worker’s addresses just laying around.” So long before it’s time to address your invitations, it’s smart to make a spreadsheet of your guests’ addresses and keep it up to date as the months go on. “Include first and last names, as well as the prefix of each of your guests, so that you can create your formal invitations,” Heyn suggests.
3. Creating a to-do list.
If your to-do list already long enough without adding items such as, “search Etsy for custom-engraved cufflinks,” join the soon-to-be married club. But putting off writing down what you must do will only hurt your sanity in the end—and penning your action items doesn’t have to be difficult. “Exact timing of the items isn't as important as just writing out everything you need to do so you don't feel like you need to get everything done at once,” says Kaley. “When you begin the planning process it's easy to burn yourself out early, so it's better to spread out the tasks. Get a sense of what you should be prioritizing so you don't get overwhelmed.”
4. Booking your hotel room block.
Just as you wouldn’t leave your honeymoon reservations until the last minute, neither should you wait to book a hotel block for your out-of-town guests. As Heyn explains, “most hotels only have a limited amount of rooms they can block—and if another wedding party gets to it before you, you may be out of luck.” Begin a hotel block search as soon as you’ve set your date to ensure your guests have a sensible place to stay—and consider including your hotel choice on your save-the-dates for guests who may want to make their reservations early. “Make sure you research different hotels in the area and call them for prices,” Heyn advises. “Some hotels even offer wedding packages, throwing in free transportation or breakfast for your guests.”
5. Making a music list.
Your DJ may spin the tunes, but he or she will surely ask you for a list of your favorite songs to add to his or her playlist. “They’ll also ask for artists you like or don't like so they can learn your taste and develop a set for your wedding—and coming up with all your favorite songs on the spot isn't easy,” warns Kaley. Keep yourself from logging long hours on Spotify by writing down the music that makes you want to dance as you go. “Right after you get engaged, start creating a list on your phone of all the songs you love,” Kaley suggests. “Keep it on your phone so you can easily add new ones as they come to mind and not forget if you hear one while you're out and about.”
6. Assembling hotel welcome bags.
Dreaming up the treats you’ll stuff into your guests’ welcome bags is one thing—but buying each tiny item and taking time to stuff them delicately into containers is another beast of a task altogether. But thankfully, “if you are planning on giving out welcome bags to your guests, these are items that you can begin to purchase in advance,” Heyn points out. “Most couples wait to the last minute to put these together because they want to know the final count before making them—but the truth is, you probably already have a good idea of who will be booking rooms.” So buy up your items—such as Advil, water, or candy—as you see them on sale, and story them until closer to your wedding day. “It will help you save money and you will appreciate having it done in advance,” Heyn says.
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