Setting priorities before planning.

At the beginning of our wedding planning, my fiance and I discussed and set our big picture priorities. When would we have it? Who would we invite? What did we want it to be like?

Then I found a standard wedding industry checklist (there are more elaborate lists out there) which listed all the things “you need”. Some things, like a wedding license, I will need but many of the things on these lists, like glow sticks for the dance floor, aren’t necessary at all- who really “needs” glow sticks? After perusing the list, I proceeded to cross off everything I would skip entirely, add the things I would like to have, and mark the items that I needed to investigate further/beg for, borrow, or improvise with things I already own.

Here is what my list looks like:

Site rental fee -Free

Caterer -DIM (Do it myself), hiring people to help prepare, serve, and clean-up

Kids Menu

Cake-Ask a friend

Cake knife-borrow

Cake topper-borrow

Groom’s cake

Cold Beverages -buy in bulk

Coffee –buy in bulk

Alcohol –buy in bulk

Tent

Lighting

Tables

Chairs

Staff- hire family friends to help

Table linens, napkins

Silverware

China

Valet Parking

Limousine

Coordinator- Ask a friend

Stemware

DJ or IPOD -still deciding

Place cards

Dance floor

Glow sticks

Candy bar

Centerpieces- DIM

Additional decorations- minimal

Photography -Ask a friend

Boutonnieres -DIM

Favors

Videographer

Wedding band for Groom

Wedding band for Bride –my engagement ring is perfect, no need for a band

Invitations -print myself

Reception cards

Save the dates

RSVP cards –print myself

Map

Postage –for invite only

Personalized address stamp

Church

Priest

Unity candle

Organist -maybe a friend?

Flowers for the Church

Pew decorations

Programs –yes, but cheap, cheap

Flower girl basket

Ring pillow

Dress –from consignment

Alterations- friend helping

Veil -consignment

Shoes –wear some I already own

Jewelry -borrow

Tanning

Bridal bouquet -DIM

Wedding day brunch

Bridal party gifts

Bridal party bouquets -DIM

Thank you cards –Use some I already own

Gifts for parents

Parking

Florist- order flowers in bulk and DIM

Groom’s suit

Marriage certificate

Save the dates

Guest book -use old postcards instead

Added:

Sparklers- discount after 4^th of July from a state line stand

Lawn games- that we already own

Lace shrug- from etsy

As my sister pointed out, I have a lot of DIM projects but I think it'll be possible thanks to my wonderful family and friends who are willing to help. There are so many things that I would love to have but a tight budget means letting some things go. This list of priorities keeps me from buying things outside the budget and although I might fall in love with letterpress invitations or a stellar photographer, they're not worth the sacrifice of cutting loved ones off our guest list.