For this weeks blog post, I invited my friend Jena from River Top Event Coordinating to give us a little insight into some things you may not know about planning a wedding. Let’s see what she had to say…

Planning a wedding can be hard and not knowing where to start or even if you are in the right direction. There are a few main points that need to be stressed; Time, Energy, Budget.

Time: wedding planning is a time consuming project. Not only do certain action items need to be done in a reasonable amount of time, but you have the timelines for your big day. This is one of the biggest struggles that I see couples go through. Not realizing that it takes so much time to plan your perfect day but knowing when to do the action items too. Please leave yourself 12-9 months to plan your wedding day. This will allow you to book your favorite vendors, but if you have your heart set on a certain photographer or venue make an appointment to meet with them as soon as that ring is on your finger. Popular vendors fill up fast and even 18 months out can be normal. IF you are wanting a quick engagement, remember that some of those vendors may not have your perfect date available. Be flexible with your date if that one perfect vendor does not have your date. This will allow you time to plan more and eventually be happier in the long run. Now for your perfect day! Trust your vendors (photographers, wedding planner, catering) they all have done this a time or two and are professionals. Not only do they know what works and what doesn’t, they have perfected how long it takes to do certain tasks. It is always better to err on the side of more time than to feel rushed, especially when it comes to photos. You can always join your guests at cocktail hour if you get done with your intimate moments photo or better yet take a few minutes to take in what just happened. Remember at the end of the day you are marrying your best friend, partner in crime, and lover.

Energy: Yes this a key factor in what people may not know about planning a wedding. It takes a lot of energy to pull off a flawless wedding ceremony and reception. Energy for those late nights or early mornings that end up being filled with guest lists, invites, song selections, tailor appointments, and other vendor appointments too! This is all on top of your regular schedule. Also I encourage to keep dating each other during this process, and yes it takes energy to put together a thoughtful date night to keep that love growing. Wedding planning also can suck the energy out of you by fighting, whether that be with your soon to be better half, family, or friends. A way to recharge this energy is to take a week halfway through the planning process and not do anything wedding related. Seriously, take a break. You do not have to be in 24/7 wedding planning mode. Better yet, take a mini getaway to the next biggest city and enjoy a weekend either by yourself pampering or with your best friends. You will be refreshed and reenergized when you get back. I promise.

Budget: Ugg what every couple hates about wedding planning and may not realized how hard it can be. More then 90% of my couples go over budget, it may only be $100 but it can also be $1000+ quickly if you are not careful. You may not be prepared for this, and I am telling you stick to the budget as much as you can. This will cause a disagreement if you cannot stick to the budget. Honestly, if you are in a pinch, do not be afraid to ask for help as a wedding gift. You may have to postpone your honeymoon to an off season to save or instead of ribeye on the menu try grilled chicken. Consider all your options and have a little wiggle room. A tip for setting your budget: plan on spending x amount, set that then have a reserved fund of at least $2000 more just in case. You may have to pull from that fund if at last minute you have to replace something like a ripped pair of suit pants…

Jena is the wedding planning queen of Rivertop Event Coordinating. She has over 15 years of customer service background and developed her skills at one of the largest venues in the Indianapolis. Now she serves the Southern Indiana area & is here to help turn your wedding day dreams into a reality while you spend it celebrating with loved ones!

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Kalli June is a playful, laidback, adventurous wedding and senior portrait photographer based out of Southern Indiana. She loves incorporating a documentary style into her work with movement and flow. With every session, her goal is to capture those raw and genuine moments that come from just being yourself.

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