When it comes to wedding planning, there are usually two kinds of planners in a relationship. The one that plans everything, and the one that waits to get told what to do. Each comes with its own pros and cons. We have some tips on wedding duties for the non-planner to get them to pick up their slack!
The Big Picture
Before you even begin planning, spend some time together envisioning the final day! What style of wedding do you want, how big do you want the party, and what’s the vibe. These are all essential parts of wedding planning. Then brainstorm some vendors you’ll need for your wedding day. You’re currently on a website that offers a good chunk of them. Once you’ve figured that out, go on to the next step.
Assign Some Wedding Duties
Based on your vision, now assign each other some wedding duties. These can intertwine with your natural interests. If your partner is really into music, give the role of finding a DJ to them. If they have a creative eye, give them the role of finding the decor. And if they are indifferent, this can honestly work out! Give them the things that you’re not too excited about. This can be done three months at a time and make sure to check back in with each other to make sure the vision is still on the same path.
Keep Track of Wedding Costs
Keeping track of wedding costs ties with your budgeting. Every time you book a wedding vendor, make sure you’re noting how much it all costs. And most importantly, the payments made towards those vendors. The last thing you’d want is to overpay or even worse, think you’re done with payments when you’re not!
Wedding Day Transportation
If you’re having your wedding ceremony and reception in different locations, transportation is so important. Think throughout your final wedding day. Where you’re getting ready, where you’re getting pictures taken, etc. This will be a good start in figuring out where transportation will be needed. This is also important to think about if the hotel you decide to block for your guests is far from the venue. You might have to think about getting a shuttle to get them to and from the venue safely.
More Wedding Duties For Non-Planners
- Choosing Caterer or Meal (taste testing included!)
- Find a Cake Provider (or, if applicable, the groom’s cake)
- Reserving the Rehearsal Dinner Location
- Choosing and Buying or Renting their Attire (or their respective groomsmen and/or bridesmaids’ attire)
- Buy Gifts for Your Best Man, Maid-of-Honor, Groomsmen, Bridesmaids, Ring Bearer, and/or Flower Girl
- Hiring a DJ or Band
- Choosing the Reception Entrance Song
- Choosing the First Dance Song
- Choosing a few Must-Play Songs for the Dance Floor
- Hiring a Party Bus or Shuttle
- Creating your List of Guests to Invite
- Apply for the Marriage License
- Selecting the Honeymoon Destination
Bottom line, you’re not in this alone. Your wedding day is for both you and your fiance. Make sure you each have a say and a voice in the final day. You might be surprised what you can both come up with together as a team!