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1.01.2013

{wedding wednesday: first things first & a giveaway}

I know. If you read wedding blogs at all, I'm sure you're tired of all of the "things you need to do first" wedding planning posts. We're writing them because more people get engaged during the holidays than any other time of the year, and January is the top month for wedding planning. I've written on this topic before, but I wanted to share with you my number one thing that I believe you should start with. It's the first thing that I do with all of my wedding clients, before we decide on a budget or location or date. 
photo by Kimberlee Miller // coordination by A Charming Occasion
It's simple, really. And it's so obvious that it's forgettable. It's also one of the most important things you can do for your wedding, especially if you're on a budget. 
Honestly? That's it. That's all I have for you today. But I promise you that once you put your wedding priorities in order, it will all fall into place. Don't try setting your budget or coordinating vendors until you do. And don't start following some arbitrary wedding planning timeline that you find on a website until you do. Because that timeline might tell you to hire your florist before you hire your DJ, even if the music at your wedding is much more important to you than your flowers. If you start early enough, and if you create your own planning timeline, it won't be nearly as stressful as trying to follow someone else's guidelines.

And as for the budget, that gets easier to. Think of it this way. Say the most important thing to you is you're pictures. You've filled out your wedding budget, and you've allocated $4,000 for your photographer. You immediately find your dream photographer, and they're only $3,500! You've already fulfilled your number one priority, and you still have $500 that you get to use somewhere else.

Common sense. I know. But I think you'd be surprised at how many wedding planners don't plan based on their clients' priorities, and instead follow a strict schedule that that may or may not line up with the values of their clients. It's terrible. 

To make this all even easier for you, I've put together a worksheet for you to go over with your fiance, so you can come up with your wedding priorities together.

I said at the beginning of this post that a lot of other blogs have put together posts recently on where to start with your wedding planning. Here are a few of my favorites:


Beth Helmstetter Events // You're Engaged! What's Next?

Rock 'N Roll Bride // Newly Engaged? Start Here!

And now, a giveaway.

Way back in November, I announced that I was offering wedding consulting packages for those who don't need or can't afford a full service wedding planner. Consulting happens over the phone or via Skype, which means that anyone can take advantage of these packages!
To celebrate all of the newly engaged couples out there, I am offering $250 toward any of my consulting packages! This includes assistance with your budget, wedding day timeline, or even the entire planning process. A description of these packages can be found on my website. Enter for your chance to win below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Here are a few discounts and specials that I'm offering to my readers for the month of January:

Take 10% off any consulting package by mentioning this blog post when contacting me.

I am available for weddings that take place from January 1, 2013 to April 30, 2013 as a Day Of Coordinator at a discounted rate (starting at $1,000 instead of $1,500). Check out my website for more information and to contact me.

Take 50% off any sponsorship opportunities on Something Charming. Contact me for my media kit, and so that I can create a special listing for you!

Take 10% off any calligraphy services by mentioning this blog post when contacting me on Etsy.

And now, last but not least...
There are no real rules for Wedding Wednesday, I just ask that your post be wedding related. It doesn’t need to be the same topic that I’m posting about. I also ask that you try to visit a few other blogs to say hi, and I would love it if you would use my button (found here).