It's supposed to be one of the best days of your life, with the perfect location, a moving ceremony and a night of dancing: your wedding. There are also few events that are laden with as much pressure – and it’s growing even more stressful, says Svenja Schirk from the Federation of German Wedding Planners in Berlin.
In recent years, Schirk has seen an increase in the amount couples are willing to spend to make their wedding dreams a reality.
To pull off the perfect day, early planning is crucial. Here’s a guideline to when and what you should start planning in advance:
First of all, couples need to agree on how many guests they’ll invite, how much money they want to spend and what kind of atmosphere they want at their wedding.
“Couples shouldn’t let their wedding put them in debt, ” advises Schirk. “Starting off married life in debt is stressful.”
In general, wedding planning starts with finding a location – and then settling on a date. Send save-the-date cards to guests as soon as this is set in stone, to make sure no friends or family miss out.
Time to contact service providers, such as officiants, caterers or bands. Sabine John-Tancredi, an officiant from Stuttgart, recommends taking time to find the right officiant for you. “Their speech plays a key role in the ceremony and should provide a deep, very personal glimpse into your relationship – that requires trust.”
Once the concept of the ceremony has been decided on, it’s best to book the DJ or band straight away. Those who want to get married in a church or other religious building should book an appointment as soon as possible.
If the food isn’t being provided by the venue, it’s best to book a catering service a year in advance, advises Holger Stuth from the restaurant Hannes Ossenkopp in Germany. Buffets in particular need to be ordered far in advance.
“In rare and urgent cases, we can pull together wedding catering in two weeks, but only using ingredients we already have in the freezers, ” says Stuth.
His tip: Order only half as many desserts as you have guests.
“Guests usually aren’t too bothered about it.”
Time to choose the dress! Customised wedding gowns usually have four-month delivery waits. Also, book the honeymoon.
Book your appointment at the registry office and send your invitations. Find out about guests’ dietary requirements and pass this information onto the caterers.
Find the rings, order the flowers and car services if you plan to shuttle your guests from service to reception, or plan to arrive in style in a limo.
Design and order your table cards, menu and place cards.
Do a hair and make-up trial for the day, and decide on which wines you’d like for the toasts and the party.
If you want to impress on the dance floor, book a couple of dance lessons with your partner.
Organise the guestbook and any little gifts to leave out on the tables, and invite your best friends to your stag or hen night.
Discuss any final details with your service providers.
Relax. Treat yourselves to a spa afternoon or beauty treatment ahead of the big day. – dpa
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