Getting engaged is an extremely exciting time in your life. However, the idea of planning a wedding can be daunting, and many couples do not know where to start. Recently engaged couples often start thinking about the formalwear they want to wear to their weddings. There are other extremely important decisions to make right away, along with selecting your perfect outfit. Below are five tips for beginning to plan your big day to limit the stress of creating this memorable event.

How to Begin Planning Your Wedding 

1. Select an Aesthetic 

Deciding on the style of your wedding will inform most of the integral choices, from the decor and formalwear to the food. For a bohemian wedding, you may host the ceremony in a garden or wooded area. This might require a more relaxed dress code, airy and DIY decorations, and a buffet-style meal. More formal gatherings are better-suited for upscale venues like a hotel and black-tie attire. Once you select your theme, other important decisions about the venue, attire, and food options will fall into place. 

2. Schedule a Venue

Tour several venues that match the look you want for your big day. When assessing each location, look into bathroom options, seating accessibility, and whether the space can host all of your guests. Instead of selecting a date and then seeing whether the venue is open, it’s often easier to ask the location what dates they have available and then planning the nuptials around this information. Many venues require a partial down payment as far as two years in advance, so it is important to prioritize this decision soon after you get engaged. 

3. Send the Invitations 

Now that you know the date and time of the big day, it is time to send out invitations. Many choose to send out a save-the-date notice, followed by a more informational invitation many months after. Some couples prefer paper invites with beautiful handwritten calligraphy, while others are beginning to send online invitations to receive faster and more accurate responses. No matter the delivery method, always include the date, time, formalwear attire, and whether the guest can bring a plus one. 

4. Hire Caterers

Many restaurants and catering companies offer wedding tastings so couples can try potential entrees, sides, and desserts. You should begin to decide whether you want a buffet-style meal or a plated dinner. It is also important to choose whether or not you want to include a cocktail hour and an open bar. You also may want to hire a baker to provide your wedding cake, cupcakes, or other tasty treats. 

5. Try on Formalwear

The process of finding a perfect outfit can cause a lot of couples stress. This is why it is important to begin this process early. Head to a boutique to try out gowns and suits that fit your wedding aesthetic and personal style. Many people bring a group of friends and family to help them decide on an outfit and make it a fun pre-wedding activity. Try on several outfits to ensure you are comfortable and can move well in your garment pieces.

Newly engaged couples looking for beautiful, high-quality formalwear can turn to Lucille’s Bridal Shop & Val’s Formalwear in Orange, CT. The company has over 50 years of experience fitting customers in top designers like Maggie Sottero®, Stella York®, and Rebecca Ingram™. Call (203) 795-0546 or visit the website to learn about the formalwear company's available gowns, suits, and accessories.