Before you start shopping or planning anything you really need to have a good idea on the Season or "about when" you wish to host the wedding. The date normally cannot be finalized until you secure a venue but its good to have an idea of when you would like to say "I Do" while in the search for a venue. Keep in mind that if you are wanting a specific venue then you must be prepared to adjust your wishful date.

Now go Propose to your Bridal party!

We have options for Bridesmaid Proposals, Groomsmen Proposals, Officiant Proposals and the wonderful "Walk me down the Isle" Proposals.   Its not about cost its about making the moment as special for them as the proposal from your Soon to be Groom.  We have options in all price ranges.  

You just said YES & it was probably a time that you will not forget.  Some hold on to that moment and remember the magical moment and how perfectly it went,  others like me, think back and remember my now husband and my 10 year old daughter arguing all through dinner &  then her being flooded with happy tears later that night when he proposed to me under a Gazebo in Old Town, Alexandria. 

 You had your moment and now you are going to ask some VIPs  to stand with you, to put up with your madness, and to invest time and money into making your Wedding the Dream Come True.   

You already said “I Do” and you are hoping those VIP’s will say “I Do” too.   

So traditionally, the Bride/Groom “Propose” to their respective Wedding Party.  Whether  the “Proposal” involves a simple phone call or text to  ask them to be in the Wedding Party or you put together a funny, sweet or thoughtful gift to present delivered by a Singing Gorilla   you are still “Proposing” to them.  Giving them a Proposal Gift or memento is the Perfect way to show them how special they are to you. 

I have posted Lots of Ideas for you to either put in a Proposal Box or give just as a gift.  Pick up one of these great boxes that are pre-filled or fill them yourself with champagne or wine and other trinkets.  Bracelets are the big item lately but you can dress it up however you want.  

There are basically 5 Types of Venues;

Traditional,

Home,

Courthouse,

Destination,

or in a Public Setting

Traditional - A Traditional Venue is where the Bride and Groom incorporate the traditions and heritage from their respective families into one setting. For most couples, these Traditional Venues start with a Church Setting and then proceed to reception either at the church or at a follow-on location.   The wedding is full of traditions like Music, tossing the bouquet, The Hora (Chair Dance), &/or other traditional wedding activities from the cultures are performed. 

Home - A Home Venue is hosting the event at a home that is either yours, someone you know, or even one you rent for the occasion.  This venue is very popular, especially at B&B's, Beach Houses, Hotels, or even Ranches. The officiant usually comes on-site, and everything is celebrated in one general location. A lot of times this results in a Weekend Long Celebration involving meals together, planned excursions, and getting to know each other.   Check out sites like Orlando Vacation Rentals for some great deals on mini-mansions and resorts.  

Courthouse - When you plan a Civil Ceremony or "a Courthouse Wedding" it is normally a small, nonreligious, legally recognized marriage ceremony that's performed by government officials or other authorized persons.  Some brides and grooms have a civil ceremony, then have a big reception party afterward.   This saves the couple a lot of money, time, and stress.   Though some family members may be upset by this decision, it is the couple's choice.   Make sure you find out the requirements and logistical information, so you do not have any surprises.  Some courthouses only allow a few guests, but I have been to one or two courthouse weddings where there were 25-50 guests.  I have also seen some broadcasted on Zoom so that families can attend from the comfort of their own computer.  

Destination - A Destination Wedding is where you host your wedding at a location where you and your guests must travel, book rooms, and normally expect the guests to pay their own way.  There is less coordination, and maybe a little less stress in planning a destination wedding on your part, but it will require a bride and groom to have lots of understanding.   With a destination wedding, there is always a greater chance that not everyone you want to be there will be able to make it.   You may see RSVP replies of REGRET due to work schedule, cost, and logistics.   But if you are set on wanting that destination wedding, drop the pin on the map, select a date, and send out those invitations as soon as possible to help your guests do their planning.    Do your research on the destination so you know the marriage and licensing requirements.  It is highly recommended to either visit the location or hire a planner you trust.  Check out these vendors who have on-site consultants to help you plan your wedding.  Services like Apple Vacations, 

Public Setting - You can also use a Publicly owned property (Town, State, or Federal) to host your wedding.  You could choose to have the wedding at a public lake, public landmark, in a city or state park, public garden, or even in a city recreational facility.  Hosting in a public location requires some coordination, licenses, permits, and/or getting permission, but public locations can really help with costs.   In Kentucky, we have quite a few public facilities where you can reserve to host a wedding.  Usually, there are rules for the location that you must follow.  Rules as limits on decorations, no alcohol, or other rules to take into consideration.  

I know it will be hard not to immmediatly start buying everything you love for your wedding but you really have to wait to start shopping for wedding decor, attire, and yes even the dress-- Until you have finalized your Season, Venue, and Color pallet. If you do not wait you could end up with a mixed match of favors, and other items you love but nothing that really pulls everything together. I know I ended up for some really cute trinkets for the wedding that I did not really need once my entire plan was thought out.

So I recommend you start simple until you have your full vision planned out then BUY within budget.