I'm Engaged Now What?

With all the major engagement holidays behind us, brides-to-be are jumping into wedding planning mode. They're talking about the proposal.......It was romantic, he asked my dad, he took me where we first met, he bought out our favorite restaurant, it was Christmas Eve..... Everyone has a unique story of how 'The Engagement' happened, but if the two of you are not running off and eloping your planning will need to start with the guest list!

I know you've dreamt about the venue, THE DRESS, the entertainment, or maybe even the menu, but it all starts with the guest list. You may be thinking why the guest list? Well, let me explain. The guest list determines some important factors in the planning of your big day and any event for that matter. No matter how intimate or grand your event may be your planning needs to begin with the names of those you want to share it with.

If you fall in love with a venue that holds 150 people with a dance floor and you're expecting 200 guests and still want to dance you have just set yourself up for disappointment. Now you have to find another venue, cancel dancing, or reduce your guest list by 50 people and boy is that hard to do! If you decide to increase the number of invites you will now have to add a lot more dollars to your BUDGET! One hundred-fifty guests versus two-hundred guests will have a tremendous affect on your budget.

Lets say you purchased 150 favors, but wind up changing your event count to 200. You will have to purchase 50 more favors, add 50 addition meals, appetizers and drinks in order to accommodate everyone. You will also need five more tables, centerpieces and linens plus an additional 50 chair covers, place settings, menus cards, etc. To prevent the extra work lets start planning with the guest list. You won't regret it!

Eventfully your's,
Jennifer
Photo Credit: Samuiblue, freedigitalphotos.net