Getting started

_Elsa_

Rachel doesn’t mind him going out for a bit. She really needs to go through this planner to see what she has to do.

She sits down and opens up the book and begins to read the Getting Started page, top-wedding plan tips.

1)Make a statement - be creative. Use your relationship history, heritage, or favorite colors or activities as inspiration. The more personal. The better.

2)Pick your battles - don’t obsess over every single detail. Sit down and decide your top priorities and then spend most of your budget, energy, and attention on those items.

3)Study up - weddings have their very own lingo. Whether it’s a mermaid shape or a stephanotis, make sure you know what these mean so you and your vendors are vaguely speaking the same language (Start with this binder).

4)Ask lots of questions

5)Trust yourself  

“Some of this is really boring but I better read all of it,” Rachel thinks to herself. “What is ‘stephanotis’? I have to Google that.  Hmmmm……….”

6)Get it in writing – you’re spending a lot of money. Protect yourself by making sure all details are down on paper and signed by both parties. Contract points for each vendor are delineated in each tab; check off each list before you sign. Every time you make any kind of payment, make a copy. Staple these to your invoice or letter and keep them together in this binder.

7)Figure out your budget and guest list 

“Now that is something that her and Rancid have to remember – get it in writing,” thinks Rachel. “Guest list I don’t have to read because I already know who we are inviting. I just have to put the names down on paper. “ 

8)Read reviews and check references – never sign a contract with a vendor before you call past clients and check reviews online. Make sure you have recent references – from the past year. Ask references detailed questions, such as, Were there any charges on your final bill that you did not expect? As there anything that you wish the vendor did differently. Did the courses served (or flowers used or song played) reflect what you had decided on?

9)Have a life outside of planning

10)Consider a wedding planner

“Reading reviews, now that is something that I never thought of!” Rachel thinks to herself. “Seriously! Have a life outside of planning, why would a book even say something like that? Do people really get so carried away that their entire life revolves around planning a wedding? I don’t think I could keep Rancid sitting still long enough to discuss the list and budget so that tip is not necessary to read.” 

Her phone starts ringing and it’s Elsa calling her.

Let’s continue - Rachel and Elsa make plans to meet

Start at the beginning – Preparing for the wedding