The first thing most newly engaged couples ask is "where do I start?" My advice is to first decide on two key elements: the number of guests you want to invite ( actually make a list ), and what your budget is for the wedding. Both are vital to have decided before you start any planning.
From here you might want to consider hiring a wedding consultant to design, plan and coordinate. Even if you cannot afford to engage a consultant for the entire experience, I actually offer hourly consultations to guide the couple as they do all the legwork with creative ideas, etiquette information, budgeting tips as well as vendor referrals. Either will save you time and help you from making some very expensive mistakes.
The first and most important is selecting the reception and ceremony sites. If they are not the same you will need to check availability on the dates you selected and make sure they are both available at the times you ant them. Make sure you can comfortably accommodate your guest count. Also find out the food and beverage minimum ( which is usually exclusivity tax and tip so don't forget to add that in ) that they require to hold the wedding there.
Other larger venues will charge a rental fee for the space. You will then need to hire a caterer to prepare, cook and serve the food. In addition at this type of venue you will need to rent every fork, glass, table and chair as well as a myriad of other items that will be needed. This will probably be the biggest part of your budget. If ceremony is not in that space, you will need to search for the perfect place to exchange your vows. This can be a garden, shirts, chapel or synagogue, or any other place you feel is the perfect place to make this commitment. While searching find out the rental costs, the number of hours you can use the site for, as well as restrictions. If ceremony is there, you will need to investigate at "room turn" where the same space is used for ceremony and reception. Ask if there are any extra costs for this.
From here you would need to then move into the other "fixed costs," which will include the officiant, entertainment/music, photographer and videographer/filmmaker. My advice for this is to make sure the things you were viewing are the work of who you were going to actually have there on the day of the wedding. Then switch out singers and make sure the photos and video are taken by the person who is actually at your wedding.
The remaining things to do are to think about the variable costs and a multitude of choices and designs that come in. Save the dates, invitations, your menu of what is being served, flowers, linen, lighting, upgraded chairs and dinnerware are just a few of the many things that truly are design elements and set your wedding apart from others. But this is also where the cost can go out-of-control, so if you do not have an unlimited budget, this is where a consultant can guide you in choosing the things that are the most meaningful to you and will make the biggest impact.
Frank J Andonoplas has designed social and corporate events all over the country since 1992. Frank is an active member of the Association of Bridal Consultants and is one of only 73 Master Wedding Consultants worldwide. Frank was named Event planner of the year in 2012. His expertise has been featured in wedding magazines on as well as local television segments in addition to the Early Show, and 20/20. For more information www.frankeventdesign.com