8 Common Questions When Planning a Wedding
Photographer: Created Four Photography
So, you’re planning a wedding? Congratulations, you’ve just signed up for the ultimate test of patience, creativity, and Google searches at 3 AM. Don’t worry, though—every couple has questions, and we’re here to help. So, let’s break it down!
First off, the big question: What’s the ideal wedding budget? Spoiler alert: There isn’t one! But a general ballpark is about $34,000 in the U.S. However, the key to not going bankrupt is deciding what you want to splurge on and what’s cool to skimp on (pro tip: food and photography are always worth investing in, trust us). The budget dance can be tricky, but once you prioritize what matters most to you both, you’ll find your rhythm.
When should you send invites? We’re not talking about the save-the-dates—those go out early. We mean the real invites. The magic number here is 8–12 weeks before your big day. Why? Well, it gives your guests enough time to clear their calendars (and their schedules for shopping for a fancy gift). Plus, the closer you send them, the more stress you’ll have to deal with when Aunt Karen insists she can’t make it… unless you move the wedding to next weekend.
Now, how long should your wedding be? Your wedding is not Game of Thrones. That said, aim for a ceremony that's sweet and to the point (under 30 minutes is perfect) and then head straight into the reception. No one’s there for a six-hour marathon unless they’re hoping to be the next “Bachelor.” Think about it—once you’ve said “I do,” the focus shifts to eating, drinking, and dancing the night away!
You’re probably wondering, How many bridesmaids is too many? Well, it’s your wedding, so do whatever feels right. But keep in mind, fewer bridesmaids can mean fewer opinions (looking at you, Cousin Betty), which might save your sanity. Plus, too many people can stretch the budget. So, pick the girls who matter the most—no obligation to include your mom’s best friend from college if you’re not feeling it.
Next, we’ve got how much does a wedding dress cost? Prepare yourself. A dress can range from “OMG, it’s on sale!” to “I’m taking out a second mortgage.” But don’t panic—there are affordable options. Just focus on finding something that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Don’t let your Pinterest boards make you believe you must have a designer gown. There are plenty of gorgeous dresses out there that won’t cost you a year’s salary.
Oh, and let’s not forget about the age-old question: Do you need a wedding planner? You can totally DIY it if you’re organized and love spreadsheets, but if you’d prefer to leave the stress to someone else, a planner can be a total lifesaver. Especially for things like wrangling vendors, managing timelines, and keeping you from spiraling into a Pinterest rabbit hole at 3 AM.
And finally, the question everyone loves to ask: Should you invite kids? Short answer: It’s your call. If you want a kid-free soirée, go for it. But if you're envisioning a family affair with a few toddlers running around in adorable outfits, that's fine too. Just remember to communicate your decision clearly on your invites to avoid any awkward moments later.
And there you have it! Wedding planning is a wild ride, but with the right approach and a little humor, you’ll get through it just fine. So grab a glass of wine, start making your list (maybe consider a nap in between), and get ready to say, “I do” to one of the most memorable days of your life!