Thursday, September 2, 2010

The Rule of Three’s

{Written by Sarah Shilstone, Associate Planner}

Wedding planning is nothing if not OVERWHELMING at times! Even those of you that have had your wedding planned since you were twelve can find yourselves in over your head at times – there are just so many decisions to make and options to choose from! At A Day to Remember we like to follow the Rule of Threes to simplify things a bit.

Three "Have to Haves" and Three "Doesn't Matters"

Budgeting, ugh. No one likes doing it, but it’s a necessary evil. Your budget not only helps you stay on track for the entire planning process (and ensures a debt free newlywed life) but also dictates all the decisions you make. So here’s the plan: pick three things that are your TOP priorities – the dress, the band, the drinks – whatever is most important to you and your fiancĂ© on your wedding day. These should be things that you have to have, no matter the expense! Next choose three things that really aren’t going to make or break your day. This could be favors, a full five-course meal, or engagement photos. Just knowing that you’re willing to skimp on these things, or cut them out all together, will make your decisions a lot easier.


{Photo Credit : Sunny 16 Photography}
Three Options
Okay, now that your budget is determined and you know where your priorities lie, it’s time to start selecting your vendors. There are SO many choices here in Houston, which is a big part of what makes the wedding industry here so fun! But it’s also really easy to get caught up in all the choices not be able to make a decision. There is NO need to have a breakdown because you’re trying to decide between eighteen different centerpieces!! So the Rule of Threes comes into play here as well: for each part of your wedding (flowers, DJs, photographers), get quotes from only three vendors.


{Photo Credit: Janelle Lynn Photography}

I know what you’re thinking, “if there are so many choices why would I limit myself to just three? What if I miss my perfect ____________?” Well here’s a little secret: there is no such thing as a perfect photographer, florist, baker, etc. If you send yourself (or your fiancĂ©) on a crazy search like that, you’ll never be satisfied! There are PLENTY of fantastic vendors here in Houston, and particularly now with the access we have online you can look at each portfolio before you even contact them! So do your research: ask friends, ask your wedding planner, look online, and THEN select your top three and contact each for a quote. You might be able to narrow it down to a top two then and you can set up consultations – or just meet with all three! Managing this process is the BEST way to stay on top of things and not get overwhelmed, there is no need to feel like you have to go meet your sister’s best friend’s cousin Larry who knows a guy who’s a DJ – no! Stay organized and do your research – you’re the one who knows what’s important on your big day!

Happy planning!

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