Planning a wedding can be a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with excitement and, let’s be honest, a fair amount of stress. If you’re reading this, you’re likely in the midst of planning your special day and wondering how to make it all come together seamlessly. Fear not! This guide will walk you through how to plan a wedding in Virginia Beach, providing you with a clear blueprint to help ease those wedding planning jitters. After all, you deserve to enjoy every moment of your engagement with your fiancé, not just the wedding day itself!
How to Plan a Wedding in Virginia Beach:
Set Your Budget
Before diving into the fun details, it’s essential to establish a budget. Think about how much you have to spend and what’s most important to you. Are you dreaming of an extravagant venue or would you prefer to allocate more towards catering? Knowing your financial boundaries will help you make informed decisions as you go along.
Choose Your Date and Venue
Virginia Beach is known for its stunning coastal scenery, making it a popular choice for weddings. Whether you envision a beach ceremony at sunset or a charming garden wedding, selecting your venue and date early on is crucial. Popular venues may book up quickly, especially in peak wedding season, so be sure to secure your spot as soon as possible!
Get Organized Together
Planning a wedding involves juggling many tasks and ideas, which can quickly become overwhelming. This is where Pinterest and Trello come in handy! Create a Pinterest account to gather inspiration for décor, floral arrangements, color palettes, and more. You can create boards for different aspects of your wedding, allowing you to visualize your ideas.
On the other hand, Trello is an excellent tool for task management. You can create boards for your wedding planning, listing out all of your important details and keeping notes on things you don’t want to forget. Plus, you can add collaborators (aka your wedding planning team, family members, MOH, etc.) to help you stay organized!
Creating a Wedding Registry
As you plan your wedding, you’ll want to create a wedding registry to help your guests know what gifts you’d appreciate. Think about your needs and style—whether you want traditional household items, experiences, or contributions to a honeymoon fund. Set up registries at a few different stores to give guests options, and be sure to share the links with your guests.
Create Your Guest List
Once your date and venue are set, it’s time to draft a guest list. This might be one of the more challenging parts of wedding planning, but it’s important to determine how many people you can comfortably accommodate. This will influence your choice of venue and other vendor selections, so try to keep things realistic and aligned with your budget.
Hire Photography and Videography
Capturing the magic of your wedding day is essential, and hiring the right photographer and videographer is key. Start by browsing local portfolios to find a style that resonates with you—whether it’s traditional, documentary, or romantic and editorial. Schedule consultations to discuss your vision and get a feel for their personality; you want someone who makes you feel comfortable, because your media team will be with you more than anyone else on your wedding day! Crazy, but true! Ask to see full wedding day galleries and complete highlight videos from venues you’re interested in. This will show you if the photographer and videographer are capable of handling any sticky situation with grace!
Hire Vendors
Now comes the fun part: choosing your vendors! This includes caterers, florists, hair and makeup artists and entertainment. Research local Virginia Beach vendors and read reviews to find the best fit for your style and budget. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from friends or family, or consult wedding planning websites for more options. Remember, your vendors are here to make your special day memorable, so choose those who align with your vision and compliment your style, budget, and personality!
**Read every single word of each contract closely and take note of the professionalism of the vendors. Do they make you feel comfortable? Are you understanding their guidelines and can adhere to them, and likewise, they will deliver the best quality product or service? If there’s a red flag, keep looking!
Plan Your Ceremony and Reception Details
With your venue and vendors locked in, it’s time to plan the details of your ceremony and reception. When planning your wedding ceremony, start by defining your style—whether religious or secular—to guide your decisions. Choose an officiant who aligns with your beliefs and personalize your vows to reflect your unique love story. Incorporate meaningful rituals, readings, and music that resonate with both of you, while ensuring the venue matches the atmosphere you desire.
For the reception, focus on creating the right ambiance with thoughtful seating arrangements, beautiful décor, and engaging entertainment that reflects your personality as a couple. Make time for heartfelt toasts and speeches, and decide whether to have an open bar with fun additions like signature cocktails. Consider the atmosphere you want to create, whether it’s an upbeat party vibe, a romantic setting with a string quartet, or a relaxed and fun dinner-and-dancing experience. Let your love story shine through every detail, from the theme to the overall energy!
Tasting Cake and Catering
Food is one of the highlights of any wedding, so take your time selecting the perfect caterer and cake! Schedule tastings with potential catering companies to sample their menus, and don’t shy away from asking for adjustments to fit your preferences. For your wedding cake, look for bakeries that specialize in custom designs. Many bakeries offer tasting sessions where you can try different flavors and designs, so you can decide on the cake that fits your theme and taste buds!
Organizing Transportation
Transportation is a crucial detail that often gets overlooked. Think about how you and your wedding party will get to the venue, as well as how your guests will arrive. Whether it’s a classic limousine, a party bus, or even a local trolley, make sure to book transportation well in advance. If you’re getting married in a popular location, consider providing your guests with information about parking and local transportation options.
Send Out Invitations
Once you have your details sorted, it’s time to send out your invitations. Consider the best way to invite your guests—traditional paper invites, digital options, or perhaps a combination of both. Make sure to include all necessary information, such as the date, venue, and any special instructions (like dress code or accommodation options). This is also a great time to establish your wedding website, a handy tool for guests to find information regarding your big day.
Finalize the Details
As your wedding date approaches, it’s time to finalize all the details. Touch base with your vendors to confirm timelines, services, and any last-minute requests. Make sure to create a wedding day timeline that outlines when everything is set to occur, from hair and makeup to the first dance. This will help keep the day running smoothly. Don’t forget to pack a wedding day emergency kit, just in case!
Obtain Your Marriage License
Before you can say “I do,” you’ll need to secure a marriage license. In Virginia, licenses can be obtained from any local circuit court. Both parties need to be present to apply, and you’ll need valid identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. There’s a small fee, and you may need to wait a day before the license is valid. Plan ahead, as there’s a waiting period, especially during peak wedding season!
Enjoy Your Engagement
Now that the planning is almost complete, take a deep breath and remember to enjoy your engagement! Set aside time to connect with your fiancé away from wedding talk. Spend a day at the beach, enjoy a cozy dinner, or go for a scenic walk. Creating special memories during this time will help you both feel more connected and excited for your upcoming wedding day.
Putting it All Together
As you embark on the beautiful journey of planning your wedding in Virginia Beach, remember that this is a time to celebrate your love and create lasting memories. For inspiration, don’t forget to check out Martha Stewart Weddings and Brides magazine, which offer fantastic ideas and tips to help you along the way. If you’re looking for stunning photography to capture every moment of your special day, I invite you to visit my wedding experience page to learn more about my services. You’ve got this, and I’m excited for you to create a day that reflects your unique love story!
Hugs,
Shannon
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