Wedding Preparation – Things You Can Buy or Organise Before A Date Is Even Set

Planning your wedding is a BIG thing. There is no doubt about it – it is meant to be one of THE best days of your life so you want it to be just perfect and exactly how you want it. This sometimes adds unnecessary pressure to both yourself and partner.

I think this is one of the main reasons as to why we eloped and got married in New York. Honestly, for us it was the best thing we ever did and if I was planning my wedding all over again I’d do exactly the same (although I would make more effort to take more pictures and enjoy the experience more as I didn’t get to enjoy it because I was so nervous).

Although I was nervous (thank you anxiety) there was very little pressure or expectations and I didn’t have to worry about family dramas (there is always a drama of some kind in my extended family it’s just the way it goes unfortunately) and there was very little in the way of planning that needed to be done for the big day.

That being said if you’re planning your wedding but are yet to set a date there are lots of things you can be organising or even buying now so that there is less pressure on you nearer the time. Some of these things include:

Deciding on your theme

Will your wedding have a theme? If so, this is a great place to start your planning. Have a look on Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration if you’re struggling for ideas. There are some amazing colour schemes, invites, favours, bouquets and themes so you are sure to find something that catches your eye. If you’re creative you might be considering making your own invites, favours and bouquets now is definitely the time to be starting the work as you don’t want to have to rush them.

Although we can’t visit places right now it’s a great time to make a list of possible venues and make enquiries to see if they can accommodate your wants and needs for your big day. Are you planning on eloping as we did, having a big ceremony or an intimate gathering for just a few family members and close friends? Perhaps you’re going to have a small ceremony but a big party afterwards, are you planning a wedding breakfast or a buffet – these are all things that can be planned now and budgeted for if you need to save up.

Plan your outfits

• Clothes – just like visiting venues at the minute you’re unable to visit shops to try on suits and more importantly to any bride dresses. As we were get going married abroad I bought my dress from Dorothy Perkins online from their bridal collection. I wanted something that was lightweight and wouldn’t need an army to get me into the dress on the big day. If you’re on a small budget you could do the same as we did or perhaps look on eBay or local selling sites to see if anyone is selling a dress in the style you’re looking for.
• Shoes – Something you can definitely buy before you’ve set a date is shoes. I had the most gorgeous pair of rainbow club shoes for my big day. It was just a shame that they were hidden by my dress but at least I knew that they were there.
• Jewellery – why not take some pressure off by buying your wedding rings, tiara and your groom’s cufflinks early. There is so much choice out there it might take you some time to decide on what jewellery you’ll both wear. Will you wear vintage jewellery or buy new for your special day? If your wedding is themed your groom might opt for cufflinks that match or you might want to buy him a pair that shows off something he loves such as gaming or a sport that he follows. We are huge F1 fans and at the time of us getting married I couldn’t find any cufflinks that were F1 themed now there are lots out there including race car shaped and chequered flag designs.

People who will be involved

This is the perfect time to ask the people who you want to be in your wedding party that all important question. If you’re planning on having a number of bridesmaids and groomsmen you will want to make sure that they keep their diaries free for any potential dates that you’re planning on booking. If you ask them early you can always delegate little tasks to them too to help take the pressure off you in the run up to your big day.

Bonus Tip: Getting your wedding hashtag is a great thing to check out your list early on. The earlier you get your slogan, the more your guests will become familiar with and use it on your big day! Wedding hashtags are great to add to your invitations, decor, and wedding favours to make them your own.

Is there anything I’ve missed, anything you’ve already booked or have planned?