Planning an Arizona Wedding

Congratulations! A wedding can be a very complicated event to plan as everyone has their own dream of what their wedding will be like. Here are some suggestions to help you plan your dream wedding.

Weddings can range from a simple event to an extravagant affair with hundreds of guests. The number of guests makes a huge difference, so one of the first things you should do when planning a wedding is figure out the guest list. Knowing the number of guests is necessary to determine all of the other details for your event. Is the wedding just going to consist of the couple and their immediate family, are a few friends going to be included as well, or is this going to be a gala event with everyone the couple knows? Not everyone who is invited to an event will attend; however, once someone is invited, it would be a huge faux pas to try to rescind the invitation. Remember that most people will bring a significant other or guest to the event and plan accordingly. If the event is going to be very small and intimate, make sure it is clear from the get go that only the guests listed on the envelopes are to be included.

Pick a venue for the event. Will the ceremony and reception take be at the same place or separate venues? Be sure your venue(s) can accommodate the maximum number of people you think may attend. When you are picking a venue, consider whether you want your event indoors or outdoors. If the event is outdoors, plan for the weather. Arizona has beautiful weather most of the year, but even if it does not rain, guests will appreciate shade. Consider tenting part or all of the event if shelter is not available at your venue.

When considering the rental price of the venue, be sure to keep in mind what amenities the venue includes and what you will need to provide. Some venues are all inclusive while others may only include the space for your wedding in which case you will need to provide tables and chairs and any other wedding furnishings. If you want to keep the stress of planning your wedding to a minimum, an all inclusive venue might be the way to go.

Pick a date. Consider whether you want to have your event on a weekday or on the weekend. Weekend events are more popular since it is usually easier for everyone to attend; however, if your guests are able to attend during the week, a weekday event may be more affordable and most venues are more likely to be available during week then on the weekend for short notice events. If you have a very specific date in mind, be prepared to consider alternate venues in case your first choice is not available. The farther ahead you plan, the more likely you will get the space you want on the date you want.

Get the required paperwork prior to the wedding. In Arizona, you can pick up a wedding license at the county clerk office which is generally located in the probate or circuit court. The license is valid one year from its issue date and there is no waiting period for the license.

Once you have a definite date and your venue is reserved, put together your invitations. If it is very far in advance, you might consider sending out a save the date notice first. The actual invitation should be sent early enough for out of town guests to make travel arrangements. Be sure the invitation includes clear RSVP directions so you can be sure to know how many people are expected to attend. There will generally be a deadline by which you time must give caterers and the venue a final number of expected guests, so make sure your RSVP date is prior to this deadline and gives you enough time to contact any guests who have not responded to your invitation. If you find yourself with less guests then you want, you can also send out a few additional invitations as long as there is still enough time for the guests to RSVP.

Pick a caterer. Some people have friends and family take care of the food. Some venues include the food in the price or have their own exclusive caterers. If neither of these is the case, shop around and pick a caterer you like and can afford. Choose a menu with the caterer. If the caterer is not providing the wedding cake, make arrangements for the cake as well.

Figure out the details. Who is officiating the wedding? Be sure to book this person far enough in advance so you can have your first choice. What is everyone wearing? Is the wedding going to have a theme or anything goes? Will their be bridesmaids and groomsmen? How many? What is the bride wearing? How about the groom? Will there be a rehearsal dinner and where? Who is planning the bachelor party and the bridal shower? Are you going to give out party favors? What flowers do you want? Who will be taking photos? What music are you going to have? Do you want to book a strings quartet or a DJ or perhaps both? There are so many details to plan with a wedding and it can definitely be stressful and get overwhelming. Be sure to get help and lots of it. If all the planning stresses you out, consider hiring a wedding planner to make things easier.

It may be simpler to elope, but a wedding can be a once in a lifetime chance for a couple to feel like royalty and the memories will last long past the event. Make the day one that you will want to remember forever.