So everyone knows you are engaged and they are ALL waiting for their invite to your wedding...is panic setting in yet?  There are a few things that you need to consider before calling the printer and calligrapher.  

BUDGET
For every guest you invite there is a price to consider.  Nothing in this world is free and that holds more and more true when it comes to weddings.  Each person represents:

• More invitations, postage - "What time are we supposed to be at the church?"
• More bar - "Hey bartender, may I have another glass of chardonnay?"
• More food - "I adore these things.  I need one more of those bacon wrapped shrimp?"
• More rentals - "I need to find a seat.  These heels are killing me."
• More centerpieces - "These flowers are lovely...I just love the lanterns and candles."

It isn't a glamorous way to think about it but a budget is so important to consider and things will add to the bottom line.  

VENUE
The location you chose for the ceremony and the reception may also determine your guest count.  In Charleston, you can find plenty of options that will lend themselves well for any size group.  The question is...is it the right venue for you.  While many will hold groups of 100+, there are some that may hold 30.  You need to review the capacity of your venue with both the building coordination and your planner.  Make certain that you also discuss the style of dinner you are considering. Sit down plated, buffet, food stations...all of these things require tables, chairs, and service staff which also takes up a foot print in the venue. 

CREATE A LIST
We have all heard of creating an A/B list while making your guest list.  Although the goal is to invite everyone to celebrate, the reality is that it isn't always possible.  I encourage my brides to create an A/B/C (sometimes) list.  When asked how I know which person to put in each category...this is how I respond.

"My A list are those that I can't live without...there is no hesitation...they have to be there."

Typically the A list are immediate family members and the closest of friends.  No matter what the budget is, they would and always would be at the top of your list.  

"My B list are those that I am close with an would be upset if they couldn't attend.  They are the ones that I connect with throughout the year and are going to want to celebrate this wedding because they know we all have been anticipating it for some time."

For the B list, these would be close family members and friends that you socialize with.  They can also be coworkers or associates that you have befriended.  (they are more than just an acquaintence.

​"My C list are those that I may wave to on a daily basis but I don't necessarily call when I am bored."

I say this because I think of a neighbor that I see each day but then again we don't necessarily call each other friends.  Would it seem reasonable to invite them...yes....but is it necessary....no.  

RELAX
Your wedding day should be full of friends and family that will love, support, and be there for you after the wedding day.  Don't worry about quantity...surround yourself with quality.  

Now ladies, this is something you have to actually discuss with your fiancé since it has to be "our" wedding style.  Some guys will actually leave all of the planning up to you but it is good for the relationship to at least ask.  Hehehe!  

So with the wedding style, what you are trying to do is figure out colors, theme, the vibe, possible location...that sort of thing.  Having an idea of how you want your wedding to actually be will work in your favor when you begin meeting with vendors - caterer, venue, florist, dress designer, etc...

Don't feel that you have to lock yourself into anything at this time.  You may find your inspiration at the time that you secure your venue.  Online tools, such as TheKnot and WeddingWire, offer inspiration boards that can help you build your vision.  Magazines are a great tool as well - rip out the pages of things that strike your fancy and put in your Wedding Binder (you should have one if you followed step one - LOL)  You could always take a quiz - 

I always ask my brides to visit Pinterest.  Yes, it can be overwhelming at times but what I ask brides to do is create a wedding board where they pin everything they like.  Yes - everything!  After enough researching online and pinning left and right, you will find upon review of the board that your actual "style" will show itself.  Maybe you pin a ton of images of couples getting married on the beach or maybe your board is full of bridal bouquets filled with bold colors  What I am saying is that if you pin it, it will come.  Just give it time and don't stress.  

It usually takes 2-3 bottles of wine to get all of the answers you are seeking.  (This does not mean 2-3 bottles in one night...pace yourself!)  Take a few nights to sit down with your fiancé and work together on your dream wedding.  

Happy Planning...I'm off to insure my ring.  (Check out tomorrow's blog)

As with all wedding planning sites, the first step always seems to be to get organized.  If you are typically an unorganized person, well...you are going to have to change your ways.  
I have found that the most helpful way of keeping organized is setting up a binder or folder specifically for your event.  Even as a planner, I use this method and it is stuffed with wedding notes, contracts, floor plans, etc.  All of the items are right at my fingertips.  My file is a boring manilla folder but there are certainly other options out there for you.
Visit the wedding aisle at your local bookstore and the organizational work is already done for you.  Some binders have pockets, helpful sections, things to think about, etc.  I will tell you that some are better than others so make certain to look through the book to see what works for you.  
Of course, if you are a DIY kind of girl, there are plenty of brides pinning their ideas on Pinterest.  To make your binder, just make certain you include some of these sections:  Guest List, Timeline, Contracts, Venue, Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, Reception, Decor, Photo, Music, Invitations, Transportation, Attire, etc.
No matter how you decide to get organized, ALWAYS ALWAYS keep a copy of all of your correspondence when it comes to your wedding. I keep a file of all email correspondence with my brides and all of the vendors servicing their event.  This way, I am able to review every email (sometimes 500+) to make certain that nothing goes awry on the wedding day.  
For some additional help to get organized, check out these sources.  

• Here Comes the Guide
• The Knot
• WeddingWire Binder
• Real Simple

Tomorrow, I tackle the next item on my "to do" list blog....considering my wedding style.