Since I am writing up in a time when I am hooked up quite much with wedding preps which is scheduled some 7 weeks away now (InshaAllah) so I start it with a post regarding this.
The most common problem I have seen people facing over the internet and in real life about wedding- planning is 'the lack of a point to begin', you know you have to do a zillion things, but what exactly? You don't know till you ask around and come to know you should have done this and that months in advance.
So, some months before the wedding, start with the basics. When exactly? The sooner, the better. I began a few months after getting engaged after orienting myself about my in-laws and my future requirements.
This thing really helps sometimes but at other times it is hurting when you are really certain that you'll find your desired in a specific amount or at a specific place and at the last moment it is 'sold out'. Happened to me when I fell in love with a lovely heel while window shopping. My sister didn't let me have it since I had not decided anything about my wedding dress and she was planning them to be a surprise for my birthday. And right before my birthday, the store somehow increased the price for the old collection by a 40% instead of putting it in sale. :| That was heart-breaking, since my sister got them for me in that price too. :')
To keep a record of all the stuff, use Microsoft Office (some people use Excel but I personally have had a good experience with OneNote).
But at the same time, do not completely rely on incoming amount from relatives or friends. Count in only the part that you are sure about, like the usual amount you save up from your salary.
Get off the laptop/PC and go out into the real world. Trust me the world out there is a lot different. You get to find stuff that is a lot cheaper and better quality (opposite sometimes too) and then there is your good ol' friend "Haggling"- use it to the maximum. It is after all your money and you don't need to over spend it just because of 'what would the shop-keeper or fellow shoppers think?', they don't think about you that much anyways. :P
Will soon be posting about shopping experiences! :)
The most common problem I have seen people facing over the internet and in real life about wedding- planning is 'the lack of a point to begin', you know you have to do a zillion things, but what exactly? You don't know till you ask around and come to know you should have done this and that months in advance.
So, some months before the wedding, start with the basics. When exactly? The sooner, the better. I began a few months after getting engaged after orienting myself about my in-laws and my future requirements.
1. Keep your eyes open for ideas:
Bring forth your observation and questioning skills. We ladies often don't need that step since we are already set into this mode by default. :P Window shop often and keep a mental record of things you like at a wedding or at a shop.This thing really helps sometimes but at other times it is hurting when you are really certain that you'll find your desired in a specific amount or at a specific place and at the last moment it is 'sold out'. Happened to me when I fell in love with a lovely heel while window shopping. My sister didn't let me have it since I had not decided anything about my wedding dress and she was planning them to be a surprise for my birthday. And right before my birthday, the store somehow increased the price for the old collection by a 40% instead of putting it in sale. :| That was heart-breaking, since my sister got them for me in that price too. :')
2. Prioritize:
Decide what you have always wanted really bad at your wedding and things you can go well without, jot the list down. Keep this with you since you should give it a look again after 2-3 weeks. You'll cut out at least a couple of things with time, for sure.To keep a record of all the stuff, use Microsoft Office (some people use Excel but I personally have had a good experience with OneNote).
3. Finance:
It can either be incoming or static. First, see what static amount you already have in saving and what is the potential amount that you expect to be there with you when you are in the final stages of your preparation. In some Pathan families I know, there is a tradition when a girl gets married, the nearest relatives send in cash to contribute a few weeks earlier.But at the same time, do not completely rely on incoming amount from relatives or friends. Count in only the part that you are sure about, like the usual amount you save up from your salary.
4. Weigh options and choose:
Now when you know your financial limits, weigh the options available within that range.
Allot an amount first to the things you label 'A Must' in your list and adjust others accordingly.
If you are a lady and planning a wedding, you probably would have at least a hundred pictures in your laptop or phone in a 'Dresses', 'Jewellery' or 'Decoration' folder. Short list the ones you practically want and keep the others, they come in handy often.
If you are going for real designer stuff, it is better to keep a record of the designer when you save the picture.
6. Act:
Get off the laptop/PC and go out into the real world. Trust me the world out there is a lot different. You get to find stuff that is a lot cheaper and better quality (opposite sometimes too) and then there is your good ol' friend "Haggling"- use it to the maximum. It is after all your money and you don't need to over spend it just because of 'what would the shop-keeper or fellow shoppers think?', they don't think about you that much anyways. :PWill soon be posting about shopping experiences! :)
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