Planning Soon for a Wedding in June? Part 1

What?! He proposed on Valentine's day, and said he wants to get married in June? How? What? Who cares; let's do this! Now you're about to start stressing to plan a wedding in June - which, by the way, is four months away. How are you going to plan the wedding of your life in just four months?

Let me share with you some quick tips and a guide to help you through the rush. You've been planning this in your head ever since he first uttered those words, 'I love you.' Now, you've got to get a dress, choose a venue, hire a caterer, get Uncle Bob sober before the wedding, and convince your father that he's the one... Let's get started.

Get a Budget Plan

Planning a wedding, even when you plan ahead, can be stressful. But having a guide to help you along the way makes it less stressful. This blog post is going to be divided into two posts, so be sure to follow me and stay tuned for the next part, too.

First things, first. Create a budget. Make sure you know how much money you have before you start ordering Dom Perignon and a fondue fountain. Don't even calculate what you want. Just know how much money you have to plan your wedding. Remember, you still have to live after the big day.

One thing I stress to my clients, is that wedding planning doesn't have to be a bear. You don't have to have thousands of dollars to have a nice wedding, either. You just have to be resourceful, and smart in how you use what you have. Some of the basic parts to creating a budget include how much money you have, what you need, what you want, and then how much you think it's going to cost.

Next, you want to start pricing around and jotting these prices down, and see how they fit into your budget. This is not the end-all of wedding planning, but it gives you a nice picture of where your money is going, and what kind of ceremony you're going to have.

Hitting the Basics

Once you have the basic component, you want to move on to what to put on your budget. Discuss with your fiancé a place, time, date, and officiant. These are very important, and should be discussed together.

Decide on whether you want a large or small party. It's not mandatory; having a few witnesses can be just as classy and nice - it's your wedding, it's your choice. Start working on your guest list and your wedding party. The search is now on for a place for your wedding ceremony and reception. Today, most couples choose the economical approach and find a venue that can host both the ceremony and reception. It's best to do your research and find many options that can best suit what you want.

Check back with me week after next to get more tips on how to plan a wedding on the fly. Don't stress it more than you have to! Planning a quick wedding doesn't have to be chaotic or short-changed of being the event of your dreams. It is possible to create the dream.

Get your budget planner here.

Valentine's Day Quick Last-Minute Gifts

Bills do not take a vacation, neither do helping with the kids’ homework, or chauffeuring them from activity to activity. So when do you get time to just relax and have some adult fun? As a busy mom and entrepreneur, life gets hectic. But this Valentine’s Day, make it happen! Listed below are several ideas for gifts on the fly for Lover’s Day that will be romantic, yet won’t bust your budget.

 

Dinner for Two

Applebee’s is having Valentine’s Day meal special. Make plans to get two great meals in a relaxed atmosphere for under $20. And share appetizer over some much needed conversation time about everything except the kids and the bills. And don't forget they have a $5 off on your online orders if you'd like to chill at home with a little Applebee's www.applebees.com.

 

Love for the Weekend

Can’t seem to squeeze in the time on Tuesday? No worries! Check out Holly Johnson's "Seven Cheap Romantic Getaways." for a nice one-on-one quick trip this weekend. And don't worry if you can't reserve any quick trip on the list! Take a look around your town or city. Book a hotel room and enjoy the museum, picnic at the park, take in your fave movie together that you've both been dying to see, go skating, bowling, or if you both are kids-at-heart, hit the arcade.

Men’s Quick Valentine’s Day Gift Cheat Sheet

Guys has Valentine’s Day snuck on you like a thief in the night, causing you to scratch your head and sweat bullets on what to get for your leading love? Are you one of those guys who loves your girl, but you’re not all that interactive with the love-day idea? Below I’m sharing some cheat sheet gift ideas on how to save your bacon and put a smile on her face, while keeping your comfort of not having to sit through another chick flick at the movies this year.

 

• Candy and flowers are still great quick-n-easy gifts, but how about going a little wild this year! How about surprising her with a spa day package. It’s great, because she can use it when she needs it, and what girl doesn’t like to be pampered?

 

• What is her favorite place to shop, but you just don’t have the money to let her go swipe-card crazy throughout the year? Surprise her with a nice gift card of $50 to her favorite store.

• Tomorrow is one day and you want to still be able to pay the bills for the rest of the month. Stick with your budget and be creative. Come up with many ways to say 'I love you.' Singing telegrams (do people still do these?), have a photo album of your greatest memories created for little or nothing, or frame a picture of one of your greatest memories together. Simple, yet so valuable!

Don't make this day about going broke. Make it memorable. Show your special someone that you love them everyday, but on tomorrow - go the extra mile. Take a 365-day trip back to 'I love you.'